The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

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1. Ashley Filler says

   February 26, 2020 at 11:01 am

   This is my first rough draft, I know there is still some editing to do! Please comment any advice 🙂 Thanks!

   Nausea. Constant nausea, dizziness, and fatigue accompanied any intake of food. This was my life for three straight months before finally deciding to bring myself into a doctors office. After relaying my many new onset symptoms since graduating college, the provider sitting in front of me replied “You don’t look sick, your abdomen isn’t painful to touch, you are just experiencing heartburn.” Even with a history of diagnosed gastroparesis, she gave me a “GI cocktail” and sent me on my way. If I had chosen to listen to that specific doctor and ignored my symptoms with antacids I might have ended up with a colon cancer diagnosis at the age of 50. Making the decision to become my own advocate when my doctor failed to do so ended up saving my life. It only took one healthcare provider who had the commitment to actually believe how I was feeling to find a celiac diagnosis and to remove pre-cancerous cells in my colon. 
   This experience happened at age 22, a time in my life where I was able to appreciate the meaning behind it. What I originally saw as a barrier ended up becoming an avenue to reaffirm one of the biggest decisions of my life: the choice to pursue healthcare and the role of a physician assistant. My first introduction to the profession was with Mike Hollenback, a neuro surgical PA-C at Kaiser Permanente. After shadowing him daily for an entire month I realized he had the perfect balance of inpatient, outpatient, OR time, independence, and teamwork. He modeled insightful patient care in all domains and showed me just how impactful PA’s are. Not everyone has the luxury of remembering the exact person who influenced their career choice, but I will always remember Mike as mine.

   Because I was lucky enough to be a part of an internship with Mike so early in life, I was able to expose myself to many aspects of the healthcare field at a younger age than most. With each experience came a new perspective on patient care. Confidence. Becoming a CNA was a crucial stepping stone. It helped me gain confidence working with patients and let me experience pain, resilience, and struggle alongside them. Instinct. Working as a caregiver for a 21-year-old diagnosed with Rett syndrome taught me how to listen and act on gut instincts.  Emily was unable to communicate through words, so I quickly learned to trust my intuition in urgent situations, like grabbing her VNS magnet when I saw an oncoming seizure. Adaptability. Dirt scattered across my “sterile” tarp barrier as I attempted to perform wound care on the most infected leg I had ever seen. Even though our only resources were an abandoned church in the middle of Kenya, Africa we were able to adapt to our surroundings and transform it into a working hospital. Each of these characteristics work in unison to create a provider I want and will become.
            My passion for becoming a physician assistant was reinforced when I took my first full time job out of college as an EKG technician at Oregon Health Sciences University. Having the opportunity to work with PA’s daily whether it is discussing patients over the phone, responding to stat EKG calls, or collaborating care in our cardiology clinic has given me a clear understanding of the career path. Recently I was able to witness a cardiothoracic surgical PA, Lauren Azrabel, assist in a coronary artery bypass. I watched her independently extract the great saphenous vein from the patients’ leg and meticulously stitch back together a new vessel to replace the diseased coronary artery. Peering over the sterile drapes at the head of the patient, watching Lauren and the lead surgeon operate on a live, beating heart was without a doubt a day I will never forget. I left the operating room and couldn’t stop myself from smiling, because I knew right then I wanted to go into a career that would always give me this feeling.
            The day I found out the polyps removed from my colon were pre-cancerous, reality set in and so did a million different emotions. But at that moment all I could think about was the original provider who assumed I was over exaggerating my symptoms and refused to run any tests. I thought about how many other patients she sent away with no further investigation and I told myself as a physician assistant I will never allow my patients to leave my office feeling unheard. I am extremely eager to begin this new journey and I do believe I have the experience and drive to become an outstanding provider. I hope one day I can make a difference in someone else’s life by having the commitment to see beyond the symptoms and look at the whole picture. 

   Reply

2. Kaylee N says

   February 9, 2020 at 10:25 pm

   “10…9…8…” I counted backward and slowly drifted off to sleep as the surgeon began to operate on me. At the age of five, I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1). As I can recall, my mother found a small lump on my chest and took me to the hospital to get it checked. The physician advised my mother that I should have a surgery to remove my tumor in case it becomes malignant in the future. I remember crying and not wanting to do the surgery since my parents will not be there with me. However, the kindness from everyone in the operating room, and their reassurance that I was in good hands made the feeling of nervousness go away. At that moment, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field when I grow up so I could help kids like me. Unfortunately, for individuals with NF 1, this condition cannot be cured. So as more café-au-lait birthmarks appear on my skin, and more pain and tumors form throughout my body, my love for medicine grows deeper.
   My medical condition was not the only thing that led me to medicine. Growing up, I have witnessed my epileptic brother collapse to the floor from seizures many times. Each time, I felt hopeless because I cannot do anything to help. Moreover, my older sister was diagnosed with ventral septal defect and needed surgery. It was hard for me not to think of a career in medicine when everyone around me is diagnosed with health problems.
   One day, while researching for a career in the medical field, I stumbled across physician assistant (PA). It was my first time hearing about this profession, so I researched more about it. The more I learned about PA, the more I fell in love. I love the lateral mobility this profession offered, knowing that I can work in neurology to treat patients like my brother or myself, and work in cardiology to treat patients like my sister without having to go through residency like a physician.
   I began to enroll in a medical assistant (MA) program then worked as an MA. My MA job helped me to realize how wonderful it was that I can impact someone’s quality of life by helping them regain their health. There were days where I felt depleted. However, seeing the patients got better and hearing that it was because of my help made me feel overjoyed and regained my energy. The feeling I experienced when seeing the patients can walk better without having to rely on their cane and walker, or the smile on their face when they told me they do not have pain anymore was indescribable. I knew that I would not experience this feeling if I have worked at a career outside of medicine.
   Working as an MA along with physicians and shadowing PAs have helped me to realize that a career as a PA is what I desired. Although I can help the patients as an MA, my scope of practice was very limited, and I felt I have not helped them enough. I wanted to do something more to help my patients. When I shadowed PAs, I have learned and observed how much they can do, from diagnose to treat and manage diseases, prescribe medications to perform medical procedures and first assist in surgery. I cannot do these things that I want to do for my patients as an MA. Through shadowing PAs, even with a short amount of time, I have witnessed their compassionate, warm and friendly attitudes toward their patients. These are some characteristics that I admire and can relate to. Moreover, the PAs got to spend more time with their patients; in addition to being able to communicate with their patients and their colleagues effectively. I have seen them work well independently and together with other healthcare members to provide the best care for the patients. These are some of the traits I have gained through my MA experience and strived to improve.
   I’ve encountered difficulties on my road to becoming a PA; however, with my determination, I did not give up. During my first few semesters of college, I was lost in finding what I wanted to do, and did not try at school. It was not until I found the PA profession and began to improve myself and my grades. My favorite quote is “difficult road often leads to beautiful destinations,” I have failed many times, but each time I learned to stand up and learned from my mistake. I believe the obstacles that I have overcome will make me a better healthcare provider.
   I am the patient, the family member of the patient, and an MA. I know what it feels like to be hopeless when your medical condition cannot be cured, or seeing a family member being sick, and how it feels to have to break the bad news to the patient. I hope to use my experience as an MA and the skills that I will gain in PA school to help my patients during their most vulnerable time. I want them not to feel scared of their health condition, like how the doctor had done for me when I was little. Even if I cannot help them with their condition, I want to help them to feel not as hopeless as I did when their disease cannot be cured.These are the reasons why I want to be a physician assistant.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 18, 2020 at 11:39 am

     Kaylee,
     I can see your passion for helping people woven throughout your essay. You also show that you understand the collaboration and personal connection afforded to a PA.
     I would tighten your language throughout your essay, eliminating phrases such as “As I can recall” etc. This will help allow your passion for patient care to shine through even brighter. Also, make sure your verb tense stays consistent.
     In speaking about your own health challenges, I would shorten this while focusing on the good that has come as a result- your increasing desire to help others.
     You may want to condense the section about your MA work while spotlighting your specific roles, responsibilities. I would also eliminate your comment about avoiding residency.
     You are right to address grade issues but I would avoid saying you “didn’t try at school.” Also, include what skills you have gained that will help you avoid similar issues in a rigorous PA program.
     Good luck to you, Kaylee.

     Reply

3. kelly sommers says

   February 9, 2020 at 2:53 pm

   Very first and very rough draft of my personal essay. please leave a comment if you can:)

   I remember sitting in car seat and yelling out “hostipal” as it runs by the window while my mom drags me along with her to work in downtown Houston. My mom was once apart of a program in the Philippines that helped citizens come to America and become registered nurses. As of now, my mom has been a post partum nurse for close to 30 years in the same hospital. She serves as my biggest inspiration and image of what it means to be a hard worker and that nothing can stop me in my path, no matter how daunting.
   I had never heard of a physician assistant until my freshman year of college at the University of Texas. I was crying to my brother on the phone about how hard my classes were and how I felt so lost I wasn’t sure what career I could see in my future. He mentioned being a physician assistant since he had a few friends who loved it, thus the research began. No matter what school I looked into, to a freshman in college, it seemed like a pipe dream to be accepted into a program. I felt discouraged and instead directed my focus towards sociology and public health studies. As courses went on, I realized that I needed to be in a hands-on profession. I needed to be able to communicate with patients face to face in order to feel connected with my profession and those I was helping. At that moment, I decided that becoming a physician assistant was a mix of what drew me into public health and what I’ve always loved about medicine – helping people and noticing a difference I make in their lives.
   It really clicked with me that I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives while volunteering at an HIV/AIDS hospice center. I realized how much we take for granted day to day. As a patient struggles to walk or pick up his glass of juice all due to severe gout, I helped to prepare them dinner and be that person they could talk to when trying to unwind after a rough day at physical therapy. As the hot summer weeks progressed, this patient slowly but surely transitioned from a wheelchair to a walker – something he confessed to me he never thought would be possible again. Seeing the perseverance of this man over the weeks made me realize that even though life can be bad sometimes, it could always be worse and if I have the opportunity to help those experiencing the worst then why shouldn’t I? Helping a historically stigmatized group of people made me realize I could do this for a living. I could be a voice in people’s lives that makes them feel heard and worthy of the help they deserve.
   After moving from my Texas home to pursue shadowing two Florida physician assistants for a month day in and day out truly confirmed to me that I want to and could accomplish being a physician assistant someday. The most heartwarming observation I made during my shadowing was strong ties to a patient’s life each physician assistant had. Their patients have been coming to them for years anytime they had a joint problem or a new spot pop up on their skin they had concern about. They continuously come back to the provider they trust. Relationships are built around the quality of care they receive and continue for years.
   As a medical assistant at a dermatology practice, within my first two weeks of working you begin to realize that it’s the little things just like a patient remembering your name to recognize that even the smallest bit of quality care and attention can go a long way in someone’s life. A patient telling me I can tell my father he should be proud of me because of the attentive care I gave or a patient asking if I’d be in the office for his follow up the next week filled me with so much I know I can pursue a higher career and make an even bigger impact on a patient’s visit.
   I want to become a physician assistant and become more selfless. My mother taught me hard work along with compassion and care for others will make not only you happier with yourself but can help make others happier along your way.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 18, 2020 at 12:33 pm

     Kelly,
     The story about your mom and brother’s influence on your PA pursuit is inspiring. You may want to tighten up that section a bit and even put it all in one paragraph.
     You do a good job of communicating your compassion and desire to help others.
     You may want to add in more of your clinical skills, roles and responsibilities.
     The section about what you observed during shadowing is strong, showing that you understand the role of the PA. You may want to also spotlight other details about the PA profession that are a good match for you.
     I would spend some time condensing each sentence and paragraph and eliminating extra verbiage.
     I would be interested to read this again after you spend some time tightening it up.
     Good luck!

     Reply

     • kelly sommers says

       February 20, 2020 at 5:52 pm

       thank you so much! i appreciate the note greatly and here is my edited version! let me know what you think:)

       I remember sitting in car seat and yelling out “hostipal” as it runs by the window while my mom drags me along with her to work. My mom was once apart of a program in the Philippines that helped citizens come to America and become registered nurses. As of now, my mom has been a post partum nurse for close to 30 years in the same hospital. She serves as my biggest inspiration and image of what it means to be a hard worker and that nothing can stop me in my path, no matter how daunting.
       I had never heard of a physician assistant until my freshman year of college at the University of Texas – I felt so lost I wasn’t sure what career I could see in my future and when I had heard of a physician assistant it seemed like a pipe dream to be accepted into a program. As my college courses went on, I realized that I needed to be in a hands-on profession. I needed to be able to communicate with patients face to face in order to feel connected with those I was helping, my idea of what a physician assistant was checked all of those boxes. I decided that becoming a physician assistant was a mix of what I’ve always thought I’d be doing with my life– helping people and noticing the difference I make in their lives.
       It really clicked with me that I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives while volunteering at an HIV/AIDS hospice center. I realized how much we take for granted day to day. As a patient struggles to walk or pick up his glass of juice all due to severe gout, I helped to prepare them dinner and be that person they could talk to when trying to unwind after a rough day at physical therapy. As the hot summer weeks progressed, this patient slowly but surely transitioned from a wheelchair to a walker – something he confessed to me he never thought would be possible again. Seeing the perseverance of this man over the weeks made me realize that even though life can be bad sometimes, it could always be worse and if I have the opportunity to help those experiencing the worst then why shouldn’t I? Helping a historically stigmatized group of people made me realize I could do this for a living. I could be a voice in people’s lives that makes them feel heard and worthy of the help they deserve.
       After moving from my lifelong Texas home to pursue shadowing two Florida physician assistants for a month day in and day out truly confirmed to me that I want to and could accomplish being a physician assistant someday. I quickly realized while shadowing a dermatology physician assistant and orthopedic physician assistant was how procedural and hands-on each day was. In their practice, they were able to give the patient relief with a steroid shot in arthritic knees, freeze a precancerous lesion or help stitch up an incision after their skin cancer was removed. The physician assistants in these practices made it even more appealing because I’ve always been one to want to be close to the action.
       It was so fascinating to me that the physician could answer any and all questions that their patients would ask. Their ability to provide reassurance and explanation as to why a patient needs a procedure or what a condition they have could visibly ease the concern riddled over a patient’s face. After days of shadowing, it was easy for me to realize I could be the one who listens to the patient’s problems and makes them feel heard. I could also be the person who provides them with the correct knowledge and explanation on how they should best proceed to make their problems get resolved. I could be the physician assistant who makes a difference in a patient’s life.
       The most heartwarming observation I made during my shadowing was strong ties to a patient’s life each physician assistant had. Their patients have been coming to them for years anytime they had a joint problem or a new spot pop up on their skin they had concern about. They continuously come back to the provider they trust. These provider-patient relationships are built around the quality of care patients receive and the increasing trust they have in the provider upon each visit. As a medical assistant at a dermatology practice, within my first two weeks of working you begin to realize that it’s the little things just like a patient remembering your name to recognize that even the smallest bit of quality care and attention can go a long way in someone’s life. A patient telling me I can tell my father he should be proud of me because of the attentive care I gave or a patient asking if I’d be in the office for his follow up the next week filled me with so much I know I can pursue a higher career and make an even bigger impact on a patient’s visit.
       I was able to gain so much experience and knowledge at this dermatology practice that, I feel, has laid a great foundation for a physician assistant program. Within my first week of training, I was taught how to inject biologic medicine or a steroid shot needed to help a patient with psoriasis or a full body rash, I was taught how to numb patient’s skin to prep for surgery and removal of their cancer and was also taught how to remove that same surgery patient’s sutures – and this is just to name a few. Most importantly, I was taught how to greet every patient with a smile and make sure his or her problems are heard before the physician enters the room.
       I want to become a physician assistant and become more selfless. My mom taught me that hard work along with compassion and care for others will make not only you happier with yourself but can help make others happier along the way. As a recent graduate I can now look back at how lost I was as a college freshman and confidently say that my experiences have prepared me and reassured me greatly that I want to be and have what it takes to be a physician assistant.

       Reply

       • Whitney says

         February 21, 2020 at 12:36 pm

         Kelly,
         Your personal statement has some strong elements.
         I liked seeing you “in action” where you discussed your clinical skills.
         The section about what you learned from shadowing in FL was effective.
         I still think your personal statement would benefit from proofing word by word for typos and eliminating extra words.
         You could also divide up and condense the longer paragraphs for a better flow.
         If you know someone who could help you with this, I would ask them. We also offer an editing service if this is something that interests you.
         If not, after you work through it some more, I am happy to offer you feedback again.

         Reply

     • Kelly Sommers says

       February 20, 2020 at 5:54 pm

       thank you very much for your input! i have edited and made some cuts and additions 🙂 thank you so much and im looking forward to hearing from you again

       I remember sitting in car seat and yelling out “hostipal” as it runs by the window while my mom drags me along with her to work. My mom was once apart of a program in the Philippines that helped citizens come to America and become registered nurses. As of now, my mom has been a post partum nurse for close to 30 years in the same hospital. She serves as my biggest inspiration and image of what it means to be a hard worker and that nothing can stop me in my path, no matter how daunting.
       I had never heard of a physician assistant until my freshman year of college at the University of Texas – I felt so lost I wasn’t sure what career I could see in my future and when I had heard of a physician assistant it seemed like a pipe dream to be accepted into a program. As my college courses went on, I realized that I needed to be in a hands-on profession. I needed to be able to communicate with patients face to face in order to feel connected with those I was helping, my idea of what a physician assistant was checked all of those boxes. I decided that becoming a physician assistant was a mix of what I’ve always thought I’d be doing with my life– helping people and noticing the difference I make in their lives.
       It really clicked with me that I wanted to make a difference in peoples lives while volunteering at an HIV/AIDS hospice center. I realized how much we take for granted day to day. As a patient struggles to walk or pick up his glass of juice all due to severe gout, I helped to prepare them dinner and be that person they could talk to when trying to unwind after a rough day at physical therapy. As the hot summer weeks progressed, this patient slowly but surely transitioned from a wheelchair to a walker – something he confessed to me he never thought would be possible again. Seeing the perseverance of this man over the weeks made me realize that even though life can be bad sometimes, it could always be worse and if I have the opportunity to help those experiencing the worst then why shouldn’t I? Helping a historically stigmatized group of people made me realize I could do this for a living. I could be a voice in people’s lives that makes them feel heard and worthy of the help they deserve.
       After moving from my lifelong Texas home to pursue shadowing two Florida physician assistants for a month day in and day out truly confirmed to me that I want to and could accomplish being a physician assistant someday. I quickly realized while shadowing a dermatology physician assistant and orthopedic physician assistant was how procedural and hands-on each day was. In their practice, they were able to give the patient relief with a steroid shot in arthritic knees, freeze a precancerous lesion or help stitch up an incision after their skin cancer was removed. The physician assistants in these practices made it even more appealing because I’ve always been one to want to be close to the action.
       It was so fascinating to me that the physician could answer any and all questions that their patients would ask. Their ability to provide reassurance and explanation as to why a patient needs a procedure or what a condition they have could visibly ease the concern riddled over a patient’s face. After days of shadowing, it was easy for me to realize I could be the one who listens to the patient’s problems and makes them feel heard. I could also be the person who provides them with the correct knowledge and explanation on how they should best proceed to make their problems get resolved. I could be the physician assistant who makes a difference in a patient’s life.
       The most heartwarming observation I made during my shadowing was strong ties to a patient’s life each physician assistant had. Their patients have been coming to them for years anytime they had a joint problem or a new spot pop up on their skin they had concern about. They continuously come back to the provider they trust. These provider-patient relationships are built around the quality of care patients receive and the increasing trust they have in the provider upon each visit. As a medical assistant at a dermatology practice, within my first two weeks of working you begin to realize that it’s the little things just like a patient remembering your name to recognize that even the smallest bit of quality care and attention can go a long way in someone’s life. A patient telling me I can tell my father he should be proud of me because of the attentive care I gave or a patient asking if I’d be in the office for his follow up the next week filled me with so much I know I can pursue a higher career and make an even bigger impact on a patient’s visit.
       I was able to gain so much experience and knowledge at this dermatology practice that, I feel, has laid a great foundation for a physician assistant program. Within my first week of training, I was taught how to inject biologic medicine or a steroid shot needed to help a patient with psoriasis or a full body rash, I was taught how to numb patient’s skin to prep for surgery and removal of their cancer and was also taught how to remove that same surgery patient’s sutures – and this is just to name a few. Most importantly, I was taught how to greet every patient with a smile and make sure his or her problems are heard before the physician enters the room.
       I want to become a physician assistant and become more selfless. My mom taught me that hard work along with compassion and care for others will make not only you happier with yourself but can help make others happier along the way. As a recent graduate I can now look back at how lost I was as a college freshman and confidently say that my experiences have prepared me and reassured me greatly that I want to be and have what it takes to be a physician assistant.

       Reply

       • Whitney says

         February 23, 2020 at 10:54 am

         Kelly,

         I would add “my” in front of car seat in your first sentence.
         The part about shadowing is very effective. I would make that it’s own paragraph and condense it.
         There is a spot where you refer to “physician” but I assume you mean PA. You may want to clarify that. (The sentence begins with, “It was fascinating…”)
         It looks better but I would keep working through it to remove any run-on sentences and typos.
         Good luck!

         Reply

4. Amel Catic says

   February 7, 2020 at 3:47 pm

   Born in a country riddled with religious persecution and poverty of the highest degree, my parents decision to flee Bosnia and Herzegovina was one that I will never stop being thankful for. As a refugee of war, many things changed when we came to the United States. Coming to a new country can present a culture shock in its own, but when you couple that with the life that we had been so accustomed to back home, it truly felt as if our world had been turned upside down. My parents worked endlessly in order to keep food on the table, and my siblings and I worked day in and day out in an effort to try to fit in with our peers. I had grown up seeing close family members fall victim to easily treatable diseases and I have seen doctors put themselves before the well-being of their patients. Doctors were rich and untouchable, and people got sick and they died. Growing up, this is just what I had known to be true.

   As the years passed, my family and I assimilated to life in the US. We had learned the language and, off the back of my parents relentless work ethic, we had prospered. It would have been easy to say that our lives were set and we would never experience the turmoil that we faced back home, but this simply was not the case. My father, who I viewed as invincible, suffered a heart attack that shook our family to its very core. He was the breadwinner of the family and without him, we would not be able to survive. Shortly after this, my mom had fallen ill and wound up in the same hospital. Her appendix had burst and she had become septic. Her team of doctors had acted quickly, saving her life as well as the rest of ours. During her post-operative care, she was frequented by a gastroenterology physician assistant who displayed such interest and care for her well-being that to this day I still aspire to match.

   Upon graduating from high school, I was involved in a vehicular accident that had left me with a herniated disk in my back, a sprained groin, crushed dreams of playing soccer in college, and a crippling depression that soon began to overtake my entire life. I went into college for the sole purpose of being the first in my family to do so. With my mental state being where it was, I found it impossible to devote time and energy to my studies, and it is directly reflected by my transcript. I spent nearly two years dreading getting out of bed and interacting with society, until one day I had an epiphany. My family risked everything to get to where we were. We escaped a genocide that took the lives of over 10,000 people. We overcame all obstacles presented to us as immigrants. Why was I letting this one event dictate my entire life? I began to attend class on a regular basis. I began to work out and gained 50 pounds of muscle, not only improving my mental health, but also my physical. I had forgotten all about the pain and discomfort and I focused on my future and the future of my family. My grades started to improve, my social life flourished, and my desire to pursue my dream of working in medicine took off.

   Working as a behavioral therapist and physical therapy technician introduced me to very different aspects of healthcare, and while I appreciate both, I wanted more. I began taking classes not necessary for my degree, such as human physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology. Each of these dove into different aspects of medicine, and my thirst for knowledge was being quenched. I achieved outstanding grades in each course, all while working nearly full time. I began shadowing doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in an effort to discern the differences between each field and find the one that is right for me. Very quickly I realized just how perfect the physician assistant field was for me. It provided an opportunity to work alongside and learn from physicians that devoted their lives to a certain field, all while allowing the flexibility to experience other fields and settings. Apart from flexibility, physician assistants are often on the front line of patient care. They are able to build rapport with patients and establish trusting relationships with those that come to them in their time of need, which is truly the greatest privilege of all.

   My story is one filled with many twists and turns, and it is impossible to convey them all within the confines of text. I have felt pain. I have felt helplessness. I have seen the dark side of humanity that I hope nobody has to witness themselves. Despite all of this, I have held true to my dreams and, given the chance, I know that I can be the physician assistant that I would entrust to take care of my very own parents. My GPA may not be the most impressive, but I have spent the past several years not only bettering my grades and science background, but also spending my free time experiencing all that I can, so that one day when someone comes to me in their time of need, I can be the person that they can count on.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 19, 2020 at 10:33 am

     Amel,
     Your essay has many strong components, beginning with the compelling story of your family’s resilience. This is definitely a strong opening. I would keep as many details as you can while condensing word-by-word. This will allow more room for you to highlight some of your strengths and experience.
     The section describing the gastroenterologist’s personal care for your mother is particularly powerful. You could expand on this with some more details.
     You show a good understanding of the PA profession and a strong awareness of why this is a good fit for you.
     I would add more details about your clinical skills and medical knowledge. What have you learned through shadowing or volunteering? How do you relate to patients? Show your specific skills and commitment to teamwork.
     You have explained the early issues with your grades so I would delete the phrase mentioning your GPA.
     Good luck to you.

     Reply

5. Erin Podgorski says

   February 5, 2020 at 6:29 pm

   This is a first draft of my personal statement

   Sirens filled the night air, getting louder and louder as the ambulance approached. In moments, paramedics crash through the doors of the emergency room rushing to get the patient to a room. The paramedics are performing CPR as they go. Nurses and technicians are on standby with a crash cart prepared to take over. A doctor stands at the bedside ready to give orders. The patient is transferred to the ER bed while the paramedics tell the doctor the patient’s story. A whirlwind of activity commences as medications are given, vitals are obtained, and CPR proceeds. Some time later, the doctor leaves the room and asks for the patient’s family. The family has been in an isolated room, anxiously awaiting to hear news from the doctor. The doctor enters the room, closes the door, and begins to speak. Moments later, wails can be heard throughout the ER as the family grieves for the loss of their loved one.

   One such scene was one of my first experiences in a hospital. I found myself empathizing with the family and wishing I could have done something, anything to alleviate their grief. Unfortunately, I could do nothing for them. I sat on the sidelines and observed, but I could do nothing to help the patient or the family. Frustration swelled within me at my incapability. I quickly realized that if I wanted to be able to heal patients and their families then I would need to be in a position to do so. After much research into the field of healthcare, I knew that I wanted a career similar to a medical doctor that would afford me the ability to heal patients. Then, I stumbled upon the career of physician assistant and knew that I had found my answer.

   I knew for certain that physician assistant was my path when I became a member of Clinic Vols during my undergraduate years. Clinic Vols gave me an opportunity to provide first aid to children in after-school programs. I brightened at the thought that I was actively helping these children overcome their bouts with nausea, overheating, and scraped knees. I found the greatest reward of being a Clinic Vol was seeing a child smile and say, “Thank you.”

   For the past two years, I worked as a medical scribe in an ER. As a scribe, my job is to document and create the chart from the initial examination to the patient’s disposition. The ER allows me the luxury of observing how the doctors and PAs diagnose and treat a number of patients in one shift. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to ask questions to both doctors and PAs and to act as a shadow to a doctor. Through these opportunities, I have a better understanding of what needs to be ordered for each complaint, which medicines are appropriate for each condition, and how differential diagnoses become a diagnosis. My time as a scribe is truly invaluable in teaching me how to be a health professional and provide patient care.

   From my observations as a scribe, medical doctors and PAs operate in similar mannerisms in the ER, but the PAs have the opportunity to have more interactions with patients. Many times, I have witnessed PAs keeping the patient and family calm and receptive to care by answering their questions and keeping them updated. These observations show me that the simple act of speaking with a patient allows the healing process to begin mentally and emotionally. My observations have led me to believe that interacting with the patient is the most important aspect of patient care.

   Theodore Roosevelt once said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” My time in the ER has proved that this statement could never be more true than in the healthcare system. I want to be a health care provider who can be a shoulder to cry on when a loved one is lost. I want to be a healthcare provider who can make a patient and their family smile and say, “Thank you.” I want to be a healthcare provider who can treat patients, while still being someone patients can talk to, rely on, and trust to care for them. I cannot think of a better way to do that than by being a physician assistant.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 19, 2020 at 10:57 am

     Erin,
     This is a good start to your personal statement.
     You show that you have an understanding of the profession and why this is the right fit for you.
     The paragraph describing your volunteer work is effective. You may even want to add a story about helping a specific child. This will show you in action rather than just telling about your serving.
     I would condense each section to allow for more explanation of why you will be a great PA. Describe any patient care experience and clinical skills you have. Describe your work experience and medical knowledge. Explain how you interact with patients and teammates. Reiterate your commitment to partnering with a healthcare team.
     Good luck to you.

     Reply

6. Katelyn says

   February 5, 2020 at 10:46 am

   Sirens are wailing, my adrenaline is pumping as we are approaching the scene. As we get closer I see two potential patients lying on the ground, both in obvious distress. My partner and I grab appropriate gear and rush to our patient as the crew behind us rushes to theirs. As I was an intern at the time, I was given the less critical injures to manage. As my partner attempted to stop the bleeding of the detached lower extremity, I tended to the head of the very alive and very conscious motor cycle crash survivor. My job was simple. Keep her awake and stable. As our team worked on getting her into the ambulance, I maintained c-spine and talked her though what was more than likely the scariest moment of her life. She was incredible. Although I’m sure she felt it, there were no signs of fear. We talked about her life, her kids, her dreams and goals all the way to the hospital. I kept her calm and awake as she refused to let go of my hand until we finally reached the ER. My job was done. As incredible of a feeling it was to assist in saving someone’s life and to be there to help someone in their time of need, I craved more. I wanted to stay with my patient, be there during her future procedures; to know how she turns out and to help in the process of healing and recovery. Unfortunately, as an EMT, we aren’t so lucky as to know what happens once the ER bay doors close. I’m ready for more. I’m ready to be a PA.

   Being an EMT for the past year or so I have encountered numerous patients that I had a strong connection with. Each one was hard to let go and trust the receiving medical team, but my first trauma is the one I will remember most. She was my first patient that gave me the secure and strong feeling that I know medicine is my calling. Specifically, becoming a PA.

   I have also had the incredible opportunity to work in a peri-clinical position as a patient access tech for a CHKD urgent care. I have learned more from this job than I ever thought was possible. Luckily, the clinical team I work with are incredible people. I have talked to physicians, DOs, NPs, PAs, and nurses to find out why they chose their career and if they could do something different, would they? The only group of providers that all said they loved their jobs and wouldn’t change a thing, were the PAs.

   I have created a bond with my future colleagues that will last a life time. They help me in so many ways from letting me shadow, letting me ask clinical questions, helping me with my application, etc. This bond really started when one night when I was working as an EMT, I was called to our urgent care. When I came in everyone’s face was shocked. I guess they knew I was an EMT part time but didn’t quite understand it until I was ready to receive their patient and continue medical support. The following day when I came to work at the urgent care I could see the respect and willingness to discuss clinically with me was much higher. They saw me as one of their own and was willing to help me get to the place where we can practice medicine side by side.

   During my shadowing hours, I chose to follow a PA who works at my urgent care. I chose her because of her kindness and patients. Before every room we went into, she would walk me through the steps to prepare based on the chief complaint in the nursing chart. After each room we went in she let me ask as many questions as I could possibly think of. I even stumped her a few times and she had to ask our attending physician that day. This experience changed my view on the medical field. I was used to seeing trauma and emergency medicine. Although it was at an urgent care, it felt more like family practice or general medicine. Not only that, but in the pediatric field as well. It was nice to know that my passion and drive and excitement to help understand, treat, and reassure patients doesn’t change from emergent adults to stable kids.

   My most recent day of shadowing, as we were sitting in the provider’s offices, I had a big smile on my face. The attending physicians asked sarcastically if I was happy to be there, as if he couldn’t already tell from my expression. I replied with a resounding “absolutely.” He responded, “If you’re this excited to be sitting in an office chair waiting for the urgent care doors to open to work an eight-hour night shift; you’re in the right field.” I laughed and smiled. He was right. I knew that this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing. Helping, solving medical puzzles, treating, but most importantly, wear the responsibility of the title PA with pride, respect, and kindness.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 19, 2020 at 12:14 pm

     Katelyn,

     Your opening catches the reader’s attention right away. I found myself reading quickly to find out how the story ended. I did see some typos throughout your essay (“injures” in the first paragraph) so you’ll want to spend some time proofing each word. You could also condense by cutting word by word throughout. This takes time but will help your writing have maximum impact.
     I like how you show your excitement and willingness to work with a team. You also reveal your passion for patient care and learning.
     In order to show how you’re suited to pursue the PA path, spotlight some of your clinical skills and medical experience. Do you have any volunteer work you could describe as well?
     With some polishing, I think you’re well on your way to a strong personal statement.

     Reply

7. Megan says

   January 29, 2020 at 9:48 am

   She watched the same movie every single night for 4 years straight, but she never knew. The hospital knew her, our neighbors loved her, I lived with her, but she never knew.
   I kept her head tilted so she would not choke on her saliva as her body shakes uncontrollably, but she never knew. The sirens were so loud I could not hear, the blue and red lights were so bright I could not see, I was in control and yet, she never knew.
   It was at a private hospital, when I met with a physician assistant in the neurology ICU. While the doctors were rounding, and the nurses were at the desk, the PA and I were examining each patient. During my experience I saw patients that had intracranial hemorrhages and subarachnoid hemorrhages. I was able to see up close on the monitor a patients brain activity during constant seizures. She continued to teach me how to look over MRI scans, and learn the difference between a stoke patient and a non stroke patient. Towards the end of our day, the PA asked if I wanted to look through the scope to see the patients optic disc while his eyes were still dilated from his surgery. Intrigued and excited for what was about to happen, I watched the PA as she demonstrated what to do. I grabbed the scope, ready to see my first optic disc. To my surprise, being at the right distance, put just the perfect amount of pressure, open the eye lid just enough to see all while knowing you are shining a bright light into their eye, was not easy. Through trail and error, the PA remained calm and patient with me. Patience is what I learned, but she never knew.
   It was at a short term/rehab care facility where I met Robin, the physician assistant. We walked around the facility and examined the patients that were on her list of that day. However, one patient in particular stood out. Olive already had one stroke months ago, and now she was having another one right in front of Robin and I. We walked into the room, her eyes were not moving, the left side of her mouth was dropping and her speech was slurred all in the matter of seconds. I ran to grabbed the nearest vitals kit and began vitals while Robin examined her eyes with a flashlight and told the LPN to call 911. Robin told me to keep watching her vitals, and I made sure Olive’s head remained upright so she would not choke. The patients turnout was not just because of us getting there at the right moment, but also because of the teamwork that surrounded Robin. Teamwork is what I learned, but she never knew.
   I have had the opportunity to volunteer in Panama serving the underprivileged alongside many healthcare professionals, including a physician assistant. During my time there, I saw things I never would have imagined. People coming in with: missing teeth, infected teeth, open cuts on their hands/feet, high blood pressure, over weight, severely underweight, infections all over their bodies. One of our medical clinic days, I sat next to the PA as she asked questions to a very angry 16 year old mother and her 3 children. One of which was so sick from flu season and the other with a nail in his foot. The PA proceeded to bandage up the child’s open wound from the nail and give Gripe Water to all 3 children. Yet, what amazed me the most was the resilient physician assistant. She was calm and compassionate, despite the displeased the mother and her screaming children. Our next patient, was a 54 year old man who had knee pain from working in the fields and walking 5 plus miles everyday to get water for him and his family. The physician assistant told me that knee pain is the most common because of all the walking and working in the field that they do. I saw a lot of patients during my time in Panama, and during that time i was with many healthcare professionals as well. Including: a doctor, nurse, dentist, and a pharmacist. However, the physician assistant was the one who was with the patients the whole time. Creating a safe and caring environment for them, something I hope to fabricate when I am a physician assistant.
   I came to Panama to help, to serve, to be a part of something much bigger than myself. More so, my passion for helping others, for the love of medicine and all that it has to offer, it grew; but she never knew.
   She fell and broke her neck during her seizer and little did I know that I would be following the same kind of PA’s that once took care of her. She, my grandma, had Alzheimer’s. Caring for my grandma brought many challenges; but it also taught me patience, team work and a strong passion helping others, qualities my patients would benefit from. More importantly, it gave me the skills I need to become an excellent physician assistant, something she always knew.

   Reply

   • Megan says

     January 29, 2020 at 9:50 am

     For some reason when posting this, my paragraphs got messed up. So, now it looks like one giant essay, but i assure you there were paragraphs in it.

     Reply

     • Whitney Prosperi says

       February 19, 2020 at 12:31 pm

       Megan,
       You are very good at painting word pictures. The section describing the patients in Panama is especially compelling.
       I think your essay could use some careful proofing. There are typos that can be easily corrected after going through it a few times.
       I would also condense each section to allow space for you to highlight what will make you a good PA. What clinical skills and work experience have prepared you for this next step?
       I will be happy to give it another look after you polish it up.

       Reply

8. Christopher Adams says

   January 21, 2020 at 8:42 am

   “Hold your head back for me, Mr. Jenkins.” I gently cupped Mr. Jenkins forehead with my right hand and pulled his head back so that he did not slouch forward. I hurriedly paged the paged the floor nurse who oversight of him that shift, “Tiffany, Mr. Jenkins is losing consciousness in the shower room.” I ran through possible plans of action in my mind while I waited for the nurses to arrive. Mr. Jenkins gave out two forced, dry gasps before he completely lost consciousness, and I did not observe any further respirations during the several seconds of my message to Tiffany. The only appropriate procedure I could perform would be cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as a last resort. The nurses showed up after what seemed to me an eternity in a moment but was probably no more than eight seconds. I heard a call for a rapid response to my floor as the shower room door opened. Tiffany hastened to Mr. Jenkins and began checking pupil response. No response. I was ordered to push Mr. Jenkins back to his room and helped load him onto a stretcher so the nurses could begin CPR. I suspected a stroke to be the culprit for this ordeal, but Mr. Jenkins’ blood pressure had only bottomed out in the shower, likely due to the high temperature of the water. Nurses commented on how well I handled the situation, and I replied that situations like that are why I chose the field healthcare. There is a sobering excitement to facing dynamic scenarios in healthcare. It is not the excitement that stops you in your tracks and produces sweaty palms; it is a feeling of reassurance and readiness in knowing that you are doing something that you are meant to do. It is a feeling I have encountered throughout my career in the healthcare field, and it is the reason why the most memorable shower of my life is the one I shared with Mr. Jenkins.

   I have always known what I wanted to be when I grew up. As a child, I once made a vow to my uncle who lost one of his legs in a vehicle crash that I would become a physician and reattach his leg, proving that I was equally as cognizant as other five-year-olds about medical prosthesis and nerve regeneration. My vow is undoubtedly a tall order to carry out, but I have dedicated my whole academic and professional career to fulfilling half of that promise. My foray into the arena of healthcare first began when I was 16 years old. I drove to the Johnson City Medical Center and spoke with the volunteer department about the opportunities open to me. I volunteered at the Patient Rehabilitation Center and watched physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists perform their daily duties. I was eager to learn and soon appreciated the multi-faceted nature of healthcare. I went on to volunteer in the Emergency Department three years later, while I simultaneously worked as a Designated Hitter doing the work of a pharmacy technician at my local retail pharmacy. I constantly made connections between the separate aspects of healthcare to which I was exposed. I saw how a grueling a process recovery is for some patients. Patients who were victims of a car crash would enter the trauma rooms of the ED, and I would formulate mock paths of recovery for them. I had an idea of how their physical therapy would go and how eagerly they would be to carry it out. I also had a dreadful idea of how difficult it would be for some patients to receive the medications needed to make recovery as smooth as possible. These experiences engendered in me a good baseline education on the realities of what it means to work in medicine.
   I met and observed a physician assistant during my time volunteering and became interested about his position. He was always heavily engaged in assessing the trauma patients who would be wheeled into the trauma rooms, gauging cognition and helping choreograph everyone’s duties during the process. He always had an answer for patients and their families when they were confused about their case, and he would command the room without escalating tensions whenever he was confronted with difficult patient behavior. He told me about the career mobility that PAs have due to their being trained in every realm of healthcare. I was intrigued to find out that one could switch fields if they chose, and I admired the idea of having a depth of knowledge and experience in multiple fields over a long career in medicine. Witnessing his expansive knowledge of treatment and observing his masterful method of communicating with patients inspired me to become more knowledgeable about what it means to be a PA, and it certainly played an essential role in my decision to pursue this career.

   My education and experience while studying at East Tennessee State University cemented my path to becoming a physician assistant. I studied a myriad of scientific subjects that sparked an even deeper interest in the science behind my future practice: biology, cellular biology, ecology, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, virology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and neurology. Medical conditions were no longer defined only by their effects on the patient in my head; I could then explain the mechanics behind the ailments as well. I learned how the medications I regularly handed out bind to specific proteins in the body and elicit a cellular response, hormonal or otherwise, that would aid in the healing process. I understood why the patients with traumatic brain injuries were impulsive and temperamental. My newfound knowledge gave me the ability to think innovatively about solutions to patients’ problems. I saw this ability performed regularly by physician assistants when I began my work as a certified nursing assistant on the trauma and med-surg floors of Johnson City Medical Center.

   Working as a CNA was the best decision I made to prepare myself for real-world healthcare. I was no longer reading procedural literature in a cushioned room; I was on my feet for twelve hours a day carrying out medical duties alongside other medical professionals. I got to see PAs explain the plan of care to their patients, and counsel their family members. I talked to physician assistants about how they carry out plans of care, and I was excited to learn about the surgeries in which they took part. I wore my curiosity on my sleeve and learned about procedures that were so counterintuitive as to seem comically crude, such as kyphoplasty (which involves pumping a vertebra with cement). I learned that being a medical professional comes with responsibility beyond only carrying out the mechanics of medical procedures; one must also function as a counselor and educator of a sort. I implemented what I learned into my practice as a CNA. This payed off because hospital surveyors later congratulated me on my patients’ testimony about my care and the fact that all my patients knew me by name. These PAs with whom I worked took the time to educate patients about prevention and recovery instead of just prescribing medication to them and leaving summarily. I think educating patients is essential to the recovery process. I have seen what damage simple ignorance can wreak on vulnerable patients. My father passed when I was eight years old due to poor lifestyle habits and lack of education on medication. I feel that if I were older at the time of his passing, I could have stepped in and encouraged lifestyle changes and monitoring of his own health. I do not take these things lightly because I have seen what change even a little bit of education can make to a patient’s well-being. These PAs diligently kept the nurses informed of any changes in the plans of care, and they always had a closed loop of communication between them and their colleagues. I consider myself blessed to have had such a fulfilling tenure as a CNA. It taught me how every level of care is meaningful, and it allowed me a detailed look at the everyday practice of PAs.

   My time shadowing, studying, and working has taught me many things – many things about the value and transiency of health, the practice of medicine, and human nature. However, what I hold dearest in my mind are the lessons I learned about myself. I learned that I want to be a part of the recovery and healing process for patients in need. I learned that being a physician assistant is in my mind a lifestyle choice, not only a career choice. I have learned that becoming an effectual healthcare practitioner is my lifelong goal, and I am bringing that goal to life by constantly expanding my skills and experiences in healthcare at every opportunity.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 19, 2020 at 12:50 pm

     Christopher,
     Your opening was strong. It captures the reader’s attention and shows your ability to stay calm during a crisis.
     You also did a great job of explaining your journey to the PA path. You show a solid understanding of the role and how you are suited for it.
     I would recommend you take some time to slowly read through your essay, eliminating typos and condensing where you can. This will leave you some space to add more details regarding your clinical skills and patient care experience. You also may want to mention your commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
     You are well on your way to a strong personal statement and I wish you the best of luck.

     Reply

9. Katie says

   January 17, 2020 at 7:01 pm

   My mom often reminds me of her favorite quote from Sheryl Sandberg: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”. When contemplating what this means to me, and how I can act as a fearless leader within my own life, I know pursuing my dream of becoming a physician assistant (PA) embodies her message. As a clinical dietitian, I’ve become comfortable in my way of life: a job I can rely on, patients who know me, and a foundation of knowledge I am confident in. Although the work I do everyday is impactful, I aspire to have more direct involvement in patient care as a PA.

   When I first entered the world of nutrition about 7 years ago, I envisioned myself working in preventative care exclusively through a dietary lens. Being in the intensive care unit (ICU) during my dietetic internship gave me a whole new perspective on the impact I can have on a patient’s life. Every morning I had the privilege of rounding with the interdisciplinary team to design life-saving treatment plans for patients. I listened as the practitioners spoke in what seemed to be a foreign language, and realized my interest in medicine overshadowed that of nutrition. I wanted to know every detail, and went out of my way to seek out further medical education by seeing intubations, endoscopies, and learning to interpret imaging. These encounters solidified my desire to be directly responsible for the outcomes of those in my care.

   After my internship, I began working at a level 1 trauma hospital, and subsequently met a cardiac ICU PA named John, who inspired me to pursue this profession for myself. He believed in the importance of nutrition for his patients, and depicted the type of practitioner I hope to become. I will never forget one patient, Brian, who was on multiple vasopressors after an extensive triple coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Due to this, he was unable to receive enteral nutrition for over two weeks. John and I collaborated daily to ensure Brian was put on the proper parenteral nutrition regimen to fit his medical needs and hypermetabolic state. I believe he survived because of the flawless care plan John executed. He advocated for all members of the care team, including myself, to do what was best for his patient. This is the exact work I strive to replicate as a healthcare provider, and now a future PA.

   Since committing to the path of becoming a PA, I sought out a position that would better reflect these roles and responsibilities. In my current job at a dialysis clinic, the staff rely on me for many aspects of patient care, including reviewing labs and making appropriate medication changes. This is something dietitians rarely assist with, and this small taste of expanded practice has confirmed my desire to become a PA. That being said, I still find moments throughout the day where I am not able to make the impact I desire. Patients confide in me about conditions I cannot treat, such as chronic pain or substance abuse. As a PA, I would be able to address these confounding issues directly.

   Becoming a PA will allow me to hold on to the part of being a dietitian that I love most: providing direct patient care, while also broadening my scope of practice. No matter my role, I will always consider my patients and their families to be my number one priority. While my job is to focus solely on nutrition, my duty is to support my patients in their overall well-being and goals of care. For example, I actively seek resources for my patients that are food insecure, and am starting a food pantry to increase community access to good nutrition. As a PA, I would have further qualifications to support patients in even more monumental ways.

   While I enjoy working individually with patients, being a part of my clinic team has brought out the best in me as a provider. This is the main reason I aspire to be a PA over another practitioner. Working under multiple physicians throughout my career, I have developed a balance of autonomy and teamwork that is vital to the PA role. I communicate with my attending physician daily to relay important patient updates, but am also confident adjusting treatment plans on my own. Becoming a PA would give me the capabilities to more readily accommodate the needs of my patients.

   My unique experience as a dietitian is parallel in many ways to that of a PA, and has prepared me to be successful in this profession. I have cultivated skills in managing treatment plans, communicating with teams, and developing a patient-centered mindset that cannot be derived from a classroom. Simply put, I aspire to be a PA because when I imagine the provider I hope to become, I think of the PAs that have inspired me. For now, I will continue to serve my patients however I can as a dietitian, and wait for this dream to take shape.

   What would I do if I wasn’t afraid? This is the first step.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 19, 2020 at 5:10 pm

     Katie,
     There are many strong elements to this personal statement.
     You displayed your passion for patient care and your understanding of the PA profession. You showed how you are equipped to pursue this path through your experience and abilities.
     Additionally, you conveyed your ability to collaborate with a healthcare team and your commitment to teamwork. You also spotlighted your clinical skills and your work with underserved populations.
     I would proof again as there are a few easily corrected typos. (The period at the end of first sentence should be deleted.)
     Overall, this personal statement is very effective, showcasing your qualifications to become a successful PA.

     Reply

10. Alison Bean says

    January 16, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    Here is a first draft of my personal statement:

    It was my first trip to a hospital and at 12-years old, I had no idea what to expect. The air in the car grew thick with anxiety as it cruised ever closer to downtown Boston along the winding turns of Storrow Drive. The goal of the day was to figure out why a 12-year-old was consistently outputting systolic blood pressures in the 150 range. I nodded along to the explanations of each test that was planned, though I had no idea what each one entailed. As I underwent the various tests my nerves started to transform into curiosity. My thoughts faded away as I watched in amazement when the outlines of my renal blood vessels appeared on the monitor during an ultrasound. I had dozens of questions about how the IV contrast dye I was injected with for a CT scan was going to allow the doctors to see abnormalities in my body’s vasculature. Perhaps the most thrilling part of the day was when I got to see a 3D projection of my heart and kidneys on a computer screen. It turned out that all it took to lower my blood pressure was to focus on the science and not the scary needles. From that day on, I was hooked. The seed harboring dreams of a future in medicine was firmly planted.

    My studies and experiences at the University of New Hampshire nurtured the seedling planted that day, but my first job after college as a medical assistant really started to pave the path towards becoming a physician assistant. It felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the various undirected positions I held in my youth. My role in the office was exciting and engaging, but having the opportunity to observe a cohesive, talented team of providers was perhaps the most valuable aspect of the experience. The foundation of kindness, trust, and confidence that the doctors and nurse practitioners all worked to build with each other and with their patients was inspiring. I can remember one instance with a nervous patient who arrived for a knee joint aspiration. I watched as the nurse practitioner skillfully put the patient at ease while assisting the doctor to remove a copious amount of yellow colored fluid from the inflamed joint. When the patient had arrived she could barely walk, but she left taking strong, pain-free strides.

    Following my time at the practice I spent time exploring the field of scientific research in cardiothoracic transplantation where I learned from amazing surgeons using science to try and improve patient outcomes after graft placement. I worked as an EMT where I developed the confidence required to administer patient care in a unique healthcare environment. I returned to my roots as a medical assistant in a hospital setting with dedicated nurses who helped me improve in all aspects of my patient care skills. By involving myself in this wide array of interests and environments I developed a versatility similar to that of physician assistants who have the opportunity to transfer their knowledge and skills between specialties.
    It wasn’t until I started shadowing a PA that I realized truly how influential their role can be as part of a medical team. I had the opportunity to shadow PAs in cardiac surgery, and having never seen surgery first-hand before made the experience all the more exhilarating. I watched in awe during a triple coronary artery bypass while the PA located, isolated, and removed the radial artery from the patient’s left arm. He moved with such precision and confidence, all while taking the time to explain to me his every move. I observed as he worked with the surgeon to attach the radial artery to the heart and bypass a blockage that could be deadly to the patient. Each aspect of surgery I had the opportunity to witness relied on the skills and expertise of the PA to be successful. I aspire to be valued as part of a team where each member’s skill set is appreciated and utilized to help a patient have the best outcome, and I have seen this dominating in the PA role.

    Every opportunity I have pursued since I was that anxious 12-year-old girl experiencing the world of medicine for the first time has brought me towards my decision to become a PA. I found an outlet in medicine for my strengths as an empathetic listener, a curious mind, and compassionate caregiver. My experience in diverse environments such as primary care, scientific research, and emergency medicine will undoubtedly make me a more skilled and confident healthcare provider. The ultimate goal is to work hard every day to provide exceptional care to patients as part of a collaborative team, and I am excited about the possibility of reaching this goal as a physician assistant.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      February 19, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Alison,
      Your opening is very effective.
      You also do a great job of showing your understanding of the PA role through describing the shadowing opportunities and interactions you’ve had with PAs. Additionally, you highlight how you are suited for the PA path and committed to teamwork.
      You could add a story that shows you how you interact with patients.
      Also, add a section that spotlights your clinical skills and medical knowledge.
      Good luck to you.

      Reply