Materi matched in to neurosurgery program at Johns Hopkins University

Josh Materi is a 2011 Hot Springs County High School graduate who currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduation, he attended the University of Wyoming, graduating with cum laude honors in 2015. Prior to starting medical school, he spent a year in Beijing, China on the Chinese Government Scholarship studying Mandarin at BLCU.

After that, Materi came back and did EMS in Salt Lake City. Then he taught a year of special education in Tongue River Elementary. Ultimately, Materi was accepted to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2018.

Materi said, "Since being here, my focus has been on neurosurgery, and been active both in the clinical space and the research front. I've had over 20 articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Due to the mentorship, family support, and educational opportunity stemming from undergrad and medical school, I matched into the neurosurgery residency program at The Johns Hopkins University, where I'll spend the next 7-years training to become a neurosurgeon."

Materi added that at the conclusion of his training, he wants to return west.

Materi's motivation to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon stems from when his sister Joey Dale Mahoney suffered a traumatic brain injury falling from her horse in 2012 on their family's ranch. She passed away two months later and was only 7 years old at the time.

Materi especially acknowledges the entire Hot Springs County, "from the education system to the community members that supported me during my time as an active member of 4-H and FFA. There was a work ethic and a sense of community that was instilled from me just being a kid in Thermopolis for most of my childhood. This undoubtedly laid the foundation to pursue my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon."

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