Janiya Plowden, PA-C

Biography

Janiya Plowden, PA-C, is a physician assistant with a strong passion for caring for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based, compassionate care while ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and actively involved in their treatment decisions.

Janiya’s interest in healthcare began early in life. At age three, her aunt graduated from PA school and gifted her a white coat embroidered with “Janiya Plowden, PA-C,” planting the seed for her future career. That inspiration deepened as she helped her grandmother care for her great-grandmother during the end stages of Alzheimer’s disease. She was further influenced by her grandfather, one of her greatest heroes, who shared how limited access to medical care after an injury left him with a lifelong limp. His experience instilled in Janiya a deep commitment to ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.

As the grandchild of sharecroppers, Janiya carries a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by her family to create better opportunities for future generations. Their resilience, along with her aunt’s example, continues to guide her dedication to serving others through healthcare.

Janiya’s approach to patient care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, compassion, and collaboration. She believes it is essential to listen carefully to patients’ concerns, present treatment options grounded in current standards of care, and work together to determine the best plan for each individual. She encourages patients to take an active role in their health by taking notes during visits and seeking out support systems or accountability partners to help stay engaged with their care plan.

Outside of work, Janiya enjoys Pilates, trying new recipes, and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to become a Certified Pilates Instructor within the next few years and previously coached high school cheerleading while in PA school.

Janiya grew up in Florence, South Carolina, with her parents and their French bulldog, Gideon. She is extremely close with her grandparents and strives to honor their legacy through her work, values, and commitment to patient-centered care.

During her PA training, Janiya completed part of a clinical rotation with members of the CNSA team. From the beginning, she felt welcomed and supported as a valued member of the team. Despite demanding schedules, providers consistently made time to teach and mentor her. The relationships she built and the genuine sense of inclusion she experienced inspired her to pursue an opportunity to join CNSA.

Education

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Medical University of South Carolina, August 2025
  
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health: College of Charleston, 2021
  
• Associate of Arts: Florence-Darlington Technical College, 2019