He earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Alabama at Birmingham and later completed a Doctor of Medical Science degree with a focus on physician assistant education. Prior to entering academia, he practiced in a variety of clinical settings, including emergency medicine, family medicine, and trauma/critical care. He continues to practice in emergency medicine, allowing him to remain engaged in patient care while bringing current clinical perspectives into the classroom and clinical training environment.
Passionate about preparing future physician assistants through clinical education, mentorship, and service-based learning, Dr. Cantley founded the Service and Mission (SAM) Track, a unique educational pathway designed to prepare future physician assistants for service-oriented and mission-focused healthcare. Through partnerships with community health centers, medical missions, and underserved populations, the SAM Track integrates clinical training, faith, and service while fostering a commitment to caring for vulnerable communities both locally and globally.
His scholarship focuses on physician assistant education, student assessment, clinical competency development, and service-learning. Academic interests include accreditation, outcomes assessment, and innovative approaches to preparing practice-ready graduates. He has contributed to scholarly publications and presentations related to physician assistant education and clinical training.
Beyond his academic responsibilities, Dr. Cantley has held leadership positions at the state and national levels within the physician assistant profession. His service has included roles with professional organizations, advisory boards, and educational initiatives focused on advancing the PA profession and supporting future healthcare providers.
Dr. Cantley is married to Stacy, and together they have two children, Brooklyn and Bradley. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.
Degrees
- Doctor of Medical Science, Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Lynchburg
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Alabama at Birmingham
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Alabama at Birmingham
Involvement
- Alabama Society of Physician Assistants, President
- Alabama Board of Medical Examiners PA Liaison Committee
- American Academy of Physician Assistants, Fellow Member/House of Delegates
- 2020 Census Health Care Subcommittee
Expertise
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Trauma/Burn Intensive Care Unit
Selected Publications and Scholarly Activity
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Bickel, C. S., Cantley, B. W., Carden, K., Jung, A., Powell, M., & Ross, S. (2026). Imago Dei in practice: Service, vocation, and healthcare formation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's School of Health Professions. Christian Scholar's Review, 55(3), 51–62.
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Cantley, B. W., & Johnson, S. W. (2026). Acute Rhinosinusitis: A Review of Clinical Presentation, Evaluation, and Management. American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research, 31(1).
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Cook, V., Johnson, W., & Cantley, B. W. (2026). Impact of Resistance Training on Bone Mineral Density in Athletes at Risk for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. Advance online publication.
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Rogers, C., Pattison, M., Berry, B., Green, W., Wilbanks, B., Hemstreet, M., Hancock, W. S., Pang, N., Tenner, Z., Perez, E. R., Soto, T. L., & Cantley, B. W. (2026). Screening for Success: Turning the Tables on Colon Cancer Before It Strikes. Cureus, 18(4), e106953.
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Hemstreet, M., Carlyle, J., Hancock, W. S., et al. (2025). Unidentified Flying Objects: An Infected Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus as a Nidus for Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia. Cureus, 17(8), e90387.
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Hurt, J., Johnson, S. W., & Cantley, B. W. (2024). Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Case Report. American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research, 23(5).
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Johnson, W., Hurt, J., & Cantley, B. W. (2019). The Benefits of Yoga for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy, 7.