Meet Dr. Josh McConkey of Apex, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Josh McConkey

Hi Dr. Josh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in rural western Nebraska, coming from a long line of hardworking, blue-collar railroaders—my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all dedicated their lives to the rails. As the first McConkey to attend college, I took pride in paving a new path while staying grounded in the values of hard work and perseverance. To support myself through school, I held a variety of jobs, from cooking chicken at Kentucky Fried Chicken to working as a maintenance man in a rural hospital- experiences that shaped my work ethic and commitment to achieving my goals. Today, I’m a proud father of three and have been happily married to my wife, Elsa, for over 16 years, cherishing the life we’ve built together.

A unique opportunity at Fort Bragg brought me and my family to North Carolina in 2012, and my wife and I loved it so much we decided to make it our permanent home. Our twins were born that same year in Cary. Throughout my career as both a military commander and an emergency physician, I have witnessed firsthand the profound physical and psychological toll that extreme environments can have on individuals. My experiences in combat zones, particularly during my deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, exposed me to the harsh realities of war, the fragility of life, and the resilience of the human spirit. These experiences, coupled with my years in emergency medicine, ultimately led me to write ‘Be the Weight Behind the Spear’ and establish the Weight Behind the Spear Foundation.

During my deployment in Iraq during “the Surge” in 2007, I provided medical direction for two air ambulance companies (MEDEVAC), overseeing 60% of all theater medical transports. I logged over 90 combat flight hours, treating wounded soldiers and civilians in high-risk environments. I also collaborated with Allied and NATO medical teams at Camp Echo and Camp Delta, working alongside Polish and Armenian forces. These experiences reinforced my belief that strength is found in collective support and resilience. Returning home, I transitioned back into emergency medicine and encountered a different crisis—rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among young people. The closure of critical support systems and reliance on electronic communication have left many struggling with resilience and interpersonal skills. Determined to address these issues, I authored ‘Be the Weight Behind the Spear’, emphasizing leadership, resiliency skills, and community engagement.

To create tangible impact, I founded the Weight Behind the Spear Foundation. Our mission is to foster community engagement, promote volunteerism, and raise funds to support those in need. Following the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene, we have focused our efforts on Western North Carolina, helping families rebuild and providing essential resources. By fostering mentorship, leadership, and community support, we equip the next generation with tools to face life’s battles head-on.

From the combat zones of Iraq to the frontlines of emergency medicine, my mission has remained the same: to save lives, inspire resilience, and empower others. Through my book and foundation, I strive to promote engagement, encourage volunteerism, and provide aid to those in need, ensuring that no one stands alone in times of crisis.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to writing the book and launching the Foundation has been anything but smooth. One of the most devastating challenges I faced was dealing with an unethical CEO and dishonest business partners whose mismanagement and deceit resulted in a staggering $5 million loss. Their actions not only jeopardized my financial stability but also threatened the core values I hold dear. Recovering from this betrayal required resilience, strategic rebuilding, and a renewed commitment to ethical leadership. The emotional and financial toll was immense, but it reinforced my determination to create a foundation that operates with integrity and purpose.

Securing funding and resources has also been a relentless battle, especially in the wake of such a significant financial setback. Establishing a nonprofit in a competitive landscape demands perseverance, and regaining the trust of donors and supporters after such a loss made the challenge even greater. Despite these struggles, The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation has pressed forward, driven by an unwavering commitment to making a difference. I was fortunate to win the North Carolina Education Lottery in February 2024, and I am using that blessing to pay it forward, investing in initiatives that strengthen and uplift our communities. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene further underscored the urgency of our mission, inspiring us to rally volunteers, raise funds, and provide critical aid to families in Western North Carolina. Though the road has been fraught with obstacles, each hardship has only strengthened our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient community.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an emergency physician, military commander, author, and nonprofit founder dedicated to resilience, leadership, and community service. I’m the “MacGyver Doc”. I wear a lot of difference hats. My specialization lies in emergency medicine and combat trauma care, having provided life-saving medical direction in high-stakes environments, including combat zones during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am known for my ability to lead under pressure, instill resilience in others, and advocate for proactive mental and physical well-being.
What I am most proud of is turning adversity into action—whether it was saving lives on the battlefield, guiding patients through crisis in the ER, or establishing The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation to aid communities in need. One of my greatest accomplishments is authoring Be the Weight Behind the Spear, a book that empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and develop leadership skills that can change lives.
What sets me apart is my firsthand experience in the dual worlds of emergency medicine and military service. I understand crisis management on both the individual and organizational level, and I use those skills to drive change. My approach is not just theoretical—it’s battle-tested. Additionally, my dedication to giving back, particularly in rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, ensures that my work has a lasting impact beyond the medical and military fields. Through my foundation, I continue to foster resilience, promote volunteerism, and provide crucial support to those in need.

How do you define success?
Success is the ability to overcome obstacles, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. True growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones, where setbacks are not failures but lessons that build resilience and strength. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not challenging yourself enough. Every failure is an opportunity to improve, adapt, and refine your approach. Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, continuous learning, and the determination to rise each time you fall.

Pricing:

• https://www.weightbehindthespear.com/Foundation, for those that would like to donate to help Western North Carolina

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weightbehindthespear.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshmcconkeymd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshua.mcconkey
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mcconkey007
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjoshmcconkey
• Other: IMDB: https://imdb.me/joshmcconkey