The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

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1. Stephanie S says

   December 2, 2019 at 3:22 pm

   It happened fast. She was running, then she was down – screaming. But I saw what happened. She planted her left foot and pivoted to chase the ball; a classic non-contact injury. As I ran out onto the field, my gut told me the injury. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). I was in the second year of my Master’s of Athletic Training (AT) program and my supervisor happened to be at a different game that day. After I completed the injury evaluation, I called my supervisor. She reaffirmed that I performed a thorough evaluation and she also suspected an ACL tear; she thanked me for being there.
   I recommended the family see their physician to schedule an MRI to confirm the injury. Later that week, the family told me she had torn her ACL. At this news, a warm feeling washed over me that I will never forget. It was my body telling me: “You are good at this, you know what you are doing”. It was a feeling I had never felt with anything else. Later that week, I sat down with the athlete and her family and presented research I found on different grafts for surgery and the pros/cons of each one. At school, I performed preoperative rehabilitation therapy to achieve full range of motion. At the end of the season, her soccer team presented me with a custom plaque thanking me for my dedication. It was this collective moment that made realize the medical field was for me and eventually led me to want to become a Physician’s Assistant (PA).
   My medical field journey started in high school in an AT class. I worked alongside my high school AT and was impressed by his ability to connect and care for his athletes. He was the kind of professional I wanted to be. My journey continued at Colorado State University (CSU) where I pursued a degree in Health and Exercise Science. During my time at CSU, I continued to build my knowledge and experience in the medical field through classes and extracurriculars. My senior year I accepted a student position with the CSU Football Program during the 2014 season. It was my personal goal to make sure the athletes felt cared for during practices and games. Once I completed my CSU bachelor’s degree, I knew I was passionate about medical practice and working with athletes, so I pursued a Master’s of Science in Athletic Training at Weber State University (WSU). Here I had my first opportunity to work alongside a PA in an urgent care setting. I learned he started as an athletic trainer but transitioned into a PA to further his medical practice. He talked about the broader scope of care he provides compared to that of an athletic trainer. This stuck with me. As I gained a better understanding of the AT field I knew it’s medical limitations, and felt I may want to advance my practice at some point.
   Once I graduated WSU, I obtained a job at Brighton High School (BHS) in Colorado as the Head AT as well as AT teacher. While I have loved my time at BHS, I kept thinking about what the PA in Utah told me and knew I wanted to be more involved in general medical care outside of acute sport injuries. I was fortunate to have had multiple opportunities to work alongside and shadow the BHS team doctor’s PA at school and the clinic where she worked. I witnessed amazing collaborative effort between the physician and PA and also how she confidently worked with her patients independently. I deeply admired her ability to connect with her patients during a time when they were uniquely vulnerable. She also told me about her career journey as a PA. She started in trauma surgery, then went to primary care and currently works in orthopedic care. This career flexibility was enticing. Seeing her work collaboratively with a physician, work independently with her patients and the possibility to change career settings further confirmed my ambitions to become a PA.
   The last 8 years of studies, work and extracurricular activities made it an easy decision to pursue primary care medicine as a PA. I’m passionate about being more involved in the entire medical process, instead of just my scope as an AT. With this decided, I researched programs and took the proper prerequisites while still working my full time job as an AT and teacher. I also had the opportunity to shadow a PA in an orthopedic clinic and a private family practice, which further confirmed my desire to be a PA. During summer break 2019, I was grateful to accept a volunteer position as a Therapy Assistant at Adam’s Camp. This will further prepare me to work collaboratively with different disciplines and with diverse populations. It’s also a way for me to give back and help these adolescents participate in physical activities I cherish.
   Although I am very proud of these honors and accomplishments, I remain humble and focused on my long-term goal of becoming a PA. I know there are many worthy professional candidates for you to consider. I hope my professional and academic experience shows how much I have prepared for this next step. Thank you for your consideration.

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2. Andrew says

   November 27, 2019 at 6:27 am

   Cancer…. unfortunately, most people know what this word means. For me this word means losing a grandmother. Not only did I lose someone but so did the rest of my family. As I mourn, I felt the need to console my grandpa and the rest of my family. Planning a funeral and figuring out how we were going to pay for it felt impossible and overwhelming. These issues all stem from one thing … cancer. The cancer crept into our lives and left us with a gigantic hole in our family. I felt that all of this could have been avoided. I felt angry but mostly I felt lost. These are just a few of the problems that families face when losing someone to cancer.
   Most people want to blame the doctor. They don’t know how overworked doctors can be, working for days on just a few short hours of sleep. Most people forget that they are people with problems like you or I and they can make mistakes. Fortunately, in 1965 a profession was born … physician assistant. This profession was created to solve the physician shortage. Physicians were extremely overworked causing them to make horrible mistakes. A mistake like overlooking the breast cancer my grandmother had.
   Fortunately, my grandmother had a physician assistant who caught the cancer allowing her life to continue instead of ending like the way it did in my first paragraph. The physician assistant caught what the doctor had overlooked. This one physician assistant not only changed the future for my grandmother, but, for my whole family. This was my first experience hearing about what a physician assistant was.
   It was the end of my junior year in college while majoring in secondary education. I had my doubts about going into this profession. I knew that I wouldn’t be happy teaching for the next 40 years. Suddenly, the word physician assistant echoed off the walls during one of my family gatherings. “What’s everyone talking about?” I asked my mother. “A physician assistant found breast cancer in grandma. He found it early enough that she’ll be ok,” my mother replied. I felt so grateful and relieved to know that my grandma was going to be ok.
   I couldn’t get the term physician assistant out of my head. I felt the need to research it. I looked on my computer for hours finding out everything I could about this term. The more I found out about the profession the more I wanted to be a part of it. I realized then that I was pursuing the wrong degree. I took a semester off, researched the profession and set up a job shadowing experience. I shadowed a physician assistant in general medicine for 80+ hours. I went to Pre-PA Society meetings to meet different kinds of PA’s. These experiences confirmed that this was something I needed to do.
   I knew that switching my degree wasn’t going to be easy. Changing from secondary education to biomedical science meant that none of my credits would transfer. That meant that I would have start completely over. I couldn’t let three small years stand in the way of the rest of my future. I knew that I would have to sacrifice a lot to get that degree. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
   I’m a first-generation college student who had to pay for my way. I worked through school bouncing from job to job. The constant change in schedule from semester to semester forced me to find any job that would hire a college student. These jobs did not pay well which made it impossible for me to rent. I became homeless for 3 years while pursuing my degree, but, luckily for me I owned a car. This car became my home until I could find a place to sleep.
   I was fortunate enough to have friends that would let me crash on their couch or an extra bed from time to time. I would bounce from apartment to apartment until finally a friend with a basement allowed me to put up a wall to create a bedroom for myself. I paid him as much as I could, and he was gracious enough to have me. This wall meant big things for me. I finally have privacy, comfort and some stability. I no longer had to worry about where I was going to sleep. I could focus on my main priority, getting my degree.
   My senior year I was able to fully focus on my degree and get some valuable patient care hours as a phlebotomist. I currently work at Bronson as an LCA to gain an understanding of how a lab operates. This journey has been challenging but extremely fulfilling. I am eager to continue my pursuit as a physician assistant.

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3. Sarah says

   November 11, 2019 at 8:35 pm

   I thought the medical field was about diseases and cures; symptoms and diagnoses; patients’ complaints, and doctors’ theories. But I was proven wrong. On one of my first days as a medical assistant, a mother brought in her child, a son, probably around 6 years old. Her son was in pain, could barely move, and just lay on the table with a sad expression on his face. With the care and tenderness that I have seen her exhibit with other patients, the PA examined the child. She felt around for a few moments, listened, and then she frowned. From the clinical standpoint, it was straightforward—send the child to the hospital. But from the implicit viewpoint, the one I learned about on that day, it was not so clear at first. Only later, after the whole episode occurred, did I realize the underlying points of the visit.
   For the past year and a half, I have been fortunate to work as a medical assistant in a pediatric office. My daily interactions with patients provide an opportunity for me to share my caring, compassion, and ever-growing knowledge. Often, a child will be nervous, anticipating his upcoming encounter. With a warm smile and a few calming words, I try to help the child relax and realize that visits to the doctor are not scary. Alternatively, some parents need reinforcement, and for them I express my feelings and let know how I care for their child.
   Furthermore, I usually spend a few extra minutes in the room talking to the parents just so we can build up a rapport. Patients are usually more comfortable and feel that they can trust their provider when they know the person helping them, rather than when they have to deal with a stranger. I try to make each visit pleasant by helping patients recognize that, at the doctor’s office, everyone cares, we are all here to help. Yes, part of that involves talking with the patient, but sometimes this entails going the extra mile. With each patient, I am given a new challenge and I do my best to succeed. My goal is that all patients should remain healthy and always be content.
   As a PA, I hope to fulfill this goal with every patient that I encounter. When I shadowed a PA in the cardiology department of a local hospital, I watched how she interacted with her patients. During an admission, I perceived how even though the PA did very little in terms of physically taking care of the patient at the moment, much was accomplished by way of her gathering a history and outlining the planned treatment. After talking with the PA for a few minutes, the family seemed somewhat relieved, knowing that their loved one would receive competent care. This is how I intend to emulate the PA that I shadowed and attempt to fulfill my goal.
   Additionally, during my shadowing stint, I observed how the PA collaborated with fellow PAs, doctors, and nurses. I enjoyed the fact that the PA was most involved in designing the course of treatment, prescribing medication and ordering appropriate tests, while the doctor was there for consult and final approval, and the nurse actually carried out the plan. From this experience, I learned that medicine is a community where everyone has to work together in order to attain success.
   However, with all that said, there still remains the lesson regarding medicine that I learned that time, on one of my first days at work.
   As the mother heard that her son had to go to the hospital, her face fell, overwhelmed with the anticipated events that would now fill her afternoon. And as if not wanting the prognosis to be true, she asked, “Does he really have to go? He has a big play in school today. Can he go to school?”
   It seemed inane, how the mother could be so nearsighted. Yet, looking at the mother and then at her sick son lying on the table, it dawned on me; I realized that healthcare is not all about healing the sick—much of what we do results in knowledge and values gleaned for ourselves. I came to understand the true meaning of the oft-quoted phrase, “love is blind.” Yes, there is an alternate meaning to the phrase, but from my perspective, I understood how the mother could ask if her child could go to school when he lay there so obviously in pain and in need of medical attention. As William S. Burroughs, an American writer and visual artist, stated, “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.” Meaning, that the superficial is nothing; it is the depth of the concepts and ideas that brings knowledge. Obviously, this concept can apply to all areas of life—not just to schooling. As a PA, one should be able to look at the patient’s symptoms and treat accordingly, yet more so, a PA should delve deeper, uncover the whole story, become intuitive to patient interactions, and by doing this, one should be able to not only help their patients, but to also gain much themselves from the life lessons learned.

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4. Maris says

   October 29, 2019 at 2:27 pm

   Slumped over in a wheel chair, holding back my tears my dad held my hand as I waited in the busy ER with a very broken ankle. With the lobby under construction, all the patients waiting to been seen were squeezed into a back corner. All we can hear are bells and whistles and overheard calls asking doctors to answers phones or go to a certain room. Then we hear the big one “Code Blue ER 14” and like we were in a movie, nurses and doctors seemed to appear from every corner running past the make-shift waiting room through the mysterious doors labeled “Authorized personnel only.” I couldn’t help but wonder what happened behind those doors. Every time someone would go in and out I would get just a peak of the scene, but never enough to fully understand what was going on. My turn finally came and after my x ray the doctor informed me my ankle was in fact broken, as if I couldn’t tell by the distorted twist and peculiar bulge pushing under my skin. He told me he was giving me “Sleepy medicine” so he could put it back in place. I was terrified and confused by his vague statement and scanning the room for an answer. I woke up in my bed room with a cast on my leg and countless unanswered questions.
   My ankle healed but my questions didn’t. What was the sleepy medicine? How did he put it back into place? If he fixed it why did I still have to have surgery? As I began college I knew I wanted to be involved in the medical field and being a nurse seemed like my only choice. After my first nursing class I knew it was absolutely the wrong decision. Thankfully my advisor introduced me to respiratory therapy. She set me up to shadow one of her former students and I realized this is it. I could finally make it through a class without falling asleep. I was interested in the topics, clinical were so exciting and I actually enjoyed studying. I was offered a job before I even graduated and I fell right into my first career. As an RT my work assignment changes every day but I seemed to fall in love with working in the emergency room. I get to experience the chaos behind the doors first hand. I finally had answers to all my questions.
   In the high speed world that is an emergency room I seem to adapt and overcome every curveball thrown my way. I was soon offered a position as an advanced respiratory therapist and taught to place Arterial lines and Intubate patients, a skill most hospitals won’t allow RT’s to do. Placing arterial lines soon became my favorite part of my job. Being the lone advanced RT on night shift of a 500 bed hospital I found myself placing 1-2 lines a night. But that wasn’t enough for me. I want to do more. Unfortunately as an RT that is about as far as my license will take me.
   For months my coworkers told me to pursue further education. They told me I could do more. And I have finally come to agree with them. Arterials lines and intubations are a huge responsibility but I’m ready to take on a bigger role as a health care provider. I am excited and intrigued by the responsibilities and opportunities I can pursue as a physician assistant. From assisting in surgeries to counseling patients a PA faces a wide variety of duties. As it is today I love working in the ER however with the flexibility PA provides I can pursue something more procedural to encompass my enjoyment for placing arterial lines. The opportunities seem nearly limitless.
   Spending three years as a respiratory therapist (RT) I can’t quit say I’ve seen it all but I can say I’ve seen more than most other people. I believe my background in respiratory therapy has prepared me for a career as a PA. I have learned so much about medicine but also about the human experience. I show compassion and empathy for my patients and the experiences they have had. I am knowledge and confident in my abilities to learn and grow as a healthcare provider. I am committed not only to my education but also to my patients and their families.

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5. Hannah Hunt says

   October 29, 2019 at 10:16 am

   My hair was sticking to the back of my neck while sweat trickled down my forehead. I was ready to stop walking but I knew that was not an option. Since my grandmother lost the battle to cancer years ago, “Relay for Life” has been something my family prides ourselves in supporting.
   We take part in this fundraiser event every year, to fight cancer. As a tradition, someone from our group walks around the track during the entire 24 hour event. It was my turn to walk and I had to do my part. Once cancer invaded my grandmother, I could not do anything to help her. I felt helpless, watching the disease transform her body; from the once strong individual, to the frail and decompensated woman who could no longer fight the demon that had taken over her. Yet, I gained inspiration from the physicians who cared for my grandmother. Years later, I decided my contribution to society would be to aid in the fight against cancer. Improving the quality of healthcare for future generations more in depth than Relay for Life is my goal. I am so fascinated with the mindset of saving lives by assisting physicians in my best capacity.

   Years later, I learned my aunt was struggling with addiction. I knew opioid addiction was a recurring issue in our community, but I did not know it was an issue in my family. That is, until the day we found my aunt unresponsive. I remember feeling the urge to do something, but I could not do anything. I then pictured my grandmother’s face, and felt an even stronger urge to pursue the medical field.

   With limited access to basic social amenities, and more than 70 % of the population in poverty, only 3.70 % earn a graduate or professional degree. My drive and desire to learn took me out of my comfort zone and I embarked on a journey into unfamiliar territory. I pride myself in the efforts and determination to continue my education. Coming from an underserved area will allow me to provide more sympathetic and passionate care.
   My desire to integrate myself into the medical field is also in part due to the underserved area in which I grew up. Where medical professionals are minute and visits to the clinic were always a hassle. Sitting for hours in the health department which was overflowing with people was a challenge I faced growing up. Even now as a mother, I face the same issue, with only one children’s clinic in the entire city until 2017.

   Coming from a community where education isn’t valued was never an issue, until I enrolled in my first Chemistry and Physics courses at NCCU. I was new to the curriculum; but, almost all my classmates completed these courses in high school. This was not only a disadvantage but also a challenge. During this time, I also learned I was pregnant. I never knew my own strength until I became a single mother. Working and going to school full time as a single parent was overwhelming. Graciously, I am blessed with an amazing support system, uplifting and encouraging me. Growing up in Lumberton, taught me valuable skills that are not taught in a classroom. Such as integrity, egalitarianism and leadership, which will be valuable when assisting patients. I volunteered while at NCCU, conducting research on various treatments for pancreatic cancer. I did this for some time, followed by employment at LabCorp, where I worked as a technician. I was sure that becoming a medical professional was what I wanted to do after working as a lab technician. Upon departure from LabCorp, I took a job as a personal care aide. working individuals from diverse backgrounds strengthened my intrapersonal skills .

   Addressing patients needs, while learning desirable qualities that are required of a successful physician assistant was enjoyable. These multifarious experiences keep my dream alive. Every day, I wake up with the renewed hope of making my dream of being one of the best physician assistants, a reality. Becoming a PA will allow me to work in the medical field, without confinement to one specialty. I was fortunate enough to shadow two PA’s; one in pediatrics and the other in the emergency room.
   I am blessed with an amazing support system, uplifting and encouraging me. I volunteered while at NCCU, conducting research on various treatments for pancreatic cancer. I did this for some time, followed by employment at LabCorp, where I worked as a technician. I was sure that becoming a medical professional was what I wanted to do after working as a lab technician. Upon departure from LabCorp, I took a job as a personal care aide.

   I know I will succeed in the PA program; any obstacle I have faced, I’ve conquered. I have made mistakes and even poor choices, but I have learned so much from my experiences. I have gained insight. I have stood when I felt like falling and persevered when I felt like quitting. I have studied when I felt like quitting due to exhaustion. Through all this, I never gave up. The obstacles I’ve faced made me a stronger, more determined and more compassionate individual. I understand what it means to have empathy for others. I am excited about my future, and I am excited about attending and graduating from PA school. I am thrilled about the idea of one day being able to serve and help others the way so many people have helped me.

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6. Jade says

   October 27, 2019 at 3:57 am

   I have had the same two dreams consistently for the past year. In one dream I am walking across the stage tears streaming down my face as I humbly accept my pretend piece of rolled up paper indicative that I have completed my under graduate degree and am on my way to the next chapter to becoming a physician assistant. This dream then transition into the other of my white coat ceremony, equally emotionally fueled with tears of joy, a racing heart and the proud looks on the faces of my loved ones yet again. Currently, in the purgatory of my last semester and my CASPA applications the toughest part of it all is my personal statement and the daunting question of why I want to become a physician assistant. The answer is more of a feeling or an indescribable emotion of “I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life.” A statement I utter on a daily basis as an affirmation. The difficult part is transcribing this deeply embedded profound emotion into 5,000 words or less convincing you, the reader, that amongst the several thousand applications which you receive from my outstanding peers and future colleagues that I deserve the white coat that you possess. Which brings us back full circle, why do I want to become a physician assistant?
   I come from a generation of care givers; my grandmother was a local healer in St. Thomas in the early 1920’s. People would come from all over the island when they were sick to be treated with her herbal remedies. Whether it was the herbs or just the faith of the individuals who sought after her that healed them but as family stories have it she knew what she was doing. My mother was also a caregiver in her younger years she would be considered the modern day home health aide. She always said she wanted to become a nurse but she was raising five children alone. Now here I am first generation college graduate; as a senior in high school I knew my life would be in medicine after volunteering at a local hospital for school credit. As a volunteer my duties were limited but this one interaction with a patient and her husband planted a seed that I had could not fathom would lead me to becoming a physician assistant. It was the genuine emotional response this patient expressed for a simple gesture of kindness by simply aiding her to the bathroom and then back to her bed after she stated she was waiting for some time. It was the familiar feeling of gratitude. In later years, I went on to become direct care support staff in a group home for special needs individuals. My role as a direct care support staff was to improve the quality of life of the individuals living in the group home by assisting them with daily routines and activities. However, my role went so far beyond its description. My position required compassion and empathy. Being able to identify that beyond physical limitations these individuals are people, and want to be noticed for who they are and not by what they could or could not do. One of the people I spent a lot of time with said to me “no one has ever seen me beyond my wheel chair.” Then, in her early 40’s she expressed to me she was in a car accident when she was in her 20’s on her way with a group of friends to an extended campus sight to pick up text books when she was ejected from the car. She said she wishes everyday she could go back to that day and put on her seatbelt. “But, you took the time to me the same person I have always been since I was last able to walk.” Eventually, I left my position in the group home and I became a pharmacy technician for CVS at a location in an underserved population. It was at this time that I learned of the chemotherapy medication Megestrol acetate. On this one particular day, a patient comes in to pick up his medication which happened to be Megesterol acetate as I went to ring him up I told him his total was give or take $130.00. He mentioned he had insurance and unfortunately I had to explain his insurance company did not cover this medication. The pharmacist did everything she could to try and bring the cost down but unfortunately as I previously mentioned this is a man living in a underserved population where many residents are below poverty level therefore, $130.00 means a meal off the table or a bill not being paid. In short, the man left without his chemotherapy medication. One of the toughest pills to swallow was my responsibility to turn him away without it. I resigned two weeks later as this was a commonality and I made the promise to never turn away my future patients regardless of their ability to pay for care. From this I learned humility. Currently, I hold my phlebotomy certification and I volunteer in a free clinic that serves the lower Westchester County. As a volunteer phlebotomist I have learned the value of trust from my patients. The clinic is established in a church as a pop-up medical facility. There are about four stations; one for vision one for hearing the area where patients see the doctor and lab station where I am. When the people from the community walk in you can see their anxiety as the setup is not an actual medical facility and is indicative of their socioeconomic status in some sense. However, they trust us to provide the same quality of care as if they were on a typical doctor’s visit as an insured patient would. It is important for me to be professional, follow protocol and procedure, and ensure them they are in the best hands. Currently, I am a unit clerk in a trauma one hospital this title requires me to be culturally competent as I commonly interact with people from different backgrounds and all walks of life.
   These experiences have cultivated me to be a better person but have also prepared me for what it takes to be a quality physician assistant. My dream is to improve the health and life of others as the generations of women in my family have done before me. My purpose is to ensure my future patients never feel neglected and their calls for help are always heard. My desire is to be a constant reminder through my work ethic to treat the person and not the ailment. My hope is to reduce health care disparities that are a direct result of any individual’s socioeconomic status. I promise to never betray the trust of my patients by remaining honest and transparent with our interactions and their level of care. Lastly, I will maintain the integrity of my title as a physician assistant by always being culturally competent and never allowing my personal ideologies to interfere with my duties as a healthcare practitioner.

   Reply

   • JADE says

     November 5, 2019 at 8:12 pm

     THIS IS MY REVISED ESSAY PLEASE DISREGARD THE ONE ABOVE

     I have had the same two dreams consistently for the past year. In one dream I am walking across the stage tears streaming down my face as I humbly accept my pretend piece of rolled up paper indicative that I have completed my under graduate degree and am on my way to the next chapter to becoming a physician assistant. This dream then transitions into the other of my white coat ceremony, equally emotionally fueled with tears of joy, a racing heart and the proud looks on the faces of my loved ones yet again. Currently, in the purgatory of my last semester and my CASPA applications the toughest part of it all is my personal statement and the daunting question of why I want to become a physician assistant. The answer is more of an indescribable emotion best described as “I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life.” A statement I utter on a daily basis as an affirmation. The difficult part is transcribing this deeply embedded profound emotion into 2,000 words or less convincing you, the reader, that amongst the several thousand applications which you receive from my outstanding peers and future colleagues that I deserve the white coat that you possess. Which brings us back full circle, why do I want to become a physician assistant?
     I come from a generation of care givers; my grandmother was a local healer in St. Thomas in the early 1920’s. People would come from all over the island when they were sick to be treated with her herbal remedies. It is uncertain whether it was the herbs or just the faith of the individuals who sought after her which aided in their healing. But as family stories have it she knew what she was doing. My mother was also a caregiver in her younger years. She would be considered the modern day home health aide. Her dream was to become a nurse, however, she raising five children alone. Now here I am first generation college graduate; as a senior in high school I knew my life would be in medicine after volunteering at a local hospital for school credit. As a volunteer my duties were limited but this one interaction with a patient and her husband planted a seed that I had could not fathom would lead me to becoming a physician assistant. It was the genuine emotion of gratitude this patient expressed for a simple gesture of kindness. The patient expressed she had been calling out for assistance to use the restroom for an extensive amount of time and she felt ignored and neglected. She was deeply appreciative for my help. In later years, I went on to become direct care support staff in a group home for special needs individuals. My role as a direct care support staff was to improve the quality of life of the individuals living in the group home by assisting them with daily routines and activities. However, my role went so far beyond its description. My position required compassion and empathy. Being able to identify that beyond physical limitations these individuals are people, and wanted to be noticed for who they are and not their physical incapacities. One of the people I spent a lot of time with said to me “no one has ever seen me beyond my wheel chair. “Mary expressed to me she was in a car accident when she was in her 20’s on her way with a group of friends to an extended campus to pick up text books. She was in a terrible car accident and was ejected from the vehicle. The statement she made reverberates with me to this day, as many clinicians often forget patients are people too. Eventually, I left my position in the group home and I became a pharmacy technician for CVS at a location in an underserved population. It was at this time that I learned of the chemotherapy medication Revlimid. On this one particular day, a patient comes in to pick up his medication which happened to be Revlimid as I went to ring him up I told him his total was give or take $700.00. He mentioned he had insurance and unfortunately I had to explain his insurance company did not cover this medication. The pharmacist did everything she could to try and bring the cost down but unfortunately as I previously mentioned this is a man living in an underserved population where many residents are below poverty level therefore, $700.00 means several meals off the table or important bills unpaid. In short, the man left without his chemotherapy medication. One of the toughest pills to swallow was my responsibility to turn him away without it. I resigned two weeks later as this was a commonality. I made a promise to never turn away my future patients regardless of their ability to pay for care. From this I learned humility. Currently, I hold my phlebotomy certification and I volunteer in a free clinic that serves the lower Westchester County. As a volunteer phlebotomist I have learned the value of trust from my patients. The clinic is established in a church as a pop-up medical facility. There are about four stations: one for vision and hearing, another for height and weight, the area where patients see the doctor and the lab station where I am. When people from the community walk in you can see their anxiety as the setup is not an actual medical facility and is indicative of their socioeconomic status in some sense. However, they trust us to provide the same quality of care as if they were on a typical doctor’s visit as an insured patient would. It is important for me to be professional, follow protocol and procedure, and ensure them they are still receiving quality care. This can only be achieved by communicating effectively with the patients and making sure my work is a reflection of my work ethic. Currently, I am a unit clerk. As the first point of contact for many patients I am expected to kind, receptive, and culturally competent. This positon has been worked to shape who I will as a physician assistant because patients often want to engage in conversation and openly express their thoughts and concerns pertaining to their care. From these interactions I am better equipped to provide an improved level of care knowing what patients expect and are looking for from their clinicians.
     These experiences have cultivated me to be a better person but have also prepared me for what it takes to be a quality physician assistant. My dream is to improve the health and life of others as the generations of women in my family have done before me. My purpose is to ensure my future patients never feel neglected and their calls for help are always heard. My desire is to be a constant reminder through my work ethic to treat the person and not the ailment. My hope is to reduce health care disparities that are a direct result of any individual’s socioeconomic status. I promise to never betray the trust of my patients by remaining honest and transparent with our interactions and their level of care. Lastly, I will maintain the integrity of my title as a physician assistant by always being culturally competent and never allowing my personal ideologies to interfere with my duties as a healthcare practitioner.

     Reply

7. Gianna Brown says

   October 22, 2019 at 10:44 am

   Every day we are faced with life changing experiences, no matter how great or small. Someone opening the door for you could turn out to be you getting the promotion instead of a co-worker, or missing the bus that would later be involved in an accident. You never know what life is going to throw your way at any given moment.

   I remember it like it was yesterday. The incident happened during my sophomore year of college. During one of my classes, I felt this wave of mixed feeling consume me; my vision and hearing vanished and I felt weak in the knees. That was the last thing I remembered before waking up in the hospital. I was alone; with my hearing and vision coming back to me, I saw all the doctors and nurses poking and prodding me to make sure there were no severe injuries and to connect me to monitors and machines. There were so many people around me I was not sure if they realized I was awake; until a physician assistant that was next to me squeezed my hand. She smiled at me and explained everything that the doctors were doing to me; she also stayed with me until my parents arrived. It turned out I fainted from severe dehydration which was caused by a stomach virus that was being spread around. I was very grateful for that nurse that day. She made sure to check on me during my stay and made me feel at ease. In that experience, I received the ultimate patient care form that physician assistant. She treated me like I was her own family in that room; made sure I had everything I needed and explained each step along the way. She taught me a valuable lesson that day which is to always treat someone like they are your family, that kindness goes a lot farther in life than anything else.

   Since that day I have worked in the medical industry to learn more about the different roles each person plays when working with patients. Doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses all work together to give patients the absolute best care and experience to be sure they get to feeling one hundred percent again. Patient care is the number one thing that helps patients feel better. If a patient does not trust their doctor, there could be problems with how that person is going to heal; emotionally, mentally, and physically. I am fortunate enough to work at Rothman Orthopedics and work alongside multiple doctors, nurses, and physician assistants and learn each of their roles and how important they are to the care of the patients. My role as part of Rothman is to ensure that patients are being given the best care and experiences every time they speak to a clinical staff member, whether it is on the phone, during office hours, or in the hospital.

   I believe that I have the skills and knowledge to be able to give patients the same care and experience I have received from that physician assistant. All of my life experiences have led me to realize that I want to be part of the medical world as a physician assistant; getting the opportunities to study multiple specialties, diagnose and treat patients will bring all of my jobs together into one. I have always felt like there was more to what I needed to do and now I realize that being a physician assistant will give me the opportunity to do accept more challenges and continue learning more each day.

   Reply

8. Hannah Hunt says

   October 19, 2019 at 7:57 am

   My hair was sticking to the back of my neck while sweat trickled down my forehead. I was ready to stop walking but I knew that was not an option. Since my maternal grandmother lost the battle to cancer years ago, “Relay for Life” has been something my family prides ourselves in supporting. We participate in this fundraiser event every year, to fight cancer. As a tradition, someone from our group walks around the track during the entire 24 hour event. It was my turn to walk and I had to do my part. Once cancer invaded my grandmother, I could not do anything to help her. I felt helpless, watching the disease transform her body from the once strong individual I knew to the frail and decompensated woman who eventually could no longer fight the demon that had taken over her. However, I was greatly inspired by the physicians who cared for my grandmother until she took her final breath. A few years later, I decided my contribution to society would be to aid in the fight against cancer casualties and be able to improve the quality of healthcare for future generations more in depth than only participating in Relay for Life. I am so fascinated with the mindset of saving lives by assisting physicians in my best capacity.

   Years after the passing of my grandmother, I was once again faced with tragedy in my family as I learned my aunt was struggling with addiction. I knew opioid addiction was a recurring issue in our community, but I did not know it was an issue in my family until the day we found my aunt unresponsive. Since no one in my family has any medical background, we were helpless in providing the education and guidance my aunt needed. I remember feeling the urge to do something, but I could not do anything. I immediately pictured my grandmother’s cancer ridden face, and felt an even stronger urge to pursue the medical field.

   Another major factor contributing to my desire to integrate myself into the medical field is the fact that I grew up in an underserved area, where medical professionals are limited and visits to the clinic in my community were always a hassle. Sitting for hours in the waiting room of the health department which was overflowing with people was one of the biggest challenges I faced growing up. Even now as an adult, when taking my child to doctor appointments, I face the same issue, with only one children’s clinic in the entire city up until 2017.

   Like a bucket of crabs, escaping my hometown seems impossible. When surrounded by people who have no desire to succeed or make any valuable contributions to society as a person, trying to succeed seems intolerable. Overcoming obstacles such as these, became a part of my daily routine on the pathway to success. Not many people in my community or who I surrounded myself with had intentions of attending college, but my drive and desire to learn took me out of my comfort zone and made me embark on a journey into unfamiliar territory. Graduating from high school in a community where few people valued education never seemed to be an issue, until I enrolled in my first Chemistry and Physics courses at NCCU. I was new to the curriculum; however, almost all of my classmates completed these courses in high school. This was not only a disadvantage but also a challenge. Although most of the material was a review for my peers, the material was brand new for me. During this time, I also learned I was pregnant. I never knew my own strength until I became a single mother. Going to school full time, working full time and being a full time single parent was overwhelming but I was blessed with an amazing support system, uplifting and encouraging me. Barriers due to my circumstances where minuet in comparison to my desires to become a medical professional.
   I decided to pursue research during my time at NCCU. For some time, I was torn between the lab and becoming a healthcare professional, fighting cancer on the front line. I thought I wanted to work in the lab, conducting research on treatments for cancer, so I volunteered while at NCCU, conducting research on various treatments for pancreatic cancer, something that took the life of my paternal grandmother. I did this for some time, followed by employment at LabCorp, where I worked as a technician. However, after working in the lab while at NCCU, followed by a job at LabCorp, I was sure that becoming a medical professional was what I wanted to do.

   By the end of my senior year, I still had dreams of becoming a medical provider but I had not put much effort into fulfilling my dreams. I was faced with another dilemma; community service. In order to receive a degree from NCCU, a requirement of 15 service hours were to be completed each semester. I was a semester away from graduation and only had 30 of the required 140 hours. Through hard work and perseverance, I completed the hours, while maintaining straight A’s, working full time and caring for my daughter. Taking initiative was inescapable and being my own leader was mandatory, all though I had my family pushing me to succeed, no one else had the tools for reaching my goal of becoming a PA, only me. I conducted research and spent countless hours preparing for my future aspirations on my own.

   I grew up in a small community with limited access to basic social amenities, where more than 75 percent of the population are high school dropouts, and only about 12 percent obtain a bachelor’s degree. Coming from such background, I pride myself in the efforts and determination I’ve applied to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Biology at North Carolina Central University, and my recent graduation from North Carolina State University with my masters in Physiology. I have never considered myself as a minority, searching for pity, instead I have applied my determination and desire to succeed. My culture and community have always taught the importance of valuing God and family, but not much emphasis was placed on education; except in my household. My mother always taught me to value God, family and education, and in that order. My mother always taught me to think critically and logically; which is something I value because it’s a tool that has gotten me far in life

   Upon graduation from NCCU, I took a job as a personal care aide. I have worked with various individuals, from very diverse backgrounds, and I have learned that connecting with individuals is approached differently and my intrapersonal skills allow me to communicate clearly and effectively with all people.
   I enjoyed every moment of my job, working closely with patients to address their needs, and being able to learn some of the basic qualities that will be required of a successful physician assistant. These multifarious experiences keep my dream alive. Every day, I wake up with the renewed hope of making my dream of being one of the best physician assistants, a reality.

   Becoming a PA will allow me to work in the medical field, while preventing confinement to one specialty. Before applying, I was fortunate enough to shadow two PA’s; one who worked in pediatrics and the other in an emergency room. Initially, I had no interest in working in the ER, but after observation of the physician assistant’s role, I enjoyed every aspect of it. In addition, becoming a PA will afford me the opportunity to deal with patients on a personal level, which I will enjoy most of all. I am a family oriented individual who values time with loved ones. After being away from home for so many years, I have decided to move back upon completion of school, if accepted, to obtain employment; in an underserved area, surround myself with family and to give back to my community. I aspire to one day open my own pediatric clinic.

   I have always wanted to work in the medical field, however uncertainties existed, accompanied by fear and nervous feelings. I’ve learned to channel these feelings into positive energy, reassuring myself I can do anything if I put my mind to it by learning my self-worth and potential. I have bent, but was not broken which has helped me blossom into a strong, courageous and ambitious woman. Persevering in my weakest and most challenging moments has molded me into the young woman I am today; a woman who believes determination and chasing goals is both rewarding and disappointing at the same time; and requires sacrifices along the way. I have matured and seen myself change in so many aspects. Ways in which I didn’t think I was ready for, but I have learned to embrace these changes and accept the fact that change is necessary. I know I will succeed in the PA program; any obstacle I have faced, I’ve conquered. If admitted to the program, I will not work, I will live with my parents, and will focus solely on school; something I’ve never had the opportunity to do. I have made mistakes and even poor choices, but I have learned so much from my experiences. I have gained insight. I have stood when I felt like falling, persevered when I felt like quitting and I have studied when I could barely keep going because of exhaustion. Through all of this, I never gave up. All of the obstacles I have faced have made me a stronger, more determined and more compassionate individual; who now understands what it means to have empathy for others. I am excited about my future, and I am excited about attending and graduating from PA school. I am thrilled about the idea of one day being able to serve and help others the way so many people have helped me.

   Reply

9. M. Hope says

   October 11, 2019 at 6:27 am

   When I was a sophomore in high school, I was on my school’s flag football team. It was my first season playing, and I just so happened to dislocate my finger during practice. My sister picked me up and rushed me to the emergency room. This was my first time being in actually being in a hospital. I remember seeing nurses, doctors, and many other professionals seeing and treating patients, one after the other. I was so amazed by how hectic the emergency room seemed to be, but how organized it was at the same time. That was when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.

   I went into college with the mindset of wanting to attend medical school. I didn’t know much about any other professions, so I told myself I was going to be a doctor. I chose to major in biology, being it was a science major and not knowing much else to major in. Throughout many rigorous biology and chemistry classes, I truly started to love learning about the human body and its processes. I knew that I wanted to keep learning about health and the human body in order to help people in the future.

   During the end of my sophomore year of college, I was trying to find ways to gain healthcare experience. I came upon a “Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course” and after looking more into it, decided to become a CNA. I began working at a hospital almost immediately after acquiring my CNA license. Since my first day of being a CNA and still now, I have loved coming to work and helping patients. Although a CNA cannot do much in medical terms, simply helping people with small tasks or just taking five minutes to sit and talk with them could make their whole day. My compassion and drive grows each time I come to work. I am reminded each day I work that I want to help people, and I want to continue a career in the medical field.

   Still at the beginning of being a CNA, I had medical school for my future. During this time, I was introduced to a physician assistant (PA) through one of the nurses. I told the PA I wanted to go to medical school, in which she told me to look into PA school. At the time, I could not tell you what a PA was or what they do. But after doing some research on the profession, my future plans seemed to change. What I discovered was being a PA has the most benefits for someone in the medical field: I can help people with their illnesses while still having time for other joys in my life. I loved the idea of the flexibility of specialties, as I am always wanting to expand my knowledge about the many different areas of medicine. I like the autonomy that comes with being a PA while also having a supervising physician to learn from and work with.

   PA’s are able to provide affordable healthcare to underserved families and communities, which I believe is extremely important and a necessity. I grew up in a military family, spending my childhood moving from place to place every three or four years. I lived in both wealthy as well as impoverished areas. I have always had a place in my heart for the ones in need, and by being a PA I can help meet the healthcare needs of our nation.

   After shadowing different PA’s, I was certain that being a PA was what I wanted to pursue. I saw them working under the supervision of a doctor while also being independent. The PA’s diagnosed and treated just as many patients as the physician did. I witnessed astounding bedside manner and compassion. Being a CNA for the past year has opened my eyes and truly made me want to continue a career in the medical field. I have learned the different roles of a healthcare team and appreciate every one of them. I have found my “why” in life, and want nothing more than to help, diagnose, and treat patients and their illnesses. I know that being a PA will grant me that desire. My perseverance and eagerness will push me through your rigorous program.

   Reply

10. Katrina says

    October 8, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    How long does the single edit turn around time generally take?

    Reply

    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      October 8, 2019 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Katrina, it depends on the time of year but right since the summer rush is over our turnaround time is 48-72 hours.

      Stephen

      Reply

11. Nhung Hoang says

    September 26, 2019 at 6:09 pm

    Aching. Throbbing. Stinging. Sore. When English isn’t your native tongue, all aspects of pain reduce down to one word: “hurts.” This was the blur of my childhood experience in clinics, hospitals, and doctors’ offices. Being my family’s oldest semi-English speaker, I took on the role of medical interpreter at the prime age of 7 when any relative visited the doctor. It was overwhelming and terrifying, the swirl of medical posters plastered over examination room walls with body parts I didn’t know existed and words I had barely figured out how to read. Even more so was the task of communicating my family’s health concerns to providers via circumnavigating difficult terms with what little English I knew, gesturing absurd motions in hopes of a sense of understanding.
    Gradually, my repertoire of both Vietnamese and English terminology expanded, along with my confidence and call to serve. I became the external hard drive carrying my family’s medical history, the voice that expressed what my family could not. Until one day, when my grandpa was seen for a simple cough that subsequently turned into a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer, I lost my voice. He was in perfect health, never so much as touched a cigarette. Suddenly I reverted to the 7-year-old who had no words but “I hurt.” My role evolved beyond interpreter into caretaker as I felt the pressure to make him well. At some point, Grandpa stopped being my chauffeur and I became his, driving back and forth from college to ensure he received the treatment he needed. As he deteriorated, I immersed myself in his battle, meticulously following doctors’ orders, diligently researching every treatment plan that was outlined.
    Through the endless support from hospital staff, what astounded me most was the relationship the physician assistant developed with my family. In a hopeless time, he went beyond the call of duty to show his presence and support for my family. I vividly remember him calmly consoling my hysterical grandma in the midst of turmoil while my grandpa, in his wretched hospital gown, tried to mirror his composure and listen attentively to the conversation as if he understood. He allowed me to ask my thousand inquiries, staying even after the doctor left, and demonstrated such patience and knowledge. This encounter illuminated a facet of healthcare I wasn’t aware of, so I delved into exploration of the roles and responsibilities of a PA. Ultimately, we lost to cancer. Heartbroken that my biggest champion wasn’t with me anymore, I strengthened my resolve to become a PA, to serve others as I had cared for him.
    Shortly after his passing, I volunteered in hospice care, became a certified nursing aide, and inserted myself into the world of healthcare. As a CNA, I obtained experience delivering direct patient care and the opportunity to be a companion for all the residents I encountered across various nursing, assisted living, and private client homes. I learned versatility in the different capacities I could care for someone. Listening to patients reminisce over their past lives from wars to broadway theaters, wound-dressing a resident while she waited for a red robin—a symbol of her late husband with whom she had shared a love for birds— to land on her windowsill every day, or just singing to a patient through an anxiety attack, I learned the value and dignity of the lives they had lived. I encountered my grandpa in all of them, and this furthered my drive to provide the utmost care to others who had nobody there for them.
    Desiring a more direct hand in the treatment of patients, I trained to be a medical assistant to Tan, a nurse practitioner who works as an orthopedic PA. Assisting in his interactions with patients reinforced my inclination to devote to others the time and compassion that my grandfather’s PA dedicated to my family while also fulfilling my ambition in practicing medicine. I admire how Tan independently examines patients, delivers diagnoses, and formulates treatment plans but consults his superior doctor to confirm his impressions and better his methods. All the while, he spends more than the allotted time to walk a patient through their diagnosis and care plan, ensuring they understand their ailments fully before dismissing them from our office, however trivial the issue. As Tan’s assistant, I play a part in delivering that sense of understanding I so yearned for as a child, especially to our large community of Vietnamese-speaking patients, and I am eager to take that role further.
    My volunteer, shadow, and work experiences have led me here, to the front lines of healthcare where before, I cowered behind a language barrier. I aspire to translate the skills I’ve learned in treating both the ill and healthy, serving both patient and provider, into a means of positively impacting the healthcare of my community through each individual I treat.

    Reply

12. Dominic Rubino says

    September 7, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    A single mother sits in her hectic work office and itches her left breast. She discovers a hard mass. Although she is scared, her first thought is her son’s well being. I remember sitting at home while my mother reported her diagnosis to me. Receiving this news left me empty. However, I made it my goal to stay composed and become her primary caretaker. Without a father or siblings, I felt overwhelmed as I managed the entirety of this role. My academics suffered, and I barely graduated high school. I lost sight of many self-interests. To find an outlet during this difficult time, I discovered a passion for weightlifting.
    Training my body to overcome significant amounts of weight was gratifying; moreover, it brought me solace. I started feeling more focused and less stressed. Furthermore, I set and accomplished goals, which built self-efficacy. With these changes, I was able to work on personal development once my mother completed chemotherapy. Although high school was unsuccessful, deep inside I yearned to pursue a higher education; especially since college degrees are rare in my family.
    I entered community college without direction. However, I had been a successful caretaker and weightlifter. Without a clear career goal, I used these factors to help choose a major—kinesiology. This field offered me the opportunity to provide care to individuals through resistance exercises as a physical therapist. Intrigued by this marriage, I became a physical therapy aide. In this position, I developed many patient relationships and affected some lives. For example, I worked with an older gentleman who had crippling depression, loss of kinesthetic sense in his feet, and extreme weakness. Using my experience as a caretaker, I was able to empathize with the patient and develop rapport. Achieving this allowed me to positively affect his mental state, which led to progression in his exercises. Although these patient interactions were rewarding, I felt like I was in the wrong setting.
    The surgical stories patients shared with me piqued me interest. I routinely envisioned myself participating in the operations and procedures they reported. Furthermore, often gave praise to the physician assistant monitoring their postoperative care. They mentioned that their PA was always prompt in answering their questions, which set their mind at ease during recovery. Hearing the effect PA’s had on patient care made me feel connected with this profession. After caring for my mother, I had made it my goal to help others feel comfortable in unnerving situations. The PA profession allowed me to fulfill this while engaging in the captivating procedures I had heard about. My realization of this perfect marriage motivated me to gain medical experience.
    As I began to explore medicine, I was drawn toward working with the underserved communities. I could relate with these populations. Growing up, my mother and I experienced poverty and sometimes homelessness; moreover, we did not have health insurance. These conditions are frightening, and I vividly remember that feeling. To work closely with these populations, I became a medical scribe in community clinics. Whether engaging with these patients on home visits or in clinic, I was able to empathize and develop a rapport. I had many patients open up about the difficulties they faced waiting five years for housing or being elderly and confined to small rooms with a shared bathroom down the hall. These circumstances compromise quality of life and increase the risk of health problems. This exposure further motivated me to become a PA, but I wanted to further understand how to help these individuals.
    To expand my knowledge of patient care, I pursued the opportunity to be integrated into an ambulatory capacity taskforce. Physicians, nurses, social workers, and lawyers collaborated to standardize a comprehensive, outpatient care plan for patients diagnosed with cognitive impairments. This was to address medical, social, and legal factors impacting patient rights and needs—available resources, end of life planning, and capacity. I was asked to record and summarize each meeting and performed chart review for 55 patients on the Curry Senior Center Dementia Registry. Through my involvement, I learned how to sift through and understand the complex web of legal and medical components involved in patient care. I hope to use the knowledge I gained through this experience to further impact patient care as a future PA.
    Through shadow and work experience, I have found a profession I am passionate about. I will be able to pursue the goals I have set for myself while helping those in need by advocating for better patient care in a variety of specialties. Until I have this opportunity, I will continue expanding my experience with different populations as a registered behavioral technician. I hope to share my passion for bettering the care of all patients with a medical team as a future PA.

    Reply

13. Libby says

    August 30, 2019 at 9:55 am

    Adjusting to a four year University was something I had to learn and extremely quickly after leaving my local community college. Due to financial hardships, I opted to commute to school while renting a home about an hour away from SUNY Cortland. In my first year at Cortland, I worked long hours while attempting to make ends meet which did not leave me enough time to study effectively. During my first semester, I withdrew from my first class which was devastating. I knew I had to refocus myself and finished the semester strong. I am unable to retake that course this semester with the other classes that are recommended. In spring 2019, I received a D in Ecology. This class proved to be challenging because it forced me to think in ways that I never had before. I had to step out of my human biology bubble. Because I did not get the grade I anticipated, this course is set for me to retake in the spring 2020 semester.

    Reply

14. Zemirah Delabruere says

    August 21, 2019 at 9:50 pm

    As I guided an elderly woman into one of our small rooms at the urgent care I worked at, I noticed she was clutching a piece of gauze over her left eye. As I sat her down on the exam table she began to peel the blood-soaked gauze off of her eye, swollen and inflamed, to reveal two deep lacerations: one on the outer corner of her eyelid and one below her eye. I offered her some fresh gauze as she started to explain how she and her husband were on vacation and taking a tour of a local museum when she slipped on a stair and struck her face. As I listened to her story, I felt empathy for her and wanted to do anything I could to ease her discomfort. Unfortunately, suturing was beyond my scope of practice as a radiologic technologist and medical assistant but I was eager to gather all the required supplies, ensure she was as comfortable as possible, and observe the healthcare provider carefully suture up her wounds. This experience speaks to one of the many opportunities I’ve had over the past fifteen months to observe the PA profession and is one of many that has strengthened
    my growing passion for this profession.
    My career in the healthcare field began five years ago when I accepted a position as a licensed nurse assistant at a nursing home in the rural village of Derby, VT. I was seventeen years old at the time and had no previous knowledge of healthcare due to my growing up in a sheltered religious commune that discouraged visits to doctors or any kind of outside interaction. Working as a licensed nurse assistant introduced me to the promising field of healthcare and facilitated the development of important patient care skills including compassion, patience, and empathy. I continued to build on these skills over the course of the subsequent three and a half years as a licensed nurse assistant and also learned the significance of teamwork and communication. However, one aspect of my job that I was not partial to as a licensed nurse assistant taking care of the elderly was the proximity of death and the grief that accompanied it. This is what eventually led me to pursue the career of a radiologic technologist, which I succeeded at and achieved a summa cum laude academic honor distinction upon graduation. Working two jobs as a radiologic technologist at a large hospital as well as at a small walk-in urgent care, where I also had the opportunity to perform tasks related to the role of a medical assistant, has given me a better idea of what providing comprehensive patient care entails. These experiences have nonetheless gotten me closer to where I want to be but I believe there is still room in this field for me to grow and obtain a higher level of knowledge and ability.
    The first time I learned of the PA profession was two years ago during one of my clinical rotations in interventional radiology as a radiologic technologist student. While closely observing the placement of a chest port by a healthcare professional who I assumed was a doctor, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was not a doctor but rather a PA. My interest was sparked even further when he told me he was a radiologic technologist prior to becoming a PA and this feeling of mutual achievement is what initially inspired my consideration of the PA profession.
    Throughout my experiences shadowing PAs and APRNs in the urgent care I worked at as well as in the emergency and general surgery departments in the hospital, one encounter that stood out to me was when a patient informed me he preferred to be seen by a PA rather than a doctor. I was surprised at first by his statement but when I asked him why, his answer made sense: “PAs are more thorough than doctors.” I saw how this statement could ring true in the sense of often limited time to spend with patients or inadequate interpersonal skills many doctors exhibit. The concept that PAs can make a positive difference in the lives of their patients by simply offering their time and making their patients feel heard is what validated my decision to become a PA.
    My journey in the healthcare field, which began five years ago when I left my family and the religious commune which I had called home for seventeen years of my life, has shown me that determination and hard work are the basis to achieving anything worthwhile. The ability to make a difference in peoples’ lives, whether it is simply being there to listen and provide emotional support or delivering a life-saving treatment, is an accomplishment I hope to achieve. My experiences over the course of this journey have taught me kindness, patience, empathy and, more importantly, how to be a team player in the delivery of patient care. I believe it is these skills that will make a great PA: possibly even a PA who will be preferred over a doctor.

    Reply

15. A. Bra says

    August 21, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Medical professionals have always made me feel safe,
    comfortable and as if they had my best interest at heart. Unlike many children,
    I enjoyed hospitals; the idea that they are meant to help people and each room
    housing a different person with a unique story. I distinctly remember being
    treated for some form of infection as a young child, most likely from biting my
    nails, being poked, prodded and injected by a myriad of items, all-the-while I
    still felt like it was for my good. The worst part of the entire ordeal was the
    wait. My mom had to explain to me that near our low-income public housing
    neighborhood there weren’t enough medical professionals. I understand why; the
    violence and crime were high, families were poor and regard for education was
    low. It was from instances like this, I knew I had to be involved.

    I directed my efforts toward getting emergency medicine
    certified in the form of an EMT, teaching high school sciences and coaching
    eager athletes. From these experiences, I have seen the effects of assisting
    those who need it most. These things, however enjoyable, rewarding and
    necessary, never have been quite enough for me. They have never quenched my
    desire to help people in a medical setting. Helping students with science and
    math as well as on the field has catapulted my drive and initiative to help
    individuals, this time outside of the classroom. It is from this that I have
    come to understand the duties and role of physician assistants. As a provider I
    can educate others, with thanks given to my background as a teacher, to finally
    get a sense of fulfillment.

    I have been in close relation to multiple physician
    assistants. A college teammate of mine is a physician’s assistant and my last
    two primary care providers are both in the profession. What I love about each
    is that they were able to make connections, give me insight and advise me that
    this career is perfect for me. The freedom to practice under the supervision of
    a skilled, supportive physician to foster a collaborative environment reminds
    me of any successful team that I have been a part of. I am also intrigued by
    the option of lateral mobility within the profession, as I am invested in
    multiple facets of medicine; such as orthopedics, surgical and emergency
    medicine.

    I make students, athletes, and patients feel heard as if
    they matter; they all do. I take notes and jot down important bits of
    information all while making meaningful eye contact. I find ways to make a
    connection whether it be myself, a friend or a family member I know in a
    similar situation. Finally, I take these pieces of the individual and share
    them with those that can help and let the individual know I will do whatever in
    my power to better their situation.

    Around the age of 12, I was an avid fan of the show Trauma:
    Life in the ER. I remember being mesmerized by what I was seeing, the various
    medical emergencies occurring on screen, sparking my interest to one day
    perhaps be able to don a stethoscope, a set of scrubs, or even be the one
    holding the scalpel and making an incision. I even got the opportunity to
    shadow and get hands-on experience at a featured hospital on the show, Charity
    Hospital in New Orleans the summer before it was closed due to complications
    with Hurricane Katrina. I helped in the delivery of babies, assess injuries and
    be involved in surgeries. It was the culmination of these moments that helped
    me realize I wanted to become a trauma surgeon, and thus began my quest towards
    my goal.

    I began my matriculation as a great student, but an even
    better athlete. I admit a lot of my focus was on my athletic career, as the
    scholarship money allotted to me allowed me the opportunity to pursue higher
    education. As a nationally recognized competitor, my priorities shifted greatly
    and my academics suffered. However, as an adult student, I have realized the
    importance of placing my efforts, concentration, and resources into my studies.
    Thus, all courses taken after the completion of my Undergraduate Degree have
    all received an A as the final grade, including both teaching certification and
    required prerequisite courses for physician assistant programs.

    The joy felt influencing others in positive ways by giving
    them the tools required for their ultimate success, as physician assistants do,
    cannot be described in words. Helping people realize exercise requires energy
    but also helps you feel more energized, that sometimes our genes and jeans may
    be related but diet can improve ones’ situation, and that accidents happen but
    the overall role of a PA is to provide safety, comfort, and improved quality of
    life. This is who I am and how I expect to express myself to patients.

    Reply

16. Haley Nadeau says

    August 15, 2019 at 8:15 pm

    A 35-year-old woman named Lisa came into the office one day and truly opened my eyes to how pain can be so crippling. I met Lisa with a smile as I called her back. This active and healthy mother used a walker and shuffled down the hall holding back tears. As I helped her sit down on the chiropractic bed, Lisa told me how she fell on her dock getting off her boat and how bad her back was hurting. I properly positioned her body and applied the electric stimulation therapy while also applying a red-light therapy laser on L-5 S-1 of her spine, explaining how each therapy works and what she should expect to feel. After weeks of treatment and adjustments, Lisa was finally getting back to her regular routine. This first-hand experience of watching and helping a person go from rock bottom to their healthy normal state further motivates me to continue down the health field track, specifically as a PA.
    Since this is my second time applying to PA school I have had the opportunity to strengthen my application. I have always been interested in how the body moves so I jumped at the opportunity to work at Riebesell Chiropractic Center as a chiropractic aid for Dr. Riebesell. I have gained more experience working with patients as well as creating meaningful relationships with them. Dr. Riebesell has taught me that caring for a patient goes beyond giving them therapy and adjusting them. It is listening and connecting with the patient to make them feel comfortable and cared for. A patient named Jessy comes in to get treated for her migraines. When I first introduced myself instead of giving her heat and walking out the door, I asked if she was sensitive to light. After hearing she was, I went the extra mile to make her comfortable. I shut the blinds and turn the lights down low, I prop pillows under her head and legs and I give her a cloth to cover her eyes. I now do this every time I see her, and she is always so gracious and kind back to me. I make sure every patient I encounter at the office is welcomed with a smile and given the proper attention. I have acquired many skills working alongside of Dr. Riebesell such as kinetic taping a patient and demonstrating how to perform proper stretches and exercises.
    Working at the office for over 6 months now and gaining this experience has really solidified my belief in becoming a physician assistant. I shadowed my first PA, Kelly Pjevcevic, at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, and it became clear how necessary and versatile the profession is. We saw many patients in the office my first day as I experienced how injections were given but more importantly how the interaction between the patient and the PA took place. Many of the patients told me that they love coming to see Kelly and mainly are taken care of by her. This freedom to treat a patient without a doctor in the office allows for the PA to create a relationship with the patient. To me the patients almost have better, more personal relationship with the PA because more time is spent with them and I love that about physician assistants. My second day was surgery day. I observed a hip replacement, arthroscopic knee surgeries, as well as a shoulder arthroscopy. Other than the fact that I was able to actually see bones and muscle in person, I was able to interact with all of the team members that assisted in surgery that day. From nurses and scrub techs to the surgeon and PA everyone worked as a team. The kind of teamwork that takes place in surgery feels like home because of my history of playing team sports. At the end of the day, weather in the office or seeing patients after surgery, everything came full circle and the PA is able to witness and help the patient get back to living life.
    I want to be a PA because I want to be able to make personal connections with every person that comes in to the office. Everyone deserves an ear for listening and a comforting smile. Being a PA I will have the opportunity to work with a multitude of people where I can spend enough quality time with each patient to make a connection as well as cultivate and execute a proper plan with the team to get them back to a healthy, functioning state. My background in team sports is very strong as I am still a high school basketball coach. We preach communication every practice therefore, I understand how important it is to communicate every process as a PA working within a team. The experience I gained shadowing and working as a chiropractic aid will only benefit me down the road on this journey. I was young and inexperienced my first application cycle apply but after a year of growth and experience I am ready to take the next step in becoming a physician assistant.

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    • M. Hope says

      August 26, 2019 at 9:56 am

      When I was a sophomore in high school, I was on my school’s flag football team. It was my first season playing, and I just so happened to dislocate my finger during practice from a football being powerfully thrown at me. My sister picked me up and rushed me to the emergency room. This was my first time being in actually being in a hospital. I remember seeing nurses, doctors, and many other professionals seeing and treating patients, one after the other. I was so amazed by how hectic the emergency room seemed to be, but how organized it was at the same time. That was when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.

      I went into college with the mindset of wanting to attend medical school. I didn’t know much about any other professions, so I told myself I was going to be a doctor. I chose to major in biology, being it was a science major and not knowing much else to major in. Throughout many rigorous biology and chemistry classes, I truly started to love learning about human the human body and its process. I knew that I wanted to keep learning about health and the human body in order to help people in the future.

      During the end of my sophomore year of college, I was trying to find ways to gain healthcare experience. I came upon a “Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course” and after looking more into it, decided to become a CNA. I began working at a hospital almost immediately after acquiring my CNA license. Since my first day of being a CNA and still now, I have loved coming to work and helping patients. Although a CNA cannot do much in medical terms, simply helping people with small tasks or just taking five minutes to sit and talk with them could make their whole day. My compassion and drive grows each time I come to work. I am reminded each day I work that I want to help people, and I want to continue a career in the medical field.

      Still at the beginning of being a CNA, I had medical school for my future. During this time, I was introduced to a physician assistant (PA) through one of the nurses. I told the PA I wanted to go to medical school, in which she told me to look into PA school. At the time, I could not tell you what a PA was or what they do. But after doing some research on the profession, my future plans seemed to change. What I discovered was being a PA has the most benefits for someone in the medical field: I can help people with their illnesses while still having time for other joys in my life. I loved the idea of the flexibility of specialties, as I am always wanting to expand my knowledge about the many different areas of medicine. I like the autonomy that comes with being a PA while also having a supervising physician to learn from and work with.

      PA’s are able to provide affordable healthcare to underserved families and communities, which I believe is extremely important and a necessity. I grew up in a military family, spending my childhood moving from place to place every three or four years. I lived in both wealthy as well as impoverished areas. I have always had a place in my heart for the ones in need, and by being a PA I can help meet the healthcare needs of our nation.

      After shadowing different PA’s, I was certain that being a PA was what I wanted to pursue. I saw them working under the supervision of a doctor while also being independent. The PA’s diagnosed and treated just as many patients as the physician did. I witnessed astounding bedside manner and compassion. Being a CNA for the past year has opened my eyes and truly made me want to continue a career in the medical field. I have learned the different roles of a healthcare team and appreciate every one of them. I have found my “why” in life, and want nothing more than to help, diagnose, and treat patients and their illnesses. I know that being a PA will grant me that desire. My perseverance and eagerness will push me through your rigorous program.

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