The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right in a World of Increasing Complexity e live in an era of gratuitous inventions and negative improvements. Consider the DaVinci Robo surgeon, for example, a drool-inducing twenty-second-century $1.7 million remote-controlled machine designed to help surgeons do laparoscopic surgery with more … [Read more...] about Book Review: Atul Gawande The Checklist Manifesto
Pre-Physician Assistant
Resume and CV Editing Service for Physician Assistants
Use VisualCV to Create a Stunning Physician Assistant Resume
I have a confession to make. For many years I have had a copy of my physician assistant resume posted here on the website, available for download as a guide to help you structure and organize your own physician assistant CV. It has helped 100's (if not 1000's) of practicing and new graduate PAs like yourself hit the ground running. But the … [Read more...] about Use VisualCV to Create a Stunning Physician Assistant Resume
5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle
I will be honest; this is not an article I ever thought I’d be writing. I submitted my first physician assistant application after finishing my undergrad in 2014, and here I am three years later preparing to submit my fourth PA application when the cycle starts at the end of the month. The PA application process has been grueling and … [Read more...] about 5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle
101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book!
You’re slaving away at your personal statement but can’t help wondering if anyone will read past the first line. A troubling thought, isn’t it? A Great Personal Statement Does Matter It’s what makes you different from the millions of other applicants hoping for attention from the Admissions Committee. After all, everyone is cranking out … [Read more...] about 101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book!
Finding a Physician Assistant Mentor: The Foolproof PA Shadowing Guide
hen I first contemplated a career as a physician assistant I was hard pressed to find a PA to shadow. I was dying to find a PA and pick their brain, learn about what they do, possibly shadow for a day or two. But, the question is where do you start? Every single PA I know would love to be approached by a potential PA school applicant. I … [Read more...] about Finding a Physician Assistant Mentor: The Foolproof PA Shadowing Guide
What are the Best PA Schools? PA Program Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates
ince 1998 US News has been publishing the only known ranking of PA programs. Their rankings are based on subjective peer assessment surveys of PA program faculty. These peer assessment surveys are sent to deans, other administrators, and faculty at accredited physician assistant programs. Respondents rate the academic quality of physician … [Read more...] about What are the Best PA Schools? PA Program Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates
Secrets of Successful PA School Letters of Recommendation
Whether we like it or not, other people's opinions matter. A good letter of recommendation can make your day; a great letter of recommendation can change your life. Whether it is a dating review on Tinder, a restaurant recommendation on Yelp, a movie review on Rotten Tomatoes or an open request for holiday vacation recommendations on … [Read more...] about Secrets of Successful PA School Letters of Recommendation
Physician Assistant Postgraduate Residency and Fellowship Programs: The Ultimate Guide
Postgraduate PA School Residency and Fellowship Programs As a new, or even experienced PA, it is normal to feel uncomfortable with the thought of jumping into a medical specialty. Often we have had little more than 30 days of training in a particular field, and we are joining a team of specialists who expect us to perform at the level of … [Read more...] about Physician Assistant Postgraduate Residency and Fellowship Programs: The Ultimate Guide
Does PA Program length matter?
In 2004 I graduated from the UMDNJ (now Rutgers) PA program. It was a three-year PA program with a nearly 100% PANCE pass rate. At the time, Rutgers was one of the best ranked PA schools in America and they continue to rank among the top 25 PA schools in the country. As an avid practitioner of the confirmation bias I fell victim to the "more … [Read more...] about Does PA Program length matter?
No Experience Required! 84 PA Schools That Don’t Require Healthcare Experience
Are you looking to get into PA School fast? Then skip the healthcare experience! Below is a list of 84 PA programs in the United States that do not require patient care experience for PA school admissions. I use "require" lightly because many of these schools which claim no healthcare experience requirement do "strongly recommend" or "prefer" … [Read more...] about No Experience Required! 84 PA Schools That Don’t Require Healthcare Experience
A Look Inside Two PA School Interviews
The PA school interview is daunting Be prepared, but not to the point that you sound like a robot. Be relaxed, but not too relaxed as that might give the impression you did not do your research. Inside Two PA School Interviews I interviewed at two PA schools in California in 2016, and they starkly contrasted one another PA School … [Read more...] about A Look Inside Two PA School Interviews
An Open Letter to all Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools and Others Interested in PA Programs in the United States
After reading a number of questions about acceptance into PA programs a prevailing theme has emerged. Many international physicians stated that their interest in becoming PAs stems from dissatisfaction with the hours or volume of patients they are seeing in their own practices in their native countries. So, what is my advice? That you make … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to all Graduates of Foreign Medical Schools and Others Interested in PA Programs in the United States
80 PA Schools That Don’t Require the GRE
Are you like me and looking to dodge the GRE? Does the thought of studying for the GRE exam make your palms sweat and your heart flutter? Wouldn't it be great if you could find PA schools that don't require the GRE and simply avoid the GRE exam altogether? Well, you are in luck! Out of 250 accredited and developing programs, there are quite … [Read more...] about 80 PA Schools That Don’t Require the GRE
13 Provocative PA School Personal Statement Expressions
Highlight Your PA Shadowing Experience in your CASPA Personal Statement How do you know you'll be a good PA unless you've seen one in action? By shadowing - taking the time to follow a physician assistant through her day to observe what her work is really like. When we interviewed admissions directors for our book "How to Write Your … [Read more...] about 13 Provocative PA School Personal Statement Expressions
