The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

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1. Sharon Tanner says

   August 22, 2017 at 7:41 am

   Thank you for any insight on my essay. This is my first attempt:

   I could not help laughing out loud watching Sister Strydom dance and sing loudly in Xhosa as I administered vitamin A drops into the mouths of tear-streaked African children who had just received their measles vaccinations. Clinging fervently to their “lekkers” (lollipop), they started giggling as they watched the crazy white nurse singing without inhibition. The cold wind whipped at our backs as we stood on a dusty road in a maze of tin shacks. We had creatively made a small sedan car into a makeshift clinic. The four of us were a mismatched group with language barriers, but between broken English, Xhosa, and Afrikaans we seamlessly worked together to come up with a system to vaccinate, provide Vitamin A drops and deworming tablets to the children in the community.

   The day before had been a tough day in the clinic with drunken mothers dragging their children in, malnourished babies crying, and young girls pregnant far too soon. The state-funded measles campaign was perfect timing to reignite our spirits; it confirmed why every morning during summer I left my own children snuggled warmly in comfortable beds to go volunteer at Sea Vista Health Clinic in the midst of a shantytown in South Africa. It reminded me of my 10 years in clothing manufacturing collaborating late at night with the design team to meet our deadlines. It was working together that made the high-intensity stress worthwhile. But it does not compare to the satisfaction I got working on the measles campaign, where on that day alone, we treated over 100 children. As a team, we had changed the health outcome of a community.

   Six months prior I was on the other side of the world in another small, dusty clinic holding the hand of a middle-aged woman named Maria. She looked at me searching for answers, but all I could do was hold her hand and give her a reassuring smile. I had limited Spanish and she English. It all felt surreal, as I looked around the stark, ill-supplied clinic in southern Baja, Mexico. It had been a last minute opportunity to fly in a tiny, choppy plane to work in the clinic, and I took it without hesitation. This was the work I loved doing- seeing off–the- map areas of the world while helping the community. Maria was going into shock after a failed attempt to remove her infected tooth. She was embarrassed looking down at the ground then shyly at me as she wiped tears from her paled face. Jennifer, the PA I was assisting, had been tied up with another patient. In a volunteer-based clinic, nothing runs to protocol and one learns to adjust and adapt quickly in every situation.

   I did not have the medical knowledge I craved to help Maria, so I started to talk. I knew she could not understand everything I was saying, but I wanted to connect with her so she knew she was not alone. Maria looked at me and started to smile, and I smiled back giving her hand a squeeze. Her breathing started to slow down and her shaking calmed. “You will be okay,” I told her and she nodded as Jennifer came in. I stayed by Maria’s side as Jennifer examined her reassuring her in Spanish that she would be okay. I could see the same compassion in Jennifer I had felt, and I knew in that moment I was on the right track to be a PA.

   “21 years ago I got on a flight from South Africa, with my allotted two bags packed with my most precious processions, and headed to a strange new country. I did not have the opportunity to go to college before I left South Africa, but it never stopped my love of learning, and my dream to get a degree. For so many of us, going to college wasn’t a given; it was a journey we never knew we would be able to take. But, today at the age of 42 I can truly say dreams do come true. I am proud today to be graduating Summa Cum Laude knowing that as an immigrant, a full-time mother to 12-year-old twins, and the first member of my family to graduate from college I am setting the example that when you set your dreams high, you can reach higher . . . Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ” – Exert from my commencement speech, May 2017.

   It was an unimaginable moment looking out on a crowd of over 5,000 people while giving the commencement speech at Cal State Fullerton’s Health Science and Kinesiology graduation. The faculty had recognized the dedication to my studies, but for me, it meant more than that, it was confirmation that no matter my age, I was never too old to open myself up to new experiences in learning. Amongst my college peers I stood out being 20 years their senior, but age grants you a special privilege- the privilege of clarity and knowing what you want and why you want it. It is the teamwork between health professions- the same teamwork I experienced in South Africa, the connection with patients I felt in Mexico and the continual passion for growth as an individual that draws me to pursue my journey to be a physician assistant.

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2. Maeghan says

   August 21, 2017 at 3:46 pm

   I waited outside my classroom door, patiently. Time seemed to stand still. “What could she be saying?” “What if she says I don’t listen or that I can’t keep up?” “Are my parents are going to be disappointed in me?” While my anxious thoughts raced, I didn’t notice my beaming parents step out of my first grade classroom. By the time I had noticed the huge smiles on their faces, they were already in the midst of telling me all of the wonderful things they had heard. I was well-behaved, far ahead of my classmates academically, inquisitive, a pleasure to teach. For a moment I let the words sink in. I let myself be proud.

   My teacher stepped out of the room smiling nearly as widely as my parents. Turning toward them she said the eight words that changed my life, “She will be anything she wants to be.” That was the first moment I felt expectation. I was no longer just a smart child, a good listener, or a willing participant in the learning process. I was supposed to make something of myself. If I didn’t, I was wasted potential.

   As the years passed, my first grade teacher’s words kept ringing in my ears. Every day I said to myself, “I can be anything I want to be.” My educators saw something special in me, and I heard nothing but glowing reports. It didn’t take long for me to start holding myself up to the highest standard. It wasn’t enough to be successful, I had to be at the top of the list. I had to set myself apart. I had to be perfect.

   As it turns out, there’s no such thing as perfection. Eventually, no success was enough. It was brief elation, then on to the next competition with my fellow students, and with myself. While I excelled academically, I suffered emotionally. How could I be whatever I wanted to be if I couldn’t get always that 100%? Being class salutatorian hit the hardest. All I could think was, “That could have been me as valedictorian.” “I could have been number one.” I was convinced that my first grade teacher was wrong, and that I had let that six year old down.

   After little thought, I decided that I wanted to be a pharmacist. It was a selective path, something to make others proud. I started at UB with high hopes, more excited than nervous. But quickly the harsh reality of college hit. This wasn’t my high school. There would always be someone better than me, smarter than me. I had no chance of being number one, and with no passion for the field of pharmacology, my motivation plummeted. After becoming a pharmacy technician, I realized that pharmacy was simply not my calling. While I loved the job, something felt missing.

   Stuck in limbo, I continued on, unable to rip myself away from the feeling that resonated with me – I needed to be among patients. Over three years, patients became familiar faces. I learned them by name, asked them about their families, and found myself concerned about their well-being.

   One fateful day, a pharmacy intern noticed my methods of patient interaction and recommended I become a physician’s assistant. She told me that I no doubt had the bedside manner and motivation necessary to do the job. Immediately I told myself it would be too difficult, that I didn’t have it in me. That ultimately any efforts to give people happier, healthier lives would be fruitless. I started to dismiss the thought, as much as it drew me.

   My next patient was a repeating customer, one who would have the occasional chat with me about my personal life and future goals. That expectation hit me again. As if reading my mind, she asked, “So are you still going to school? What do you want to do for a career?” I froze but quickly composed myself. “I’ve been thinking about becoming a physician’s assistant. I love medicine and I love people. I don’t know if it’ll be for me though.” She looked at me, smiling, and said, “Well you can be anything you want to be.” I was instantly thrown into that moment back in first grade, and felt the pressure begin to push down on me.

   I forced myself to calm, and let myself once again feel a sense of pride. As I absorbed the encouragement the patient tried to impart upon me, something locked into place. I could sense the honesty in her words. This wasn’t about me being flawless or unlimited. This was about the warmth in my chest when she smiled. I had given her a bit a faith by caring about her health, I had given her a little bit of light by imparting my own. In return, she gave me hope. In that moment, I knew I would be what I wanted to be.

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3. ana says

   August 20, 2017 at 7:23 pm

   During high school I enjoyed volunteering for a sexual education afterschool program. Doing that, I found educating peers was very motivating for me. It rewards me to know that providing information to others could make a difference. People look up to you for advice, and just like that you the have the chance to help some one. Same thing happens when working in the settings when you work with people. At some point after I graduated from college I consider teaching, a great setting to educate people. But, I did not enjoy how I thought I would. After graduating college I took an EMT course there I discover that working in the medical setting was my drive. During my ride a longs and working as a EMT I enjoyed he fast paced and constant change in setting, it work for me and fell like a natural. The medical field is constantly been innovated, is always a learning experience. Gaining experience and learning new things is what keeps me motivated

   As a second language English learned and low-income family, I encounter a few struggles. While working on obtaining my bachelors I struggle to maintain my grades. As a first generation student I did not have the academic support or monetary support from my parents. I had difficulty adjusting to the full-timed student workload while having to work part-time. Also adapting to new environment and socializing did not help. A few of my courses were affected by it. At this time I felt discouraged and like a failure. I seek out for student support resources and succeed to come up with ways to balance work and school. I manage to complete my degree, and successfully graduate from college. Also, after graduating I re-took some of the courses, to improve my overall GPA. Accomplish to acquire a job in a medical setting as a health service specialist and work my way to an assistant clinic manager.

   This reassured me into continuing my career in the medical field. It has allowed me to gain hands-on patient care experience, from in-taking patient medical history to educating patients on procedures and diagnostics. Working here has given me an understanding that working in the medical field is not just about diagnosing and treating patients. It requires a great deal of patience, understanding of the different personalities and backgrounds of patients. It’s given me the opportunity to get a glimpse to what the medical field is about. Most importantly it’s made me understand the kind of personality necessary to work with people in healthcare. This experiences combine have motivated me to further my education, and become a physician assistant.

   As a physician assistant, I would have the prospect to truly diagnose, treat patients and provide patients with adequate education to improve their health. Is a constant learning environment, where you are challenge to solve problems, while providing the best care possible to patients. Physician assistants are vital to the healthcare system. For example, some clinics rely on them to provide primary, reproductive and preventative care services. I had the opportunity to work with a few PA’s and Nurse Practitioners. I have been able to observe what it is to be and some of the cases these medical providers deal with. This has permitted understanding of the importance and the need of such medical providers.

   Having grown in a low income community, with a high number of Spanish speaking population, becoming a physician assistant, would also allow me to give back to communities in the same condition. At work I have seen how important it is for patients to be able to communicate in their native language. It makes the patients more trusting and improves the quality of patient interaction. A patient seems to follow up and progress their health when they have a relationship with their providers. Speaking their native language is important in building the relationships.

   Educating and helping the medically underserved communities along with my professional experience have motivated me to pursuit a career as a physician assistant. Because of my exposure to a diverse range of patients, been bilingual, and years of experience and determination I am confident I will successfully complete the program. I know that I am a strong qualified candidate in this profession that motivates me to better myself and further my education in the medical field.

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4. Crystal Michelle Dodson says

   August 16, 2017 at 1:20 pm

   If you had asked me, “What do you want to do for the rest of your life?”, when I first got out of high school, Physician Assistant would not have been my answer. Being a high school athlete who had a knee surgery, I was convinced that becoming a physical therapist was exactly what I was going to do. After several life events and gaining some experience within the healthcare industry, my plan changed. I realized that helping others was exactly what I imagined doing for the rest of my life, just not by working in the physical therapy field.
   Throughout high school, I was a very active athletic person. Somewhere between softball and training horses, I developed “overuse” injuries. I attended plenty of doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions, and tried other alternatives hoping to avoid surgery. As college and the need to the declare a major was quickly approaching, knowing how much I enjoyed helping others and being so active, physical therapy seemed like the perfect field for me. My first year of undergraduate I declared my major, athletic training and pre-physical therapy. My ultimate goal, was to work in a sports setting and help other athletes recover and return back to the game.
   During my sophomore year of college my Nanny, who was one of my biggest supporters and fans, became sick. She was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and had an aortic aneurysm. She was in and out of the hospital the remainder of my college years. I travelled frequently from Nashville to Memphis every time she was taken to the hospital. Each visit I could see how much the doctors, nurses and therapists had helped her recover from the moment she was admitted until she was discharged. She would brag about how much more she could do after discharge, with the medication adjustments and therapy sessions, then before she was admitted. After watching doctors and nurses helping her physical and mentally by bringing their positivity, cheerful smiles, and helping her to understand her condition and what to expect, was what made me want to rethink my career decision.
   Towards the end of sophomore year and the beginning of my junior year of college, my uncle became extremely ill and needed an immediate liver transplant. After seeing the way his healthcare providers stood by him, fought, and encourage him and doing everything within their power to get him on the transplant list, I knew that I wanted to be a part of a team like that. Despite not qualifying and being able to be placed on the transplant list, due to other co-morbidities, his healthcare team never “sugar-coated” the truth or the inevitable outcome if he did not change other lifestyle behaviors. They never seemed to give up hope and never stopped encouraging him, remaining positive despite the inevitable . They never allowed him to lose hope either. Soon after this, I decided to change my major to exercise science and wanted to help others avoid or delay the progression of being in the same predicament that he was in.
   My final semester, I accepted an internship at Vanderbilt Dayani Center for Health and Wellness. During this time, I worked in the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Often working with pre/post op patients, and those who were receiving or waiting for a heart or lung transplant. I was responsible for aiding with new patient assessments, taking vitals and RPE during the class sessions, and monitoring the EKG screens. I also helped patients understand their condition(s) and the importance of taking their medications and following a diet, as prescribed, cessation of smoking and the benefit to remaining active and strengthening targeted muscles to help with their quality of life before and after surgery. My internship taught me the importance of communicating and working with each speciality depending on individual patients other chronic conditions. I learned that having clear and concise communication, among all medical specialities, helps provide the most effective and best quality of care for every single patient.
   After graduating college, I was blessed enough to start a job within my degree field with Kindred Healthcare. I accepted a position as Regional Wellness Coordinator for Memphis, where I developed a wellness programs within nursing homes and lifetime care communities. I created personalized exercise regimens for residents, including patients that were recently discharged from therapy. I gathered measurable values for tracking all residents’ progress or decline every 3 months. By doing so, I was able to help determine if further therapeutic or any specific exercise classes and activities were needed in order to help prevent a devastating fall and potential hospitalization.
   These opportunities assured me that I had made the right decision of working within healthcare industry. A little over 3 years of working with Kindred Healthcare, I had the opportunity to start working as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant(CCMA).
   Currently, I work at a high volume, high acuity level Internal Medicine Clinic. I have been able to witness the current medical dilemma plaguing our healthcare system. I see the challenges and struggles the providers in my clinic face on a day to day basis. One of the bigger challenges is the daily difficulty of being able to provide a high quality service at an affordable price for the patients. Providers have to balance not only what a patient may need but they can afford in order to correctly diagnose, all in the patient’s scheduled “15 minute” appointment slot. I know that not every patient that walks through the clinic door will walk out with a definite, treatable diagnosis. In which case, it may take several other tests and the collaboration of providers in different specialties to correctly diagnose. Although healthcare technology has come a long way and can be been beneficial in aiding with diagnosing, it also comes with a cost and a lot of limitations. Technology cannot perform physical assessments on patients and listen to the entire story they have to share that might shed light on what is going on. Rushing through or completely by-passing the physical assessment due to the demands placed on providers and the convenience of modern technology can cause unnecessary high patient costs, exposure to radiation and still may not provide any answers to patients’ problems and symptoms. One M.D., NP or PA can know absolutely everything, especially in medicine, which is the importance of being able to listen and seek advice from others when any uncertainty may present. This is a necessity in order to provide the quality, affordable care for the patients in order to treat. I truly believe I would better serve and advocate for my patients as a Physician Assistant, by being able to diagnose, treat and help manage medical conditions.

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5. Silvia L. says

   August 12, 2017 at 6:37 pm

   “If I have seen further than others it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton. I first read this quote when I was in 9th grade, trying to write an essay about Shakespeare. It immediately resonated with me because I began to think of all the people that were in my life and the ones yet to come into it who would and continue to influence my choices. I thought of my family, my parents who looked to me to make better decisions and give value to their efforts of moving from Mexico to the United States as teenage parents to build better lives for their children. I strived and constantly tried to demonstrate to them that I could do it, that I could be the example. It was all well and great, until I graduated high school and left for college in hopes of getting into medical school.
   I walked into the counselor’s hallway at UCLA and I heard a counselor irritably say to a distraught 18 year old girl, “You will never make it in medical school because it is a male dominated profession, you’d be better off becoming a psychologist or better yet, switching to arts.” I stood, stunned and in disbelief that someone would say this, especially to hopeful students. As a first generation student that had zero understanding of the professional world, it was intimidating enough to derail my dream of becoming a surgeon. I turned tail and walked back to my dorm, all the while calculating what path to choose best, childishly suggesting to myself that I could choose any other career, because it would be great anyway. I graduated and pursued a myriad of working opportunities but found that none satisfied me. I chose to become a medical assistant, telling myself that it was the best I could do and still be doing something related to medicine. Upon finishing the courses, I interned as a medical assistant for one month before I was hired to simultaneously be a medical interpreter. I loved it. Even if I wasn’t taking vital signs I could still listen and translate all the patients complaints clearly, thus allowing me to clarify on their behalf when they could not; eventually this unofficial position prompted me to seek further education and I became a certified Spanish medical interpreter.
   As an interpreter I have been fortunate enough to work with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, physician assistants, and medical doctors. In the past 4 years of interpreting, I’ve learned if a patient has herniated discs he can do physical therapy to help reduce pain or if a patient has questions regarding a treatment plan a physician assistant will always have the time, knowledge, and skills to answer. Each encounter with the providers and the patients has enabled a deeper understanding of each profession. This was when I realized that being in the position that a physician assistant occupies is equivalent to “calling the shots”. Patients will listen to physician assistants advice, often times asking specifically for a certain provider who nearly always turns out to be the in house physician assistant. This confidence and ease with which both the patient and provider interact led me to grow an affection for physician assistants in every clinic I work in, and this began to entice me into pursuing a career as a physician assistant. However, this motivation wasn’t put into full into effect for another year.
   While working at a clinic, I picked up a pamphlet and I reread Newton’s quote. In that moment I realized that the desire and need to not only listen to my patients but also advocate for their rights was great, but that I had the resources and the voices of experience in my life to fuel the start of another career. After spending another day with the physician assistants of a medical doctor, observing with awe that they were the ones spending the quality time with their patients, they were the ones giving advice, holding the hands, extending the boxes of tissues. Above all they had complete insight on a patient and had the skills, knowledge, and patience to connect with each and every one. This type of connection and patience is what reawakened in me the desire to pursue a career as physician assistant.
   Shortly thereafter I continued prerequisite schoolwork, while interning at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital and working full time. These past 2 years in school, in the hospital, and at work have continued to encourage me to continue my dream, specifically the experiences I have had during my internship at UCLA. While there, I learned the procedures done to prepare a body for the morgue and respectfully observed the quiet minutes the nurses and staff give in thanks to the individual whose body will most likely donate organs to others. I’ve also observed several other procedures like Foley catheters, chest tubes, central lines, and bronchiotomies. Alongside registered nurses and doctors, these experiences have only solidified my dream to become a physician assistant. They’ve reignited goals to demonstrate to my parents they’ve made all the right choices that led me here, to show the doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, chiropractors, and surgeons I’ve worked with that their experiences and patient explanations weren’t in vain, and finally to show myself that despite taking my time to decide what I want, my dream doesn’t have an end date, simply a starting one.

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6. Lindsay P says

   August 9, 2017 at 2:01 pm

   I was born into the medical field, literally and physically. My mom is a firefighter/paramedic, EMS Coordinator, and an ER RN and my step-dad is a firefighter/paramedic. Growing up I did not have the conventional talks at the dinner table; rather, the conversations would consist of what happened during my parent’s workdays. As I have grown older my love the medical field has increased, as well as my desire to pursue a career in the field.

   I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University, in May 2015. I enrolled in an Advanced Emergency Technician (EMT) summer course where the idea of becoming a physician assistant turned into reality. After obtaining my EMT license, I received a position in the emergency department of Saint Anthony’s Hospital, where I served as a patient care technician. The job had blessed me in more ways than one, as it had taught me how to react in difficult situations, prioritize tasks with the highest acuity, and to work in unison with the rest of emergency department team.

   Being there for the patient to comfort them, hold their hand, or lend a listening ear is part of the job, and is perhaps one of the most rewarding parts. I have encountered numerous patients as an EMT. When I had finished preparing a patient discharge, the patient had said, “You are doing exactly what you should be” and, in polish said I have a golden soul. Those little gestures continue to give me the reassurance that becoming a PA is exactly what I want to do with my life.

   Unfortunately, during my time in the ER, I had injured my left knee, I had seen many doctors, had x-rays/MRI, and saw many physical therapists. The original diagnosis was a torn meniscus and surgery was my next option. I had surgery in May 2016, it was found through my surgery that I had instead dislocated knee cap, a lateral release was performed. It was through my personal experience that I fell in love with orthopedics. Since working in the ER I have expanded my career opportunity and I currently work at an orthopedic urgent care. It was the first site for this new company, Xpress Ortho Care.

   My journey as an EMT started in the emergency department from there it has opened many opportunities and lead me to the decision to pursue a career specializing in orthopedics. Being an emergency department technician gave me ample opportunity to spend time with patients, which is one quality that has always intrigued me about being a PA. Between the PAs I have shadowed and the ones I have seen at my doctor’s office, I have notice they tend to spend quality time with their patients. I currently shadow and work with a PA who works in the clinic and specializes in orthopedics. To see the interaction between the PA and the outside orthopedic doctors on call puts being physician assistant into a whole new perspective. Being a PA gives an equal balance, being the one to help treat and diagnosis a patient while being able to have the attending physician consult on a difficult case.

   It is never easy to blatantly discuss one’s deficiencies within their application. While there are a few substandard grades within my transcripts, the classes had been challenging and my form of studying did not work. As a result, I began to fail tests and was not able to pull my grades up. I enrolled in classes again, and approached them with a different way of learning and studying. From there my grades improved greatly. To prepare myself for PA school I chose to take the advanced EMT course to allow myself to gain the sense of a fast-paced course. I excelled immensely, even graduating as the class valedictorian. I am re-applying to physician assistant programs this cycle. During this time of re-applying I have gained more patient care experience and have turn my focus on orthopedics. I have also taken and enrolled in a few classes to make more application more competitive.

   The passion I have to become a physician assistant, to continue treating patients, and to work with the nursing staff and doctors will help me thrive in the PA programs. I want to know that when I walk into a patient’s room, I am confident in my ability to treat and diagnosis them. Making the decision to seek professional experiences before applying to the PA program has had a significant impact, as my ability to provide quality patient care continues to grow and develop. While exciting, I realize that my experience in the emergency department and the orthopedic urgent care is just a small portion of the many opportunities that are yet to come. I would feel extremely accomplished to be able to add a physician assistant to my family’s legacy of working in the medical field.

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7. Kelsey says

   August 8, 2017 at 12:29 pm

   I glance at my watch to ensure I am maintaining my goal pace as a steep incline looms before me. The runner’s mantra my mother taught me, “I am light as a feather, I am light as a feather” begins playing in my head. I repeat this over and over again, listening to the swishing of my arms against my sides until I reach the top. I pass marker fourteen and yet I still maintain spirited strides because I am on my way to finishing the Twin Cities Marathon. As I run I give myself the opportunity to reflect on my life journey and meditate on my future goals. Each step I take to improve myself as a runner also readies me for the demands and responsibilities of practicing medicine as a physician assistant.

   When my footsteps become heavier and clumsier, I take note of fatigued muscle groups and routinely tweak my gait to relieve them. In addition to helping me to the finish line ahead, focusing on the intricacies of each task helps me towards my healthcare ambitions.

   Working with disabled residents at ACR Homes has taught me the importance of these skills. During my first shift, a non-verbal resident refused my help with her shower, incoherently vocalizing hysterically while staring at some paper towels. Similar to the adjustments I make while running, I altered my approach to the situation and attempted to focus on things from her perspective. I quickly realized that I had forgotten her bath towels and we laughed together as I admired her brilliance in non-verbal communication. These skills will directly translate to my success as physician assistant because situations like this demonstrate my ability to be meticulous and adaptive to differing circumstances.

   As I run past the twenty mile mark heart begins to pound heavily and my breath becomes uneven as my body tires. My training partner notices this and encourages me to tap into the endurance I arduously trained to obtain. This quickly allows me to lengthen my stride, and calm my breathing. I have had ample practice remaining productive in the face of stress whether on a run, or just a long day at work. Engaging in teamwork allows me to strengthen my abilities as an athlete, but is also central to my experiences as a health care provider.

   While working an overnight shift, a resident who is nonverbal and quadriplegic began hyperventilating and rapidly developing a fever. I cautiously listened to my supervisor’s advice as I checked her vitals and attempted to calm her. I recalled healthcare check lists we learned in training and communicated the situation to the on-call nurse. Finally, I called 911. My supervisor and I discussed the events that would follow and decided on the best course of action together. Our ability to work fluidly together allowed the resident to be as comfortable as possible and once the ambulance arrived we were fully prepared to give the best care to each resident.

   On the twenty-fourth mile I hear a crowd cheering, “you’re so close!” and I am inspired by my intense discomfort because it is a reminder of all I have accomplished. Another long road lies ahead with regards to my medical aspirations, but just as my training motivates me through this race, so do the events that first sparked my interest in medicine.

   It all began in high school when I was volunteering as a clinician’s assistant for my father on a medical mission trip to Guatemala. One day, a man escorted an elderly woman with a blackened, tumorous nose into the consultation room. I corrected grammatical errors as my father began describing palliative treatments to them in Spanish, but my translating duties were inhibited as I came to realize that we lacked the resources to cure her. Throughout the coming days I would watch the recovery rooms, waiting to witness a miracle, and wishing I could erase the disappointment from their faces.

   I turn along a curve at the twenty-sixth marker and finally, the finish line is in sight. I quicken my pace, and flail my arms excitedly at my family as I cross the finish line under my goal time. Lactic acid has already filled each crevice of my body, but I feel stronger than ever before.

   The memory of the elderly woman is only a glimpse of what I was exposed to in Guatemala and I believe it revealed what I anticipate to be one of the hardest parts of medicine–the inability to cure patients. Despite being unable to treat her, our healthcare team put forth their very best efforts just to provide comfort for her and her family.

   My ambition to improve the human condition was fostered through these events because I have learned that effectively serving patients is not necessarily remedying every ailment, but showing compassion and determination to provide them with the highest quality of life obtainable. Experiences as a healthcare provider to the disabled has fueled my passion to become a physician assistant because I have learned to interact with people in new ways, understand the world through unique perspectives, and advocate for those who need assistance. As I walk from the final marker, the long hours, the stress and the accomplishments are engrained in my memory and bolster my motivations to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

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8. Marty says

   August 8, 2017 at 2:33 am

   When someone writes an paragraph he/she keeps the
   thought of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware of it.
   Therefore that’s why this paragraph is outstdanding.

   Thanks!

   Reply

9. Marina C says

   August 7, 2017 at 11:52 am

   Never in a million years would I have thought I would walk on stage and compete in a bodybuilding competition. In fact, you would probably have similar doubts if you knew I grew up in rural West Virginia, a state that has long held the moniker of “least healthy” and “most obese” of all 50 states. Ironically, my passion for fitness sprung from one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life. Just before entering college I unexpectedly lost my grandfather and went through my parent’s divorce. In an effort to cope and regain some semblance of control in my life, I redirected my grief by focusing on my physical health. To really push myself out of my comfort zone, I decided I would train to compete in my first fitness competition. In those four months I was astounded to see the benefits that diet and exercise had on my physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. After learning the physiological and chemical processes behind these powerful changes, I was eager to share what I learned with others. I began developing fitness and nutrition plans for my friends. But I knew I wanted to do more to change the culture at large and reach a broader audience. My answer was to pursue a degree in medicine. I realized that it is within this arena that I could work with a wide range of individuals to improve the quality of their physical and mental health by devising prevention, action, and management plans based on their specific needs.

   Unfortunately, this epiphany did not happen until I was already deep into my undergraduate studies. By this point in my academic career, I had already fumbled around in three different majors, and really had not applied myself to the best of my ability in the classroom. Initially, I thought I would pursue a career in physical therapy, however after a four month internship, I felt bored. I needed something more dynamic. After sharing my concerns with the physical therapist I worked with, she suggested I shadow a physician assistant. While there were many types of PA’s I could select from, there was no question which specialty I wanted to investigate first: emergency medicine. Given my desire for something more fast-paced, I knew emergency medicine would be filled with a wide-range of medical scenarios and endless educational opportunities. I immediately felt at ease in the fast paced, unpredictable arena. Watching my mentor treat patients of all acuity levels seemed like the ultimate in providing care. She was ready for anything, from a stuffy nose to an amputated limb. That single six-hour experience was life altering for me. It encapsulated the level of care, autonomy, and teamwork I longed for. And, ultimately, it reaffirmed that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

   With my final semester of coursework ahead of me, I understood the stakes. The academic pressure was a significant weight on my shoulders, but if I learned anything about myself over the past three years, the heavier the weight, the stronger I become. With my new sense of motivation I proudly finished my last semester with a clear upward trend in my academics. After graduation, I moved to Roanoke, VA to begin a fresh start and continue to pursue my goals. Knowing that I did not perform to the best of my ability in some of the key science classes during the early stages of my academic career, I decided to demonstrate my true ability by taking more courses. Proudly, I achieved my academic goals, earning A’s and B’s in every upper-level chemistry and biology.

   In addition to my coursework, I took on a full-time position in the Emergency Department at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a clinical associate. To experience as many diverse cases as I could, I specialized within my job as core trauma and pediatric staff. There are lessons taught here that I could never learn in a classroom. Focus: I’m giving compressions, hearing her crying, we’re racing down hallways, I`m trying not to fall off the stretcher, there’s still no pulse; breathe, you’re keeping him alive. Patience: Spending an hour assuring a screaming six-year old that an nasogastric tube will not the end of the world. Humility: There will always be a medication you’ve never given, a malady you’ve never seen, someone with more experience. Forgo pride, and embrace every opportunity to learn.
   If I can make a difference with the responsibilities afforded a clinical associate, how much more could I do for my patients as a physician assistant? From my experiences, I feel compelled to pursue a career that will allow me to unite both my knowledge of medicine and healthy lifestyles to deliver more successful outcomes. The sliding glass doors of the ER cannot not be the end of treatment. Regardless of what we see when we pull back the curtain, be it chest pain, a traumatic injury, or hyperglycemia, we have the opportunity to improve our patient’s health and equip them with the tools that will enable them to thrive outside of the hospital walls.

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10. Sydney P. says

    August 6, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Growing up I knew without a doubt I wanted to be in the medical field. This came from my time spent in doctor’s offices, dealing with my allergies. The doctors and physician assistants I had met along the way were incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. I originally planned to go into medical research as a way of being a part of the medical field and still help people, by working on cures for diseases or a new drug, but an event happened, during my sophomore year of college, that altered my career path and made me want to become a physician assistant.
    On December 26, 2015, my grandfather suffered a stroke and a week later was diagnosed with an aggressive, incurable form of brain cancer. This came as a shock to my whole family due to his almost perfect health and how physically active he was. At the time of his diagnosis everyone in my family had prior commitments and work that they could not take off for. That left me as the only one with the flexibility, it being my winter break, to stay with my grandmother and be at the hospital everyday for three weeks, with my grandfather. Being at the hospital everyday was physically and emotionally draining. Everyday I went was a new day. There was a chance my grandfather would be up and talking, or he would be comatose. The hardest part was watching him slowly deteriorate, loosing his motor functions, his hearing, his speech, and slowly his memory.
    I went into his room one day and he could not remember my name. He had known me for twenty years, and could not remember my name. That was the day I knew he was not going to get better. After that day the doctors came in and told us that the only thing keeping his brain from swelling up and causing organ failure were the steroids they had been giving him. That day they gave him, at maximum, six months to live. He died exactly one month later, on January 26, 2016. Being there while my grandfather’s health was declining, being the only one there to talk to all of the doctors about his outlook, and being the only one there when the doctors told me that they had no other options, but to put him in hospice was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and will ever do in my life. I still get flashbacks of him laying in his hospital bed singing to me because the only thing he could remember in the last weeks of his life were his barbershop quartet songs. I still can recall the exact moment the doctors told me that they had no other option but to put him in hospice as he was near end of life.
    In this experience, talking to neurosurgeons, oncology specialists, hospice directors, a chemotherapy team, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants, made me realize that I wanted to be a physician assistant. The field of medicine was already one of my passions, having shadowed a multitude of doctors in different fields while in high school, and obtaining a degree in biology. Originally I had planed to pursue a career in medical research to help discover cures or develop new medications, but meeting the PA on my grandfather’s care team really made me feel that this is the path for me, to be interacting more with patients rather than behind the scenes. I truly enjoy helping people and putting my all into anything that comes my way, and that shows in everything I do. Being a PA is a dream of mine and I am ready to begin my journey at PA school.

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11. Mark Kremer says

    August 5, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    Until about three years ago, I would not have been able to describe what a physician assistant is or what role they play in the medical field. I knew I wanted to go into medicine, but I thought my options were limited to becoming a nurse or physician. I knew that I had the compassionate soul of a nurse, but also the analytical mind of a physician, so I was torn between which path to choose. My roommate, who was also pursuing a career in medicine, was the first person to describe a third path that I could take: becoming a PA.
    What he described sounded perfect for me. It combined my drive to analyze and solve problems, and my ability to connect with people. As a PA, I would be able to spend more time getting to know my patients, and be able to diagnose what is ailing them. It combines the best parts of healthcare, the human side where you learn about your patients, and the more analytical side that is needed to determine what the right diagnosis and treatment will be.
    Another aspect of the profession that I find very intriguing is the flexibility to work in different specialties without having to first go back to school. By this I mean as a PA, I would not necessarily need to specialize in one area of medicine like a physician would. If perhaps I found more than one area or specialty interesting, I would have the flexibility to work and study both if I wanted. This is an aspect of my previous work at the university bookstore that I really enjoyed. I was able to work the cash register and supply department at the same time instead of being relegated to one or the other. Having the flexibility to continue to learn and work in new areas is ideal for me.
    One last thing that recently has steered me to pursue this profession is something I have noticed in my current position as a patient care assistant. Out of all the patients I have taken care of, and all the families I have spoken with, not one has ever had anything but praise for their PA. I strive to have that kind of impact on the people I take care of, so it would mean a lot to me if I could join fellow colleagues in maintaining that kind of standard of care.

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12. Molly Parsch says

    August 1, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Placing Neosporin on slimy earth worm wounds, sitting on the bathroom floor peeling back new Band-Aids colored purple, yellow and green fixing them on imaginary cuts while playing the role of healthcare provider and patient. All early examples of a love for the medical field. The most influential memory was observing a total shoulder replacement on an elderly female patient. Excitement overcame me as I struggled to see over the doctors’ shoulders. The surgical nurse barked, “Stay behind the blue taped box.” Although the surgery itself was a great experience to witness, it was not until the next day when I was able to meet the elderly patient while working as a phlebotomist. She was able to tell me how as a young child she had been kicked by a horse damaging her shoulder. She was unable to raise her arm because of how the injury had healed. Explaining to me that the doctors were unsure she would gain full motion, I could tell she was still thrilled because of the gleam that shot across her face as she looked at her newly repaired shoulder. Walking out of her room and closing the door behind me, I was hit with the realization of seeing my experience come full circle. When a moment like this happens, we are lucky because our career decisions are validated.

    Growth in maturity has been an important piece of my academic experience. My grades clearly show that I respond best to classes that are more application rather than lecture. The medical field is clearly a career path of action, and I can see it as a positive fit for my attributes and passion.

    I am motivated daily working with patients as a phlebotomist and hope to be given the opportunity to expand within the medical field and become a physician assistant.

    Reply

13. Scott says

    July 31, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Six years ago, I was gaining experience in the biotech industry working at Genentech. I often asked myself, “what is next for my career? Where do I see myself making an impact in the future?” While attending the employee screening of the documentary I Want So Much to Live, I began to realize the answers to these questions. The documentary told the story of the HER2 gene, its connection to breast cancer, and how the drug, Herceptin, was approved as the first targeted therapy for breast cancer. The only surviving member of the original clinical trial was interviewed. To see how grateful and emotional she was had a profound effect on me. I saw how the research we do at Genentech on a daily basis has practical meaning and can help change lives. Making a difference in someone’s life is what attracted me to research in the first place, but the film showed me what I had been missing: human to human connection. I knew at this moment I wanted to take my career into healthcare.
    With my newly discovered goal in mind, I shadowed Josef Maier PA-C at Webster Orthopedics in San Ramon, CA. It was my first exposure to patients and a clinical environment. I observed the way Josef and the physician work in tandem to see patients in the clinic. I learned how Josef assists during surgeries and provides an additional set of trusted eyes. I was thoroughly impressed with his breadth of knowledge and the trust the physician and the patients place in him. I also had the opportunity to shadow Josef while his supervising physician was on vacation. He managed the clinic by himself. It is evident that a great deal of responsibility accompanies the PA role. Josef also works in an emergency department on weekends so his experience is deep and varied. This aspect of teamwork in a clinical setting and the flexibility to work in different specialties throughout one’s career solidified my desire to become a PA.
    I was hooked. I began working as a medical scribe in the Emergency Department (ED) at Marin General Hospital, a level III trauma center. This experience has been invaluable. As a medical scribe, I am by the doctor’s side at all times. I document the assessments of the initial visit, talk over the plan for diagnostic tests or procedures, and record results, diagnosis, and discharge summaries. I am now well versed in medical terminology which allows me to quickly and accurately understand and track critical details dictated by the physician. I am also able to anticipate which lab tests or scans the doctors will order. My proactive approach allows the physician to maximize his or her time and work more efficiently in the fast paced environment of the ED. I have built a strong rapport with the physicians. This relationship allows me to contribute to discussions regarding the diagnosis and learn from the doctors’ medical decision making process. I constantly look on in admiration as the doctors, PAs, nurses, and techs work as a team and provide high quality medical care to all patients. I am extremely proud of the role I play in that care. I am eager to take on a bigger role that allows me to establish personal connections with patients. The PA profession is a perfect fit.
    In addition to my scribing experience, I have been fortunate to work alongside and shadow the PAs in the ED. I observe how the PAs partner with the physicians and translate the results into a plan for patient care. PAs quickly assess the less urgent cases but can also help treat the more complicated cases when the ED is busy. One evening, we had two traumas and a stroke code all within ten minutes. The two physicians requested that the PA and I work up the stroke code while they took care of the traumas. I marveled at the PA’s seamless transition between attending to less urgent cases and performing a full neurological exam. I learn a great deal every day by watching PAs in action.
    Over the past 6 years, I completed 61 semester units. For 28 months I have simultaneously worked as a scribe. In addition, I have continued my full time job at a biotech company. I juggle these commitments and have never neglected any of them. I continue to take on more responsibility in the lab, add more scribing shifts, and maintain a 3.83 GPA in my post baccalaureate classes. When I commit, I deliver. Whether it is 18 hour days or dedicating weekends to study, there is no doubt I am prepared for the rigorous and demanding schedule of PA school and the career itself. I have matured in the last 10 years since earning my undergraduate degree and have proven I am ready for the next challenge.
    My goal of becoming a PA has reignited my passion for learning and advancing. I have gained immeasurable and relevant experience in my time shadowing and scribing in the ED and built the foundation I will need to be successful as a PA. I stand ready at this launching point to pursue my ultimate goal: to connect with patients as a PA in a way that betters their lives.

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14. J says

    July 31, 2017 at 7:52 am

    John Donne once wrote that “no man is an island, entire of itself”. This is a lesson life teaches often, and one that has led me to seek education as a physician assistant.

    I come from modest means, from a town where everyone knows every one else. In fact, I come from an island. College was not in the cards for me as a fresh-faced, optimistic high school graduate. Money for groceries was hard to come by, and my mother was no island, either. I began working young, and I began working seriously. My propensity for the arts and my curiosity for the processes of living things made floral design an easy choice for me, though not one I had envisioned for myself.

    By the age of twenty four I was fortunate to own two flower shops in Colorado, an experience that truly taught me to trust and rely upon the team I had collected around myself. Using my understanding of balance, harmony, and rhythms, I talked with families and lovers through the most emotional moments in their life, trying to make sense of them. I expressed grief, love, passion, and regret through manipulations of living matter. I understood vasculature of systems; I worked every day with respiration cycles; I had an intimate knowledge of infectious diseases — these all in relation to my botanical products. I learned to use my knives as extensions of myself to cut carefully through layers of delicate tissue and to handle emotional situations with grace and dignity. Most importantly, I learned the art of connecting my particular clod in the sea to the continent of the main.

    With these lessons came a deep yearning to be more involved in the biology behind the art, and to become more connected with the people. After selling my shops, I entered EMS as a path to expose myself to the many varied opportunities healthcare offered. I was hardly prepared for the effect it would have upon my life.

    There are flashbulb moments in the lives of emergency medical personnel; these are moments I am sure make their way to personal statements often. There were dramatic moments – the instances when my interventions truly, absolutely saved lives, or the joyous occasions when I was present for the first breath of a new one. There were times when I felt the bell toll, such as the moment when a favorite patient of mine asked me to hold her hand as she passed, or when I held a three-week old in my arms as his struggle finally ceased. These moments certainly solidified my decision to enter healthcare, however, they were not directly responsible for my journey to become a PA.

    Rather, the quiet moments, the calm moments, the still moments — these were what drove me to pursue this path. In the midst of a sea of chaos and calamity during trauma activation in the emergency room, the focused calm that overtook my mind allowed me to see the dance and the interconnectedness of the team that worked together to save lives. I was privileged to have gained the trust of the physicians that I saw regularly, who depended upon my accurate observations and reports for their treatment plans. I saw the trust they placed in their clinical team: the respiratory therapists, the emergency pharmacists, and the skilled nurses.

    With excitement and fascination, I saw how these physicians extended their trust and expertise to their PAs, and I watched the result of that mutual trust and respect as the PAs took their time with patients, slowly understanding them as whole people, whole continents. I sought belonging as part of a team, with that mutual trust and respect built upon a strong basis of education in an evidence-based model of care. The observation of trust and steadfastness in a sea of bedlam encouraged me to shadow PAs in an attempt to better understand these connections between practitioners. This is the path that has led me to PA school.

    Being involved in patient care not only satisfies in me a deep longing to understand and help others, it also satisfies the need I believe we all experience to be part of something larger than ourselves. Through disciplined, rigorous study, I believe I can become worthy of the privilege of becoming part of something larger than myself. I believe the opportunity to help heal and understand others in this capacity would be a profound blessing and salve for my own soul, not least of all “because I am involved in mankind”. I am certainly no island.

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15. Nayeli Alcantar says

    July 28, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    This is my first draft. Please let me know of any changes you would recommend!

    Imagine walking into an exam room for what you assume will be a routine checkup, only to find yourself being greeted by pint-sized 4-year-old translator, who is servicing your patient sitting on the exam table. I was the adolescent in this scenario and my early childhood experiences considerably shaped my desire to pursue a career in the medical field.
    Growing up in the small military suburb of Warner Robins, GA, there was a significant language barrier between the growing Spanish-speaking community and the general English-speaking population. The complications were especially severe in medical settings. Due to the fact that I quickly learned to be fluent in both Spanish and English at a very early age, my mother, a recent immigrant from Mexico, had me translate for most of our interactions with the English-speaking community, even to the extent of my own pediatrician appointments.
    Although most pediatricians would scoff at the idea of communicating through such a young child, I quickly earned their respect, as I promptly became a familiar face, translating for our local Hispanic community. Though my initial motivation for participating in these interactions were trivial, these interactions nurtured my interest in the medical field. But as I started spending more time in these environments, I quickly discovered the severe need for bilingual medical professionals in our melting pot of a nation.
    It was evident to me early on, that I wanted to pursue a career where I could give back to my community as well as help those in need. As the years progressed, I volunteered at different nursing homes and health awareness programs offered through my church, to try and fulfill my desires to heal, as well as find the path made for me in such a broad field of interest. Throughout the course of my work, I continued to see such limitations for non-English speakers in a wide array of medical settings.
    Because of my numerous community service and leadership roles held throughout high school, I was granted a full ride scholarship to Georgia State University, thanks to the Goizueta Foundation. I began my collegiate career as a Pre-med Psychology major, initially deciding medical school was the best option for me, as I had no prior knowledge of the physician assistant profession at the time.
    Within my first two years of college, I was offered the opportunity to work in an emergency room as a medical scribe. Immediately, I was mesmerized by the flow of the emergency room and the diversity of patients and ailments observed day to day. Not only did I gain essential skills in determining a patient’s differential diagnosis and treatment plans based on their presentation, but I was also exposed to the career path of a physician assistant, as I worked closely with several PAs throughout my tenure in the emergency room.
    After observing a number of PAs perform an array of procedures and learning about their flexibility to practice in more than one specialty, I began to become more intrigued by the career path. As my studies progressed at GSU I ended up switching majors to Exercise Science, only to find that I had an equal interest in cardiology, after excelling in a Cardiopulmonary Physiology class. With a high level of interest in two specialties, emergency medicine and cardiology, I further researched a career as a PA. With the option to switch specialties and treat a larger array of patients, I decided to pursue PA school instead of the traditional medical school route.
    While working alongside one of my favorite PAs, a mother came in with her son who had fractured and dislocated his arm. She wore her worries on her face as her child groaned in pain, but in an attempt to explain the situation, all she could say was “No English.” Looking hopefully at both the PA and myself, she waited to see if one of us could help her communicate. The bilingual PA, spoke to her flawlessly in Spanish, alleviating the added stress that comes along with a language barrier. After obtaining the patient’s history and discussing his treatment plan with his mother, it was apparent both family members were at ease, and the stress on the mother’s face was replaced with genuine appreciation. This fulfilling experience, not only brought back many memories from childhood, but also further solidified my desire to become a physician assistant.
    Given my personal experiences as a child, and further exposure through scribing and shadowing physician assistants, I am confident that this is the profession I will best excel in. As a physician assistant, I would be able to touch patient lives through several specialties and help those limited to the use of a translator. Through the countless hours invested in my academics, as well as crucial work experience gained from a variety of medical settings, I hope to gain admission into a Master’s Program of Physician Assistant studies not only to a reach my own aspirations, but to fulfill the oath to serve those in need to the best of my ability.

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16. Sunnie says

    July 28, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    The answer to our dilemma was found in the most unlikely of places. My family enjoys spending time together at an irrigation ditch in northern Utah we lovingly call “the lake.” We were at the lake with my baby brother whom only months previously had been born with calcaneovalgus talipes. My parents sought second, third, and eighth opinions from multiple physicians with various prognoses ranging from “he will never walk”, to potential amputation once he got stronger and other painful, invasive procedures. Amidst contemplating these impossible decisions my family decided to go to the lake with a friend. He took one look at my little brother’s foot and told us, “you’ve got to get him into my wife. You realize this is what she does?”
    We had known Dr. Carroll for years but we never knew what type of doctor she was until we realized we needed to set an appointment with her. Dr. Carroll is Chief of Staff in the Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Shriner’s Hospital for the University of Utah. Her approach was to preform a series of casts on my brother’s leg to help him with plantar flexion over time, due to the flexible nature of his young bones. She then recommended he ware an orthotic and to monitor the growth in his smaller leg. She informed us that we could potentially have to stunt the growth of his normal longer leg with an epiphysiodesis procedure. He recently had his hardware removal and plays on a super league baseball team.
    These were the events that inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. This journey continued my junior year in high school when I began a certified nursing assistant program. I was able to put my needs aside to focus on the needs of others who were unable to complete their activities of daily living independently. I knew if I could love working as a C.N.A, then I could find a joy for most of the medical field. My senior year I was accepted into the surgical technology program. It was a big sacrifice as classes began the summer prior to my senior year. During my senior year, I spent half day at high school and the rest of the day and often evenings at the college. The following summer I began clinicals and found myself in the operating room and loving every second of it. I fell in love with the operating room and this field.
    Although I loved working in the operating room, I felt limited by my scope of practice but also did not desire to carry weight I watched the surgeons I worked with manage. This is when the field of physician assistant was recommended to me and has been my goal ever since. I also did not want to be limited to the operating room and recognized that PAs have more flexibility in changing specialties.
    Upon completing my Associate degree in Surgical Technology my journey needed an adventure and found that adventure calling my name when I was accepted to Brigham Young University- Hawaii on an academic scholarship. This university is one of the most diverse campuses in the country.
    The courses were challenging and intriguing. Although I was the youngest in nearly all my classes I was determined to improve every semester, and did so until my family was faced with the tragedy of losing our home in a fire. I received this news the day of my final exams during my second summer semester. My family offered for me to come home to be with them but I realized doing so would only delay my professional goals. I did my best to help my family and sort through the damage from 3,000 miles away while balancing a rigorous academic schedule and maintaining my scholarship.
    While majoring in biomedical science I was able to live and study with many international students, and participate in the Healthcare Professionals Club as a vice president and secretary. This program allowed me to help other students develop their passion for their respective professions in the medical field. In this club, students were able to visit a local emergency department and volunteer.
    As a volunteer of the Kahuku Medical Center emergency department I was responsible for taking patient vitals and helping nurses with patient histories. I was also able to follow various physicians. The emergency department in Kahuku consists of six small beds, and serves a small, underprivileged community among many foreigners. Many members of the community do not complete high school, and while most have never left the island few can afford the cost of living. It was my pleasure to become more aquatinted with their cultures as we helped them heal and educated them to lead healthier lives alongside my classmates.
    Upon graduation I began working at Primary Children’s Hospital as a surgical technologist and have specialized in General and Urology. Treating pediatric patients is a constant reminder of why I fell in love with the medical field. Each of them have humbled me and reminded me of my little brother. I want to be a Physician Assistant so I can do for my patients what Dr. Carroll was able to do for my family.

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17. Farya says

    July 27, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    PERSONAL STATEMENT
    Walk across the bustling hallways inside a hospital just a few miles from any major city in Pakistan and you will not miss several men and women of all ages and sizes inflicted with various ailments waiting for a doctor to hand them a prescription for a drug that they can never afford, or several destitute mothers grasping their kids tightly to keep them from crying whilst praying for their pain to miraculously disappear. The further you drive into bucolic areas, the more you notice the decline in health infrastructure, basic health units, and lack of access to rudimentary health services. I was fortunate enough to be present in my home country during the most giving month of Ramadan in the year 2015. This year, I decided to give back to the community by volunteering for the Patient’s Welfare Association (PWA) at the Civil Hospital in Karachi. I helped organize voluntary blood drives for thalassemia patients and collected donations from doctors and pharmacies to provide basic health services and medications free of to the poverty-stricken population of the city. During this period, I interacted with several malnourished children and families desperate for basic health provisions. Without good health, everything seemed desiccated and insignificant. It was during this time that I realized how desperate those citizens were for basic healthcare and how limited I was in my ability to only provide short-term solutions to their life long sufferings. This volunteering experience allowed me to see firsthand what healthcare was like for those in poverty.
    Upon returning from Pakistan, I strived to correct this limited contribution by interning at a nearby healthcare facility. It was during this time that I was introduced to excellent medicine and a great example of a physician/PA team. At first, I shadowed a Primary care physician and his Physician Assistant to expand my knowledge about the role of a healthcare provider in a family practice. During shadowing, I attended rounds with the PA to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I was able to witness firsthand the respect patients had for the PA. Seeing the PA obtain a detailed history and physical exam on hospice and nursing home patients made me yearn for more knowledge. The relationship that the PA had with her supervising physician was truly admirable: they trusted each other and worked together to provide quality care for each of their patients. The supervising Physician would often compare his objective findings with the PA to come up with a plan of care for the patients. This shadowing experience made me admire the value of knowledge the PA had and how well it complimented that of the Physician she was working with. After a few months of shadowing, I decided I wanted to do more than just observe, I wanted to be involved. Therefore, I began training as a Medical Assistant at the same facility.
    Working as a medical assistant has made me realize how much I value learning medical skills and knowledge with ardent enthusiasm. Hands on experiences obtained during this period have allowed me to better gauge my abilities and confidence as I provide medical assistance in diverse settings. The feeling of making patients smile and reassuring them that they would feel better soon became the most amazing feeling in the world. My love for family practice and our patients has only grown in my almost two years at the practice. Working as a medical assistant and scribe has been a remarkable experience, but I crave an even wider scope of practice. I want to be more involved in devising treatment plans for the patients I saw, rather than simply following orders. I want to have a conversation with my patients and build a connection with them during their brief visit at the clinic. I want to have a comprehensive groundwork of knowledge and implement evidence based approaches to provide care for my patients.
    Fortunately, I was fated to meet several wonderful Physician Assistants in varying specialties that reinforced my desires to pursue this profession. Every shadowing experience has allowed me to weigh the pros and cons of this career and almost every time the pros outweigh the cons. One of the Cardiology physician assistants I shadowed trained at Duke during the first few years of the start up PA program in the 1960’s, so coming to know her and hear her stories of training was truly a dose of PA history. My desire to pursue this career was further strengthened by shadowing a Family Practice Physician Assistant. The number of patients she saw on any single day was overwhelming, however, she took the time to educate each patient and performed thorough examinations. This experience allowed me to see how significant patient education is in delivering optimal patient care which is why I decided to pursue teaching science as a minor in college. Whether you are teaching a new diabetic about insulin management or teaching a new mother how to care for the newly born, patient teaching is a vital component in rendering the patient capable of meeting self-care needs. During recent shadowing experiences, I was offered a fresh perspective on and the up and coming advances in the PA profession. It was through coming to know these excellent physician assistants that I realized the value of the profession and I truly believe that becoming a PA will fill the gap that I had when I was providing services to patients as a medical assistant.
    Almost everyone who embarks into a medical profession has the same compassion and desire to help others and to make them feel better. I believe that the PA profession is the best possible fit for me because I want the best of both worlds: I value family time as well as a good career. I also love to learn and thrive in a challenging environment. I enjoy the idea of change and find entering new situations exciting. The idea that physician assistants can work in a variety of medical specialties throughout their career has always appealed my interests. This allows a clinician to build up a diverse skill set, which I consider essential to helping patients. This profession will enable me to practice medicine as an independent provider, learn in-depth science and its clinical uses, and spend more time with patients – all while still maintaining my personal life. One major attraction to this autonomous career is that it allows one to practice independently yet be part of a team and have personal relationships with patients as their provider. This profession will afford me greater flexibility at obtaining an advanced medical education and career with enough time to enjoy family and other critical elements of a balanced life.
    In retrospect, my interactions with doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and patients over the years have greatly reinforced my will to pursue this profession that I am fully aware is difficult to achieve. Therefore, I do not plan to take this immense responsibility lightly and as a future healthcare professional, I plan to observe and immerse myself in the continuity of patient care. I consider taking bold and difficult initiatives an essential component of becoming a well-rounded healthcare professional. Though the odds are stacked against almost each applicant, I know in my heart that the physician assistant program is the right choice for me and I whole-heartedly believe that one day I will make an exemplary healthcare provider.

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18. Katie C. says

    July 25, 2017 at 11:24 pm

    Butterflies flapped in my stomach, sweat tickled my brow. The scrapes on my elbows burned and the bruises on my knees ached. I could hear the neighborhood kids snicker in the background, “She is going to eat it again”. With tearful eyes, I put my feet back on the bike pedals and my dad held on. Five feet down the road, I knew it was time. Voice shaking, I called out to my dad “let go”. I rode by myself for three seconds before I crashed into the neighbor’s trash cans. Garbage scattered everywhere. My new bike toppled over on the sidewalk. My dad came running, and I laid there calm. Our eyes met, and we smiled —I did it. Six year old me discovered the power of grit and the facade of defeat. Throughout the years, I have learned that failure is ruthless, it is deceitful, but failure has never led me into the dark. With every obstacle I have faced, I have met failure with persistence, passion, and humility.
    I have come a long way from my first application to physician assistant school. I have grown in my maturity and fallen in love with who I am. Another opportunity for applying to PA school meant more allotted time for me to take a step back, and reflect on who it was that I was representing in my applications. Two C’s weakened my prerequisite GPA, and mocked my knowledge of the material. I retook Microbiology and General Chemistry II to strengthen my understanding of the course, and came out on top with better grades. I want to enter physician assistant school with a solid academic foundation. The curriculum ahead will be demanding and relentless to those who fall behind.
    With more time on my hands, I reached out to the greater Los Angeles community. I started with outreach programs like “Lot to Spot” that turn abandoned lots into community gardens. Watching people come together to help better a neighborhood that was malnourished due to poverty and education was a humbling experience. This event only occurs a few times a year and I wanted to continue my involvement. I really found my niche with the American Red Cross Foundation. I volunteer as a Blood Donor Ambassador at the Long Beach Donor site. I am able to ensure quotas of blood supply are met to those who are in desperate need as well as to get to know members of my community. I have met people who have donated their blood for over 30 years. Their empathy for those in need shine through their stories and willingness to commit to donating every month. It is a privilege to serve them and I hope to reflect their passion for helping others.
    I continue shadowing as many diverse physician assistants as I can. I currently shadow Antoinette in the ER at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Antoinette is witty, sharp, and empathetic towards her patients. She works autonomously amongst her physicians, and is a great example to follow. During my shadowing experience, I had the privilege to watch her mentor a USC PA student in his second year. She was tough, and held a high expectation for him to know the diagnosis and treatment of each patient. It was nerve wrecking and I was in awe. I sat there completely engulfed in the experience— I will be him in that chair one day.
    I have continued on my journey to becoming a physician assistant because I yearn for a career that embodies teamwork and autonomy, encourages quality patient care, and fuels my love for science. Being a physician assistant allows me the freedom to change my specialty, opening doors to all aspects of medicine. Along with my overwhelming desire to serve my community with the best healthcare I can provide, the flexibility to change and explore specialities is the driving force behind my decision. I am a lifelong learner, and being a physician assistant will ensure that my thirst for knowledge will never diminish.
    Through the challenges in my own life I hope to bring empathy, diversity, and commitment to my cohort, community, and my career. It will take strong communication skills, willingness to work together, and shared passion to provide quality healthcare to the underserved community. Becoming a physician assistant will be no easy task. The obstacles I will face will be met by the same six year old girl who got back on her bike—with a lot of moxie.

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19. Darby says

    July 24, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    I have only recently set my sights on becoming a physician’s assistant, thanks in part to doctors, professors and family who have supported and guided me as I prepare for this next stage of my life. However, the desire to help people, along with the hard work and dedication I have given to my studies and extra-curricular activities lends itself perfectly to such a career pursuit.

    When I was young, I was always most interested in the sciences. The sheer number of questions that one could ask on any number of seemingly basic concepts captivated me. This curiosity was nurtured in large part because I lived with my grandparents until I was eight years old. My grandmother is a biologist and my grandfather a chemist by trade, and both are self-trained botanists. They were a wealth of information for my young ears and even got me my first microscope for my seventh birthday. I ran with this love of the sciences, specifically biology and how the human body works all the way through high school, where I worked in a pathology lab and gained valuable bench-work experience, and into college, where I was a neuroscience major.

    As I progressed through college, I was unsure as to whether I wanted to pursue a research or clinically oriented career. I had always loved working with people, something I learned at a young age through working at my grandparents’ plant nursery. On the other hand, my neuroscience classes fascinated me and sparked my desire to continue exploring the field. I knew I loved learning and that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, but finding a way to do so proved more challenging.

    This internal struggle between research and patient care came to an end in the fall of 2015, when I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain. While there, I had the opportunity to work at ASDEM (Salamanca Association for Multiple Sclerosis) twice a week after classes. ASDEM contained a residence hall for individuals suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and severe Multiple Sclerosis. Coming from a neuroscience background, I jumped at the opportunity to go beyond the textbooks and research to get a more holistic perspective of the diseases and learn what I could do to help these individuals. My role at ASDEM varied from helping patients work on fine motor skills via occupational therapy techniques, to teaching English to keep minds sharp, to organizing games to keep residents in good spirits. Although emotionally challenging at times, this was singly the most enriching and rewarding experience I had to date. I learned so much from my four months at ASDEM. I learned how to express compassion, in both English and Spanish, how to cater my services to people with different limitations, and that the care goes so far beyond the doctor’s office.

    Upon returning home to the United States after this experience, I began researching careers that would allow me the opportunity to help people while satisfying my desire to learn more and apply my knowledge. The medical field was the obvious place to turn, but with so many avenues to explore- from nursing, to physician’s assistant studies, to medical school, I had a lot of research to do. I spoke to doctors and physician’s assistants near home and decided that the ability to explore different specialties, build strong relations with patients, and use my Spanish language skills to treat a wide realm of people were exactly what I was looking for. Thus, physician’s assistant studies was the clear choice for me.

    In the meantime, as I apply to PA programs and hope to begin this next phase of my life, I am blessed with the opportunity to work as a full-time paid volunteer with the Sisters of Mercy for a year. I am working as a Medical Assistant and Spanish Translator at their Good Samaritan Clinic where I serve individuals falling at least 200% below the poverty line. Of these individuals, 80% do not speak English and most do not have insurance. It is truly a humbling experience to work with people who are so grateful for your help and to be able to give my talents to help those in need. In the little time I have already completed in Mercy Volunteer Corp, I know it is a life changing, eye-opening experience that will make me a more compassionate, worldly and capable person and future PA.

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