The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

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1. Jasmine says

   May 5, 2021 at 8:13 pm

   The voice from the intercom system in the operating room frantically announced “incoming trauma, 18 year old male, gunshot wound to the lower abdomen area.” It was my very first day volunteering in the operating room and the adrenaline in my system kicked in. At first, I was nervous and uneasy about what to expect, but as soon as I was in the room with everyone I was calm and engaged. The patient laid on the table and was losing a lot of blood. The surgeon in the room was trying to stop the bleeding, while nurses ran around, hanging more units of blood. Luckily, the surgeon was able to localize the bleeding, remove the bullet, and make the necessary repairs. This event pushed me to further my knowledge in medicine and get more hands-on patient care.

   After graduating from college, I received an opportunity to work as an ophthalmic technician for Dr. Ottman. This experience allowed me to interact with several patients by documenting their concerns and complaints and relaying that information to the provider. The knowledge I have gained by working with Dr. Ottman has not only given me a better understanding of the clinical side of ophthalmology, but also has stressed the importance of patient care. I have learned to perform several diagnostic testing procedures, interpret the results, and relay that information to the patient. After observing how he shows immense compassion towards his patients, I realized how important it was for patients to have a provider like him. His patients value his opinion greatly and are always open to hearing his recommendations and suggestions.. Patients rely heavily on providers to make correct diagnoses, guide them towards the best possible treatment, and have an approachable personality in order to communicate clearly.

   Before working as an ophthalmic technician, it wasn’t clear to me what the role of a physician assistant (PA) was. After spending more time interacting with patients, I would hear how much they enjoyed and valued their care from their PA that they saw for their primary care. I became more intrigued in their role in the healthcare system and looked further into the profession. I then had the opportunity to shadow Jessica Vue PA-C, working in a busy urgent care clinic and was able to see first-hand her role in treating patients independently while also consulting the supervising physician when needed. I was able to observe her suture a patient with a hand laceration, perform a physical exam and also treat a patient for a UTI. Watching her be compassionate and kind with each patient exemplified the PA that I want to be in the future.

   I believe that this profession best suits me because I am very adaptable and am always eager to learn new things. I have a very strong passion for patient care, which is also an important aspect of being a physician assistant. Through my experience as an ophthalmic technician, I have been able to form special connections with patients. There was an elderly patient who lived by himself and needed to have cataract surgery, but did not have anyone to help him at home afterwards and was nervous about the process. I helped him to understand his post-op instructions and went over the eye drops he would be using following his surgery. He started to open up and told me stories about his childhood and what brought him to settle down in the area. At the end of his follow up care after his cataract surgery, he thanked me for being so kind and patient with him and helping him along the way to become more confident about the whole process. I am fortunate to have an impact on the patients that walk through the office.

   Interacting directly with the patients in the clinic has allowed me to continue to fuel my desire in my studies in medicine as well as continuing my journey to become a great physician assistant. After three years of working as an ophthalmic technician for Dr. Ottman, I received the opportunity to work for a different ophthalmologist, Dr. Perlman. I have been able to assist him during surgical procedures and spend more one-on-one time with patients. This has taught me to be adaptable to the unique circumstances and also be attentive to the patient’s needs. I feel compelled to learn as much as I can, in order to do my best at helping these patients.

   I believe that my experiences as an ophthalmic technician and shadowing have shaped me well for the PA profession. They have taught me how to be a team player, problem-solve, and take the lead when needed. I believe that my passion to educate others and strong focus on excellent patient care would make me a good PA. I strive to have patients be well educated on their condition and diagnosis. I think it is very important for them to have a good understanding of the issues that they are dealing with and have a plan going forward

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2. Tyler Nice says

   May 3, 2021 at 1:10 pm

   Power
   I try to save my breath as I wait to be called onto the stage. My time arrives and I walk out confidently, as if I wasn’t exhausted and weak. “The mind drives the body”, I tell myself. With my chosen music blasting in the background, I strike my first pose; a front double bicep seems fitting to begin. The timing of my bodybuilding routine I had poured so many hours into already seems off as I transition from one pose to the next. My efforts to smile are in vain as my muscles tire and I run out of breath almost instantaneously. The blinding lights, impairing my vision of the hundreds watching, assists me in keeping my stage fright almost nonexistent. My 45 seconds of “glory” ends, I walk off stage left, and my 16 weeks of rigorous dieting and training has come to it’s conclusion. Tonight, we feast!
   It doesn’t seem to surprise people when I tell them I am a natural competitive bodybuilder. After all, I would like to think I look the part. What does seem to surprise them, however, is when I tell them I had childhood leukemia. That’s probably why I don’t bring it up often. When I do, people look at me as if I am some sort of victim; something to be pitied. Perhaps we’ve been conditioned to respond this way, or we feel that’s what the person is looking for. But that’s not how I see myself and it’s especially not how I want to be seen by others. I want to be seen as someone who is powerful – someone who doesn’t let their circumstances define who they are or what they become.
   Being diagnosed for the first time when I was 4 years old, I was in and out of hospitals for most of my adolescence, making it almost feel like home. I don’t remember much of the first time. Even so, it’s as if I have been a part of the medical field my entire life. Perhaps I felt invincible after going into remission when I was 8 years old, because I don’t remember being afraid of dying when I relapsed at age 9. Being my rock, my strength, and absolute favorite person in the world, one might think my father’s sudden passing only a few short months before my relapse would have given me quite the reality shock in terms of death. On the way to the hospital, I remember asking my mom what the chances of me dying was. “About 30%”, she replied. But it still wasn’t enough to make me worry. To this day, I have no idea where she got that number, but I remember thinking those were pretty good odds. I hadn’t played many dice games yet, obviously. The competence of the medical team is what I believe allowed me to be so at ease. The physicians radiated with confidence and intelligence. The medical staff took the job of worrying from me (not so much my mom), and so I trusted them with blind faith. I wasn’t just healed, but my burden was lifted. I felt safe; never comfortable, but safe. My only job was to do what I was told, which I was pretty bad at.
   When I was 9, I remember being visited by a physician while in the hospital. This man seemed different, however; younger and stronger, even. He sat beside me, then looked down and asked, “Do you know who else had childhood leukemia?” I scrunched my face, obviously confused, and replied, “Me?” I’d like to blame it on the drugs, but the truth is, I was never the brightest child (nor adult, for that matter). He laughed and said, “No… me.” I do not remember another word of the conversation, nor do I remember the actual purpose of his visit. But for the first 20 years of my life, that’s exactly who I wanted to be.
   After veering away from my path into the medical field, I’ve somehow found my way back. It only feels fitting. I have been blessed with both fortune and hardships at a young age. My fortunes brought about opportunity, while the hardships taught be valuable lessons. What was it all for if not to help others? To be there in some of the darkest times of a person’s life is truly a great responsibility, but an even greater opportunity. They too, should feel powerful.

   ~4,000 characters

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   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 8, 2021 at 7:55 am

     Tyler,
     Wow. Your story of overcoming is powerful, Tyler. I can sense your passion to help others woven throughout your essay.
     I would suggest adding some more details about your path in healthcare. How did you gain experience and what clinical skills have you learned along the way? How did you decide on the PA path specifically? What appeals to you about PA in particular? (is it more time/contact with patients? the ability to switch specialties? your desire to collaborate with a healthcare team and supervising MD?)
     You will likely need to condense parts of your story, but I would suggest doing that so you can add in some more of your path toward the PA role.
     Also, if you have any shadowing experience, I would describe that. What about this experience confirmed your decision?
     Lastly, if you have a story about a patient that motivated you to do more for patients, include that. Show yourself in action providing clinical care of some kind while caring for an anxious patient, for example. You want to show some of the characteristics you possess that will make you a great PA and what you have to offer patients.
     I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck in the process, Tyler.

     Reply

3. Madison says

   May 3, 2021 at 5:15 am

   A sick patient sitting in an inevitable cold room, anxious but patiently waiting on the healthcare provider to deliver our prognosis. I have experienced this on several occasions but one clinic visit in particular changed the trajectory of my life.
   “Take these antibiotics and pain medication, your urinary tract infection should clear up in a day or two.” I was relieved to hear this information. By this time, I had been in severe pain for 3 days. The simple instructions to rid myself of my discomfort caused me to release an audible sigh of relief. I promptly filled the prescription for the antibiotic and followed all instructions. To my dismay, the pain lingered. On day five of continuous and drastically increasing pain in my back, a trip to the ER was in order.
   To back this story up a bit, this experience took place during my senior year of college. I was living alone and it was after midnight when the pain got so bad that I decided to go to the hospital. I was concerned and quite frankly scared to know why I was still in so much pain. After vitals, lab drawls and being placed on an IV, the doctor entered in the room and said, “You have a very severe kidney infection. The medications you received at the minute clinic were not strong enough. You will need new medications to clear up the infection.” Noticing the disconnect in information from the Minute Clinic to the hospital opened my eyes to how much of a difference there can be between healthcare options. Places like urgent care centers should be as dependable as hospitals. This experience lead me to see the demand for well-rounded providers. I want help change the way the medical system operates to give others a better life.
   As a minority, understanding accessible healthcare and systematic discrimination within the healthcare system is of importance and interest to me. I was raised in a medically underserved area and I would be remised to think that my situation hasn’t happened to many others. As a part of a medically underserved population, I realize that there are many people are unable to receive appropriate medical attention due to their economic, cultural or linguistic barriers surrounding the medical profession. I have vowed that I will find innovative ways to help as many people as possible through my pursuit of becoming a Physician’s Assistant.
   When I was a third year undergraduate student, I heard about a medical professional called a Physician Assistant (PA) through volunteering in an emergency medical service organization. I was intrigued and shocked. A medical profession that is able to support, diagnose, and treat patients that I had never heard of? My mind was blown. This type of professional is a direct correlation to my undergraduate educations and lifelong passion. Volunteering for an organization out of my sheer love for serving the community and learning about patient/healthcare led me to finding my dream career as well as further my pursuit in healthcare.

   Being given the opportunity to broaden my healthcare knowledge and further my education in the healthcare environment during a pandemic is a blessing. Currently, I am a patient care technician (PCT) and I have the opportunity to not only work alongside nurses, PAs and doctors, but to also submerge myself further into patient care at the surgical level. I not only witness extreme, challenging, and life changing cases, I also witness how important skills, such as interpersonal, awareness of cultural issues and professionalism is in saving lives and in providing the best experience and care for patients.
   Through being a PCT, my skills of intuition, creative problem solving as well intellectual curiosity have thrived. Working on the surgical floor has led my interest for pursuing the PA career to flourish, due to wanting to help my patients more than what I am able to do in my current position. Watching the PAs show their vast knowledge of multiple specialties has been the biggest ability of the PA career that I am impressed with, along with their ability to directly impact a person’s life. Learning different medical protocols and the ins and outs of medicine challenges me, and that is something I want to continue to do throughout my career, learn and be challenged, as medicine will always change and evolve for the better.
   Assisting patients through a scary and difficult time in their life to assure they are comfortable, healing and overall feeling better is why I love working in the medical field. Supporting and improving communities, like my own, with easily accessible, highly trained medical professionals would greatly improve and save many lives in underserved communities. I would be greatly honored if you would support my passion and dream of becoming a PA. Not only would this decision support my dream, this decision would also help this country gain a medical professional who has the drive and desire to serve their community by improving and saving lives.

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   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 8, 2021 at 7:45 am

     Madison,
     You are off to a good start here.
     I am sorry that you had this experience and am so glad you got the help you needed. I would suggest being cautious to not appear critical of another provider in your opening statement. It is always best to stay as positive as possible in your essay. I realize that this situation must have been terrible, so do the best you can with your messaging here. Part of your story is wanting to address the inequities in the system, though, so your experience is a big part of your motivation.
     I would also add some more detail about your work history and clinical experience. What clinical skills have you gained in these roles.
     If you have any formal shadowing experiences I would also include those.
     Lastly, I would include a patient care story. You want to show yourself in action caring for a patient in time of need. You want to show some of those personal traits that will make you a compassionate and skilled PA.
     Good luck to you in the process.

     Reply

4. Elle Q says

   May 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm

   ~ Any feedback is appreciated 🙂 Wanting to strengthen my conclusion

   As a woman in her late twenties, I can feel an instinctual pull towards what I want out of my life. I know that I want to have a meaningful career that truly helps members of my community every day. Two years ago, when I was on my first clinical rotation for my current job as a surgical technologist, I learned about the physician assistant (PA) profession. I knew then, and today I am writing that essay to apply to the program. This is my end goal, and I am ready to start the journey.

   My first experience with a PA outside of a patient-provider relationship was in the operating room. I was a surgical technologist student; I was intrigued by how the PAs were able to be involved in their patients’ healthcare journey from the beginning to end. Their clinical knowledge and hands-on skills seamlessly blended together, showcasing a provider and a leader that was able to truly make a positive impact on their patient’s lives. I want to be that person for other people, as well. I am passionate about helping others; I have been taking Spanish for healthcare professionals for the last two semesters while pursuing my bachelors, and plan on continuing my Spanish to help communicate with patients and help them be more comfortable in the OR. It has already been helpful when we had a Spanish speaking patient coming in for a hysterectomy. I was able to help her with words of comfort, and helped direct her from her cart to the operating room table.

   I am specifically interested in a career as a PA. Becoming a surgical technologist was not only my first look inside an operating room, but also my first experience in the healthcare field. Being a part of a team in the operating room is something that I love about being a surgical technologist, and that PAs are a part of a team, too. Prior to working in healthcare, I was a bartender. I enjoyed the team-player aspect of working in a restaurant, and I also enjoy it in my current job, too. Additionally, by becoming a PA, I can further my education to have a more well-rounded knowledge of patient care. Sometimes when I am working, I feel limited with my knowledge as a surgical technologist regarding a patient’s medications, or when they are discussing their injuries. Additionally, I want to be able to get to know the patients that come through the OR, much like a PA will when they meet them in a clinic, are there for them before and after their surgery, and during post-operation appointments. As a surgical technologist, there is no better feeling than being able to help comfort a patient that is nervous when they come into the OR. It’s cold, they’re anxious, and they don’t want to be there. Grabbing them a warm blanket, making small talk about where they’re from, and holding their hand as they go to sleep helps them, but I feel as soon as they go to sleep seconds later, that’s it. I usually have no idea how their life changes after the surgery– if their breast cancer goes into remission, if their quality of life goes up, or anything about their diagnosis afterwards.

   Another aspect of being a PA that appeals to me is that they work all throughout the healthcare profession. When I’m sick, oftentimes I’m seen by the PA, rather than the doctor. Prior to being a surgical technologist, I was a bartender. It was a great job, but I knew it wasn’t a career for me. When I joined healthcare, I fell in love with the field, and when I found out about the PA profession, I instantly knew I would eventually take the steps to become one. Being a bartender taught me many important lessons that I believe will take me far as a both a student and a certified PA. Bartenders work with the public like PAs do, and I think those customer service skills are an important part of being a well-rounded professional. There have been so many Saturday nights where we were busy and it taught me how to handle high stress situations, and how to maintain a calm composure during it.

   When I was shadowing Dr. Angie Connors, PA-C, it was a great opportunity to take a look into what PAs do outside of the operating room. While in the clinic, she was able to see several patients, one of which stood out to me specifically. This patient came in upset that she had missed her weight goal of half a pound to be down to 100 pounds lost. She was near tears, and the way Angie was able to comfort and remind her of all the milestones that she had already accomplished significantly helped lift her spirits by the end of the appointment. This is the type of experience that makes me want to become more involved in patient care in a more full circle way.

   [conclusion] Healthcare is an amazing field to work in. I am hoping that by becoming a PA, I will be able to further help members of my community, and better the lives of others every day. My compassion for people, ability to work well with others, and experience as a surgical technologist will all be qualities that help me be a good PA for my patients and co-workers. Becoming a PA is something that I am passionate about, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to become a successful PA.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 8, 2021 at 7:33 am

     Elle,
     I saw your essay come through for our 1:1 service so will reserve comments here.
     Good luck to you!

     Reply

5. Lauren Frank says

   May 1, 2021 at 2:47 pm

   Oh no. Not again. The lights around me flashed in bright, green-colored spots before everything went black. My face would likely be flushed with shame if it was not drained of blood as I fainted in the phlebotomy chair again. I once again affirmed that the medical field would never be a career option for me as I recovered with a juice box and granola bar in hand. Years later, I am actively pursuing the career of my dreams as a physician’s assistant. This shift from disgust and fear towards the medical field to love and excitement has been a long journey. I regularly am asked why I chose to be a physician’s assistant instead of a doctor and told that I do not need to take the easy route by becoming a PA. This is a completely false assumption, as when faced with any professional or academic decision, I have never chosen the easy or more comfortable route. I always choose the route that pushes me to increase my skills and prepares me best for a fulfilling career in medicine. Through my extensive clinical experience and my own personal health challenges, I have found that being a PA would be the best career to allow me to invest in patient/provider relationships where I can provide quality care in my community.
   This is first demonstrated when I shifted my entire life course towards a medical career. In high school, I was sure I wanted to be a teacher. It was then that I became chronically ill with what I later learned to be systemic lupus. My symptoms led me to see a variety of medical professionals in various branches of medicine. At this time, my primary care provider was a PA and the provider that was most available to me and most invested in my health, allowing me to see the effect a primary care provider can have on how a patient handles the day to day of living with chronic illness. This was when I realized that I wanted to have that same positive impact on the people I interact with through my career in the future.
   After graduating high school with my associates degree in humanities from our local community college simultaneously, I threw myself into getting clinical experience while getting my PA prerequisites as a biology major. I was offered opportunities to be a medical scribe, but I wanted a job where I could serve people more closely with direct patient contact. I obtained my CNA certification, and began working in a nursing facility as soon as I turned eighteen. I worked nights for two years, studying during my shift down time, and learning as much as I could about common illnesses in the elderly community and how those illnesses impacted the lives of the residents. Here, I seized to opportunity to learn to connect with those I cared for. I learned their medical needs, and how I could best serve those needs, while helping them maintain their best quality of life.
   With my experience as a CNA, I decided there was more I needed to learn before becoming a PA, so I obtained my phlebotomy certificate. This, I knew would be difficult for me, given my intense fear of needles. But it was in this training that I learned how common this fear is, and that helping patients overcome this fear, or any fear of medical professionals, is imperative to creating a good patient/provider relationship. Once I began work as a phlebotomist, I made it my personal goal to help those on whom I performed draws to be comfortable, relaxed, and imprinted with the best possible perspective on the procedure. I learned through this job the dire need for bilingual medical providers in my community. I began to study Spanish in my free time, until I was able to complete an appointment entirely in my patient’s own language. I continue to study Spanish to help any patient I work with understand that I care and want to provide them with the best service possible. Through this work, I have demonstrated how determined I am to provide excellent patient care, while helping those I work with express their concerns as I complete medical service with empathy and professionalism.
   I constantly get the question of, “Why don’t you just become a doctor?”, and I have never once answered that becoming a physician’s assistant is easier. Through my personal health experience, I have been treated by doctors and physician’s assistants, and I have worked with them both in my clinical experience. I have found that my skill set of attention to detail, quick learning, empathy, and a desire to help those in my community have access to the best medical care possible, make me an ideal fit to be a physician’s assistant. When I become a physician’s assistant, I will make a difference in my underserved community by creating patient/provider relationships where the patient feels comfortable and understood, so that they can receive quality care. I want to make a positive impact in my community as a physician’s assistant, because my heart is in direct patient care and creating connections that better the lives of those with whom I work.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 8, 2021 at 6:58 am

     Lauren,
     I can relate to the story in your introduction. I don’t like needles either.
     I would suggest avoiding the “why not MD” discussion simply because you don’t want to use the characters here. Instead, focus some more on the reasons that compel you to become a PA.
     I would also mentioning what you witnessed in any shadowing experiences that confirmed your decision.
     Also, I suggest sharing a patient care story. Show yourself in action, calming an anxious patient, for example. (I’m sure you have some great stories from your drawing blood.) You want to reveal more of what will make you an effective and compassionate PA here. Lastly, I would spotlight any clinical skills that you have gained through your clinical experiences.
     I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more assistance, we are currently taking essay submissions for our revision service. Good luck to you!

     Reply

6. Theresa says

   April 30, 2021 at 3:30 pm

   Looking ahead at the hospital hallway on the oncology floor may not spark the interest of many visitors. However, as a rehab tech at the University of Kansas Medical Center, one quickly learns that each square on the floor represents a monumental journey for the patient attempting to make their way to the other end. Each step can feel like a mile for someone that is medically and physically healing. Being given the opportunity to stand right by their side as they take these first shaky steps has played a vital role in my decision to pursue medicine. But working alongside many Physician Assistants (PA) has contributed to my decision to become a PA.
   My PA journey is not the traditional one. My fascination with the human body and its function led me to apply to a Physical Therapy (PT) dual degree university. I took the first opportunity to work as a patient transporter at Research Medical Center. This allowed me to provide considerate care to vulnerable patients, observe the importance of communication between members of a medical team and acknowledge that collaboration was the key to obtain the best patient outcomes. I recall the first conversation I had with the medical PA. I watched as she patiently listened to me present my case, shared words of sympathy with our mutual patient, conducted a thorough physical examination and continued to construct an organized treatment plan. It was the level of compassionate care that sparked my drive to provide the same level of care for my patients one day. From that first interaction with the PA, I struggled to keep my passion for PT.
   While working regularly with patients as a rehab tech the last two years, I have witnessed the PAs interact with patients and have been reminded of my desire to pursue this career. Being able to assist patients with regaining their independence and the progress they make with small steps has been gratifying. It has further ignited the craving to be involved in their overall well-being like they were. My years in the hospital have helped me strengthen my communication abilities with patients of all ages and different healthcare providers, understand the significance of empathy and the process of healing in medicine. A patient I am often reminded of was a teacher and father of three named Greg who had lost all hope of his mobility. I took this on as a challenge and worked with Greg for weeks to maintain his diminished muscle strength. There were days where his progress seemed inevitable while others were filled with disappointment at his inability to get out of wheelchair. It was the latter days that the interventions from the PAs were much appreciated. Despite Gregs terminal illness diagnoses, I was able to contribute to his first steps. This was the result of hard work, dedication and perseverance, qualities I have instilled within me with the help of Greg.
   To solidify my decision to pursue PA studies, I shadowed multiple PAs in different medical settings like neurosurgery, emergency medicine, cardiology and primary care. In each of these health care experiences, I was able to find that missing passion, it was the privilege to provide medical care to patients to ensure overall health. I enthusiastically watched the PAs care for patients of various ages and races, perform physical exams, diagnose and treat, perform bedside procedures and use different medical equipment all while having the ability to review complex cases with their attendings. The ability to practice in multiple specialties after training was incredible. Each of these PAs had vast medical knowledge but their eagerness to learn was remarkable. With every shadowing opportunity I was able to recognize my own capabilities to become a skilled PA.
   Switching from PT to PA was academically and financially challenging. I remained focused and motivated to avoid falling behind on my intentions to provide education and clinical skills to the well-being of others on their journey to recovery. While working two jobs tirelessly, I learned how to effectively manage my time and discovered habits to help me avoid burnout which I will strive to contribute to your program. I am certain that my dedication will allow me to succeed in your program and further as a licensed physician assistant.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 8, 2021 at 6:42 am

     Theresa,
     You are off to a good start. Your story about Greg shows your compassion and ability to connect with patients. You may even want to add one more sentence here that shows you in action.
     I would highlight any clinical skills you have gained in your experience.
     You may even want to mention your commitment to collaboration since this is such a vital part of the PA’s role.
     I am not saying you need this, but should you want more help remember that we are taking essay submissions for our revision service.
     I wish you good luck in the process.

     Reply

7. Kelly S says

   April 28, 2021 at 12:52 pm

   “This is the only thing that keeps me going,” expressed Donald, gifting me the drawing he completed as I sat beside him in the dialysis clinic. It was our initial nutrition counseling session after he restarted hemodialysis following the rejection of his kidney transplant. His labs revealed hyperphosphatemia, and as the dietetic intern, I prepared for a discussion of high phosphorus foods and proper phosphate-binder use. Unexpectedly, as our session progressed, more pressing issues were revealed. Donald became emotional, detailing the recent passing of his mother and the lack of independence he experienced living alone in his nursing home. All of this left him feeling depressed and isolated. When Donald’s session came to an end, he expressed his gratitude for me listening to his story. After finishing our conversation, I went to inform the team of my concern for Donald’s wellbeing, but I was filled with an overwhelming impulse to provide him with more care than my scope of practice as a future dietitian permitted. It was my experience with Donald that solidified my decision to become a physician assistant. He made me realize that I desired a more central role for the patients in my care.

   Although I was interested in the sciences and healthcare as an undergraduate, I was uncertain as to where those interests would lead me. Believing dietetics would be the gateway to fulfilling my passions, I declared it as my major. My earliest patient care experiences started as an undergraduate working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at the Orthopeadic Hospital of Wisconsin. It was in this position I developed an understanding of the vulnerability individuals experience as patients. Here, I first worked with physician assistants. Inspired by them and the other professionals I worked alongside, my decision to embrace a career in healthcare was solidified. I quickly developed a passion for maintaining the dignity of my patients. When taking vitals, removing IVs, and attaching cardiogram leads, I made a conscious effort to do so with empathy and communication so that my patients felt comfortable and confident with the care they were receiving.

   As a student studying dietetics, it was my ambition to experience patient care with an emphasis on nutrition. I did this by obtaining a position at the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center’s Biochemical Genetics Clinic as a nutrition assistant. In this role, I was responsible for collaborating with a team to care for patients with rare metabolic disorders, such as phenylketonuria, for which nutrition is the main treatment. I played an integral part in communicating with the patients to ensure they had adequate access to their medical formulas, medical foods, and other resources that were essential for optimal adherence to their strict diet prescriptions. Since I was serving a rare patient population, resources were not widely available. One of the most rewarding challenges of this position was assisting in designing and running a summer camp for the patients. This provided them with educational opportunities, as well as to connect them with others who share their disorder. At this camp, a teenager named Katie confided in me the hardships she faced at school where she felt misunderstood by her peers who did not understand the strict diet she followed, a diet which was critical to maintaining her quality of life. As a PA, I will make it a priority to use my skills and training to make patients like Katie feel valued and understood.

   Now, while functioning in the role of a clinical dietitian as a dietetic intern at Tufts Medical Center, my passion for becoming a PA grows daily. Although I enjoy managing enteral and parental feeding regimens and providing nutritional counseling, I continually find myself yearning to be more centrally involved in the patients’ care. Instead of assessing a patient and providing recommendations for feeding regimens to the medical team, I want to make broader decisions and be a more integral part of patient’s care.

   The day I met Donald I left the conversation inspired to do more than my scope of practice as a registered dietitian would allow. From my experiences working alongside PAs, as both a CNA and a dietetic intern, I learned that becoming a PA is the quintessential way to fulfill this revelation. Physician assistants have the ideal balance of hand-on patient care, teamwork, and independence I desire. As a PA, I will be a patient-centered provider, using my education and abilities to advocate for all those under my care. The drawing Donald gifted me – which is now proudly displayed in my apartment – is a constant reminder of why I want to become a part of a healthcare team as a PA and have a central role in encouraging my patients to ‘keep going’.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 4, 2021 at 7:20 pm

     Kelly,
     You do a good job of showing some of your character qualities that will make you an empathetic provider. The story about Donald was effective. I also like how you tie back to the story in your conclusion.
     You show what appeals to you about the PA profession, and I can sense your desire to do more for patients throughout your essay.
     I would elaborate some on your shadowing experience. What did you admire about the interactions you witnessed? (between PA/supervising physician or PA/provider)
     Good luck to you in the process.

     Reply

8. Rachel says

   April 27, 2021 at 2:29 pm

   DRAFT 2: I am a little but over on character limit

   To knit a blanket the proper supplies are needed: knitting needles, yarn, and a game plan of how to make the blanket. There needs to be a level of meticulousness to guarantee no mistakes are made. Each loop is intentionally cast on to the needle, each with its own purpose. Respectively, every experience is cast on one’s journey piece by piece, all contributing to the finished work. The intricacy of the blanket is added by utilizing diverse techniques and patterns to the yarn, all working together and changing its role throughout the process. Moving down the yarn and making each knot, everything slowly comes together and becomes further intertwined as the final product gradually unites. Now, just start. As the yarn is cast onto the needle, the parallelism between knitting and a PA is slowly unmasked.

   Watching Arnold, an orthopedic PA, in surgery, immediately took me back to when my arm was sutured after being bitten by a dog and reminded me of the fascination I had as my skin was reunited by a single piece of string. The recollection of images of my blood streaming down my arm, my parents frantically trying to communicate with what little knowledge of the English language they had, and nobody giving a bit of reassurance that everything would be alright. The event, so deeply rooted within me, was what sparked my curiosity of how I, not as a patient but a medical professional, would act to alleviate the pain of a family so desperate for help. My passion to partake in the team to help and comfort those in medical need was gained from that moment. I wanted to be part of this body that provides both sides of healing: physical and emotional.

   Whether it’s because I’ve directly encountered underserved communities from a young age or experienced emotional healing myself, I understand how emotional comfort is all one may need to heal their wounds. Their pain isn’t a wound that can be mended by hands, but from sincerity. I will never forget the moment when the silent and distant five-year-old girl I spent weeks with in Ensenada shock and hug me as she sat in my lap smiling. She had been broken by the very people who were supposed to keep her safe and I was determined to piece her back by offering her something she never received: warmth and reassurance that she was safe. We were separated by an entirely different language and culture, but healing a person with sincerity, proved it had no boundaries.

   Working with Dr. Sohn, I understand why our patients depend on him and our team. Dr. Sohn offers both physical and emotional healing. The very thing I want to provide my patients. I’ve not only refined my clinical skills, but my engagement in the interpersonal and interprofessional relationships as my role in this team continues to grow. Dr. Sohn takes his time to listen to each patient and their concerns, patiently explaining everything to them and confirming they understood what he said as well. He goes the extra mile to get to know them, joke with them, and comfort them during their consultation. I aim to practice these traits by actively communicating and interacting with my patients as I triage and draw their blood, listening to their concerns and providing support during their moments of uncertainty. As I see each patient, my relationship with other professionals grows as I gain more experience assisting in organizing treatment plans and communicating with other providers and team members. The relationships that are continuously cultivated are regularly added into a blanket of knots and stitches, all interconnected and significant to each other.

   As a PA, I cultivate a closer bond with my patients while having an active role in their care utilizing my strengths to offer the best treatment for them. I’m in a position to bridge the gap that may exist between the patient and doctor by communicating their concerns and doubts to the doctor from the relationship I develop with my patients by listening and empathizing with their stories. I participate in an interprofessional collaboration with other providers cooperating to build a curated treatment plan for each patient. Further, lateral mobility allows me to continuously learn and build myself to be a skilled provider and stronger asset in the team I’m in. I can apply the knowledge I’ve gained from the specialties I’ve been in to help strategize a care plan while acting like a chameleon adapting to the changing environments and settings I’m in.

   A completed blanket is meticulously made and is an object that brings warmth and comfort. The knots and loops create a unique pattern throughout the blanket that emulates an interconnected web of relationships that I further construct as a future PA. It’s a relationship I can build with other providers and my team, furthermore, a relationship I’m able to harvest with my patients. I’m able to provide quality care where I can build relationships with my patients as I provide care for them. I’m in a position to be part of the team that not only heals them physically but emotionally as well during one of their most vulnerable and weakest moments.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 4, 2021 at 7:07 pm

     Rachel,
     Time only allows me to offer comments on this platform one time.
     If you need more help you may want to consider our essay revision service as we are taking submissions.
     I wish you good luck!

     Reply

9. Elisa says

   April 26, 2021 at 7:03 pm

   At the age of 13, I remember being in the hospital holding my mother’s hand while reassuring her that my brother was doing great. Her hand was ice cold, which was uncommon for her. I looked up at her and noticed her face was rather pale, then suddenly she was gone. I tried waking her up by squeezing her hand and forcefully pushing my hand against her chest, but there was no response. The alarms on the monitors started going off, and all of the personnel, including nurses and physicians, ran in to assist my mom. I moved out of the way and observed how the medical personnel worked together in a very organized manner to save my mother’s life. After performing CPR and multiple blood transfusions, they were able to stabilize my mom. The gratitude I felt for those nurses and doctors that acted promptly to save her life made me realize that the medical field is what I was born to do.

   A year later, due to the legal status of my family, we were forced to move to Mexico. I enrolled in a high school that offered a dual program, meaning I would receive my high school diploma and a bachelor’s in nursing after graduation. My non-fluent Spanish made it extremely challenging for me to grasp all the new information thrown at me throughout high school. However, I never let that hold me back from being one of the tops of my generation. A critical part of my nursing program included volunteering for annual vaccination campaigns, shadowing nurses and sometimes doctors in acute hospital settings. We would travel to rural parts of the city to provide vaccines to those that would otherwise not have access to such preventative care. Although I loved working in the acute hospital setting, I found my work in those rural communities more rewarding and impactful. On one occasion, we went to an elder’s home who was diabetic and needed a sore he had developed on his lower leg cleaned. I will never forget how grateful this older man was that we came to his home to check on his wound since he had no means of transportation to make it to the hospital.

   A couple of months after graduating high school, I came back to America. I was eager to begin working in the medical field, so I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and started working in a long-term care facility. As a CNA, I assisted mainly older adults in their daily activities while making sure they felt appreciated. Providing the best care for residents and seeing how appreciative they are has been one of the most rewarding experiences of working in the healthcare field. I learned the importance of working as a team with the physical therapist, nurses, dietitians, and doctors to improve the residents’ overall quality of life. After about a year, I transferred to another CNA position in the recovery room. I helped get patients prepped for surgery and then assisted the nurses with the patients right after surgery. I worked primarily in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where I would help nurses by bringing them anything the patient might need and always staying close by the unit in case any complications occur.

   After two years of working as a CNA in both long-term and acute settings, I was offered an opportunity to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients in the endoscopy suite. As an endoscopy technician, I directly assist doctors in gastroenterology (GI) procedures, including gastroscopies, colonoscopies, and endoscopic ultrasound procedures. During these cases, my priority is to ensure the patient is safe by providing clean endoscopes and making sure we have the proper equipment for each procedure. The fact that I can work directly with doctors to diagnose and treat patients with GI diseases is fascinating to me.

   The accumulation of all of the events described above, doing my research on various medical fields, and shadowing a PA undoubtedly brought me to the conclusion of pursuing my dream to become a PA. The level of patient interaction, the ability to work in diverse specialties, the autonomy, and ultimately the length and cost of schooling made me realize there is no other profession I will love more than being a PA. Helping underserved communities, forming meaningful connections with patients, and ultimately not only treating patients but providing the resources needed to prevent disease is the driving force that motivates me to become a PA. I am confident I will succeed in your program since I always accomplish what I set my mind to, and becoming a PA is my biggest dream.

   Thank you in advance any advice on perfecting my statement is highly appreciated.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     May 4, 2021 at 7:04 pm

     Elisa,
     You’re quite welcome.
     I think you are off to a good start. That story about your mother had me on the edge of my seat. (I’m so thankful she was okay.) You do a good job here of capturing the reader’s attention and showing what sparked your interest in medicine.
     You also are effective in showing your work experience and clinical skills.
     I would elaborate some on the patient story about the elder and the wound. You may want to give him a name and add some dialog and more details. You want to show some of your traits in action that will make you a good PA.
     I would also elaborate some on your shadowing experience. What did you admire about the PAs interaction with the supervising physician or with a patient?
     Lastly, for your conclusion I would tie back to that powerful introduction in some way.
     Good luck to you, Elisa!

     Reply

10. Marin Phillips says

    April 26, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    A woman raced through the entrance of the hospital and looked around frantically. She rushed up to me, a volunteer, and pleaded for a wheelchair. She explained that her son was unconscious in the car outside. My heart racing, I grabbed a wheelchair and accompanied her to the car, followed by several nurses. They lifted the boy into the chair as I stepped back, watching from the sidelines, feeling completely helpless.

    This was not a heroic moment where I saved the day. I provided a wheelchair and a few encouraging words to a hysterical mother, as this was where my scope of practice as a volunteer ended. But I longed to one day take part in a more essential role. That moment transformed my curiosity in medicine into a desire to step into a role where I can offer vital care and support to people in some of their most fearful times.

    I went on to earn my degree in physiology at UCLA, while I sought to learn more about the medical field. I interned at UCLA’s hospital, worked in pulmonary clinical research, led a team in exercise physiology clinical research, and shadowed healthcare providers in multiple specialties. I did not know much about the physician assistant (PA) profession, and many of my experiences and the desire to diagnose and treat patients led me to the path for medical school instead. It wasn’t until I met Eliza that everything changed.

    Eliza is a general surgery PA who opened my eyes to the profession when she treated my sister. I was drawn to her autonomy and her intentionality with her patients. She explained her preference for collaborating with a physician and they share opinions and learn from one another. The ability of a PA to work in multiple specialties appealed to me as well as my husband is a submarine officer in the Navy and as we may move frequently, this lateral mobility will allow me to best serve the community we are in. I found that being a PA aligned far greater with my career aspirations than being a physician did. Additionally, the PA’s goal of improving access to healthcare and reaching the underserved is so necessary and I am eager to become a part of that mission. Eliza has continued to mentor me over the past two years; from pre-COVID lunch visits at the hospital, to now frequent FaceTime calls, we talk about current events in the PA world, her work in educating others in culturally competent care, and her passion for empowering those joining this profession. Her dedication has given me the ambition to be a PA whose work extends beyond their clinical duty and invests in the profession and their community as well.

    In addition to Eliza’s mentorship, I’ve been privileged to work alongside several PAs who have further affirmed my career choice. At my first job as a medical assistant, I worked with a PA named Andy. I took notice of his ability to dive deeper into individual patient cases while the doctor managed a broader range of care. He taught me as we worked, asking me questions about intriguing cases, and he even quizzed me to see if I could identify a systolic murmur after auscultating a patient (I couldn’t, but that’s what PA school is for, right?). At my current job, I work with a PA named Doug and have the unique opportunity of joining him to manage a clinical research trial, in addition to seeing patients in the clinic. These PAs have shown me how dynamic the PA profession is, from working in different specialties, being involved in research, educating others about the profession, and more.

    On my journey to become a PA, I discovered a motivation that supersedes my attraction to the intellectual challenge, autonomy, and clinical leadership. I’ll never forget one of my patients, an elderly woman who was new to our clinic. As I took her medical history, she calmly stated that she was very depressed. She carried on with the conversation, but I noticed that her eyes were filled with tears. I paused my questions, handed her a tissue, and held her hand. I encouraged her that she was in the right place to seek help and that we were on her team. From that day on, she insisted I was always with her at our clinic. She often told me more information than she shared with the doctor, even though she knew I had to inform him of what she disclosed, simply because she felt safe with me. This woman showed me the absolute importance of establishing trust with our patients. It was my greatest privilege to help her through her healing and I hope to always be that safe place for my patients. It is my driving ambition for this career to be a person my patients trust and allow them to feel support and safety through their struggles.

    Reflecting on that pivotal moment as a volunteer, I look forward to stepping up from the sidelines and becoming more equipped in my ability to provide care. I am eager to become a PA, applying the skills I have and will learn to care and advocate for my patients. After all, healthcare is so much more than following a protocol to treat diseases, it is connecting with the person beneath the problem and being their champion for healing.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      May 4, 2021 at 8:30 am

      Marin,
      I think you do a great job of showing why the PA profession appeals to you.
      Also, I can sense your ability to connect with patients on a human level.
      I would spotlight any clinical skills you have picked up while describing some of your work experience. You want to show what you have experienced that has prepared you for PA school.
      I am not saying you need this, but should you want further help, we are currently taking submissions for our essay revision service.
      I wish you good luck on your journey!

      Reply

11. Marisa says

    April 26, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    I pulled my stuffed animal in tighter as I entered the hospital room and tried to gather what was going on. Beeps from monitor screens showing funny-looking squiggles and a whiteboard with long complex words that were beyond my fifth-grade vocabulary left me anxious. My aunt had just received a kidney after waiting years on a transplant list. Her surgeon used my stuffed animal as a model to teach me about the location and function of the healthy kidney that she now had. This began my interest in medicine. From that time, I knew I wanted to treat people and help them understand what is going on in their bodies.
    It was not until high school that I heard of the physician assistant (PA) profession and decided that was the path for me. To gain diverse healthcare experience, I began volunteering at SPGH in the ED and various other floor units. I could not have imagined the impact that spending time with patients from all walks of life would have on me. It was a unique experience to interact with patients during their intake in the ED and later comfort them when admitted to a unit. There was one patient, in particular, that stood out to me. Mr. Ray had no loved ones to care for him and was frequently admitted to the hospital for medical and social needs. He never failed to put a smile on my face while we talked and did activities during his stays. As a volunteer, I also translated for Spanish-speaking patients that only had their stories partially understood. I can educate them on the care they receive and quell their anxieties that no one will be able to help them. Providing comfort to vulnerable patients is important to me and a large factor in my decision to become a PA. I hope to carry on my experience and one-day work with similar underserved populations in my community.
    To expand my patient care experience, I began working as a medical scribe in the ED at MMH. As a scribe, I get to follow the treatment of patients from their initial story to their disposition. By observing physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs, I have seen how to perform a physical exam, come up with differential diagnoses, and know what tests and medications to order for a plethora of medical conditions. My time as a scribe has been an invaluable experience in how to be an informed practitioner and provide preeminent patient care. I have accrued hands-on skills from assisting in the Epley maneuver to helping reduce a shoulder. Each day brings exposure to everything from a sore throat to pediatric trauma code. I look forward to transitioning from listening to patients as a scribe to taking action in carrying out a treatment plan as a PA. I am grateful for the wide scope of exposure I received as a scribe and I am excited to further my education and hands-on clinical skills as a PA student.
    Working in the ED with PAs solidified my decision and made me all the more determined to be a PA. I am fortunate to work alongside PAs and see firsthand the role they play within a healthcare team. They consistently impress me as I observe them work autonomously with patients of all levels of acuity. An appealing aspect of the job is the ability to consult with a physician and work together as a team to provide the best care possible to patients. I have the pleasure to work closely with two PAs who have become my mentors. Mike and Melissa have taught me about the PA profession through their work ethic and clinical empathy.I am inspired by them to not solely treat a patient’s physical symptoms, but offering compassion and support to them and their families.
    My time as a scribe provided context to information I learned as a student. Through my time in school, I took pertinent courses such as anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and can apply information from textbooks into everyday clinical experiences. For example, I read about common symptoms of nephrolithiasis in school, and I now see the association of positive CVA tenderness on a physical exam. Through my education, I recognized I could strengthen my study habits, including working harder independently and organizing group study sessions. My shift in study techniques resulted in an up-trending GPA and has prepared me to take on the rigorous nature of PA school and a career as a lifelong learner as a PA.
    Through my experiences, I am prepared and excited to move from the background to the forefront of direct patient care. Volunteering with patients in a hospital has provided me with skills in clinical empathy and a desire to serve my community. Working as a scribe has afforded me invaluable clinical education and experience that will be effective in excelling as a PA student. I feel confident in my ability to work hard and execute my goals while attending PA school and start my journey to better my community in the future, one patient at a time. I am ready to become the provider that takes the time to make their patients and their loved ones feel safe and heard.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      May 3, 2021 at 7:13 pm

      Marisa,
      You do a good job of showing how your interest in medicine developed. I also like your explanation of what appeals to you about the PA profession. You also do a good job of showing what you have observed through working with PAs. If you have any formal shadowing experience I would mention what you learned through that as well.
      Good luck to you in the journey, Marisa.

      Reply