The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

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1. Nicole says

   August 11, 2022 at 6:57 pm

   My passion for becoming a physician assistant began when I was a child visiting Peru during my summer break. As a daughter of a Peruvian immigrant mother, I had the privileges of traveling and learning about my Peruvian culture from a young age. With this experience, I was also exposed to child poverty, medically underserved communities, and awareness of privileges I never knew I had in the United States.

   From this point, my desire to work in the medical field grew, for I knew that I wanted to serve communities like those in Peru. My interest continued growing when my grandmother suffered her first stroke while I was in high school in the United States. I became one of her primary caregivers and helped her with medical adherence and wound care. I also served as her medical translator at appointments and hospital stays because resources for Spanish-speaking patients were rare were we lived. Seeing challenges that others faced in Peru, along with witnessing my grandmother’s adversities here in the US, propelled my desire to continue to become a healthcare provider.

   At the time, my knowledge of physician assistants was minimal, but as I learned more about the profession, and spoke to various healthcare providers, I felt that it was the right career path for me. I valued that a physician assistant worked as a team with their supervising physician, while still being able to treat and see patients of their own. I also found the ability to work in different specialties appealing, so that their services can be used where most needed, especially in underserved communities.

   I decided to pursue my education and earn a degree in Biology, hoping to be admitted into PA school. Regretfully, I was in a very unhealthy relationship that had a negative effect on my life and education. My grades suffered and this led to academic dismissal. This time in my life was one of my greatest hardships, but it also reinforced my desire to pursue my goal of becoming a physician assistant and taught me how resilient I am. Since that time, I returned to Valencia College, then attended USFSP and established an upward trend in my GPA. However, my own health would soon face its own set of obstacles that I would have to overcome.

   In Spring 2013, I had my first medical emergency and was taken to the ER. At the time staff were unsure of what happened, but only knew I had been unresponsive for a while and lacked a diagnosis. Unanswered questions and continued episodes related to my health led to a less than satisfactory GPA that semester. In Fall 2013, I was admitted to the hospital for seizures. During this period, I had many doctors’ appointments and could not drive or live on my own. I had to request medical withdrawal from classes for that term and returned to school in Spring 2014 and did well. In Fall 2014, I was hospitalized again and I, along with my advisors and medical team, felt it was best to take a break from school until I had recovered fully and medically withdraw from that term.

   I returned to USFSP and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. From there, I applied to PA school but was not accepted. I used this as an opportunity to take more college courses such as pharmacology and pathophysiology and obtain the critical HCE hours and PCE hours I needed to become a stronger applicant and overall better future physician assistant.

   In January 2018, I became a bilingual healthcare outreach advocate for CVS health, specializing in their bleeding disorders sector with emphasis on the Latin communities and other underserved areas. During my time there, much of which I spent traveling across the country, the challenges that I saw within rural America were eye opening. Many areas had very limited or no access to medical care, which inevitably led to poor medical adherence and sometimes risky self-treatment. I learned much during my time with CVS and was able to showcase my skills and knowledge within my role. I worked closely with our nurse educator and colleagues for patient home visits and met with patient’s healthcare providers and HTCs. I also helped with navigating their insurance and copay assistance programs to ensure our patients were getting the best care possible. My role also included presenting educational materials in Spanish alongside our nurse at local chapter events and educational seminars within different communities. Such experiences only reinforced my desire to reapply to become a physician assistant.

   Throughout these experiences and challenges, I learned more about myself and who I am as a person. I am compassionate, empathetic, a team player and resilient. I have seen those I care about most struggle with their health as well as dealing with my own health challenges. I have faced low points and obstacles in my academic career and have persevered through them all. Most of all, I continued to advance and challenge myself so that I may be the best version of myself and an outstanding future physician assistant.

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2. TS says

   August 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm

   His hospital room had a revolving door. The days turned into a haze with so many people coming in and out: drawing blood, checking vitals, asking repetitive disengaged questions; until one person was able to stop the blur of chaos. A pa walked in, but instead of using medical jargon, staring at a computer with his back turned, he faced us and asked if he could step into our world. The pa sat down, quietly gathering his thoughts, knowing the following words were going to destroy the life we created together. I cannot recall his complete sentence, only, “stage four…metastatic…I am sorry.” It was silent for a moment as we sat there in disbelief. The pa sat with us, not rushing, only waiting to help. Our eyes were filled with tears, as we bombarded him with questions. He stayed calm and unwavering, giving honest answers, and became our rock throughout the storm. Despite the gravity of the situation, the pa saw my dad as a human and not just a diagnosis.

   I grew up in a single-parent household, moving often, at times living in a tent, motor home, and trailer parks. I was determined to break this cycle and become the first generation to go to college. When I was young my dad saw how captivated I was with an old medical book my grandma had and began telling me that I should go into the medical field. This thought was foreign to me, being from a low-income family, we were taught to avoid medical treatment due to cost. Confused by this notion, I focused on my ambition of graduating college. I majored in international business and although it was a gratifying achievement, something was missing. It was not until later, through the experience of my dad’s cancer, that I discovered my passion. I finally realized what my dad had told me growing up, the medical field is my true calling. When I told my dad this, he just smiled and said, “a dad always knows.”

   While taking care of my dad at home on hospice I enrolled in an accelerated EMT program and finished top of my class. A week later, he passed away. For the past seven years, in his memory, I have volunteered my time and services to the American Cancer Society: Relay for Life. The cancer diagnosis that shattered my world is what led to me finding my purpose. It allowed me to discover a career that complements my strengths and talents.

   I have been working as an emergency medical technician for over seven years. I worked two years in an ambulance and five years in the emergency department of a level two trauma hospital. With every shift, I became more enthralled with helping people find strength and understanding in their darkest times. I work side by side with medical professionals of varying specialties and have established that my strength and passion lie within the pa profession. While working both jobs, I went back to school to complete my prerequisites for pa school but was unable to maintain the necessary grades. I am determined to become a pa, so I made changes to help improve my GPA. I left the job in the ambulance and went part-time in the emergency department. This allowed me to focus on my grades while still gaining invaluable experience in the medical field.

   Working and shadowing with pas has provided me a great understanding of the pa role. The requirements to be a great pa extend past educational excellence, being an effective team member, and having unparalleled time management skills. A pa must also embody the very meaning of being human. We must be able to actively listen, convey compassion, build rapport, communicate effectively and advocate for all patients. Showing compassion by holding the hand of the confused elderly patient that fell out of bed and needs sutures. Building rapport with the psych patient that is paranoid about the paper towel dispenser in his room. Advocating for a repeat EKG for the man with constant chest pain to find a change in rhythm and taking him to Cath lab. Doing a manual heart massage on the teenage gunshot victim I had to pull out of the car. Reading the body language of the teenage girl brought in by her “father” multiple times this month to discover that she is a victim of sex trafficking. These examples are only a snapshot of my experiences that prove the strength in my abilities to become a pa.

   My decision to become a pa did not come on a whim. It was the many twists and turns through life that helped me find my path. For years I have strived tirelessly, doing research, shadowing, volunteering, and working with many different medical professionals to ensure this career is right for me. I will be the pa that unflinchingly guides patients through their diagnosis and treatment plans, addresses concerns in a comprehensible manner, and remains steadfast in the commitment to maintaining humanity in medicine. I am eager to advance my education through your program and become a great pa.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     August 8, 2022 at 8:12 am

     TS,
     I am so sorry about the loss of your father, and I know you will honor him through your compassionate care as a provider.
     I think you are off to a very good start. I would highlight some of the clinical skills you have gained along the way.
     Also, just so you know for future writing, it is PAs, not pas.
     I wish you good luck, TS.

     Reply

3. Carly says

   August 4, 2022 at 5:34 pm

   Volunteering in the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco, California and the refugee camps in Greece was agonizing and heart-wrenching. During these trips, I observed people with identifiable skin lesions, yellowed eyes, arms bearing evidence of drug use, infected toes, and mental illnesses. These people were considered outcasts; they were, unhomed, tossed out, and with no one there to keep them stable or healthy. Serving the disadvantaged pulls at the corners of my heart. It aches for those living with no shelter, wearing shoes that are half their true size, or laying in their own urine. At first, serving these individuals brought a smile to my face. But as I dove deeper into their sufferings, the service brought inward sorrow. One day, I found myself emotionally torn down from a long day of carrying their concerns and poverty on my shoulders, and tears streamed down my sweaty face. I felt helpless; I was just a VOLUNTEER, as indicated on my name badge. I could not prescribe them antibiotics for their infections, or medications like suboxone to help manage their drug misuse. I was only authorized to provide them meals, wish them blessings, and hope for the best outcomes. Stubbornness and frustration was the theme of my outlook during these trips.I pondered, “How is one meal or one a Band-Aid going to help this drug user on the street?” I asked if we could hand out items such as contraceptives, sanitizing wipes, or nicotine patches. The programs responded with, “We are unable to provide funding in this region for these supplies.”
   These settings sparked my interest in public health, which grew into the pursuit of a Bachelors of Science in Public Health. This degree has allowed me to take into account not only the biology of populations but their overall environment, education, social status and lifestyle. I use this knowledge in work to understand health outcomes in undergoing care of a diverse population with varied social status, geography and education level.
   During college, I worked as an occupational therapy aide, where we slowly progressed the patient’s muscles giving them strength to continue their daily routines again. In guiding them through their exercises they found trust, peace and sympathy in me. The relationship that begins with each patient is a connection that demands empathy, compassion and intellect from the provider. Injuries and surgeries are events that no patient hopes for but providers must be there to pick up the pieces physically and emotionally. I felt honored to provide care to patients who had undergone surgery and trusted us to bring back their simple movements like picking up a pencil or their cell phone. The relationships that I built with the patients were rewarding and enticed me to continue on the track of becoming a PA.
   After working part time in a primary care clinic and graduating from Cal Poly, I secured a position as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic working directly with a PA. Working in this busy clinic requires me to be at my best while scribing, discussing pathology results, removing sutures, performing wound care and assisting in surgery. Providing healing with medicine, interventions and manipulations of the body’s systems absolutely thrills me. Providers transverse into every sphere of the body during its most sensitive and private times. During these times, I have witnessed multiple providers calm patients’ anxiety just as I hope to do one day as a PA. I am able to do my part now by helping calm patients during procedures such as shave biopsies, cosmetic procedures, excisions and MOHS surgery. This experience has certainly showcased the importance of team based healthcare in treating threatening melanoma and other skin cancers. The PA I work with is instrumental in treating, prescribing, performing biopsies and other minor procedures prior to an excision from the proven skin cancer by the doctor. After surgery is complete, I am able to remove the sutures, perform wound care and communicate to the patient after care instructions. I am hopeful to become a more prominent player in the teamwork that occurs in healthcare.
   A Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies would enhance my value as a provider on a healthcare team. I would truly be able to contribute to individuals in this world with true compassion. I am eager to serve diverse communities with a knowledgeable mind and open heart making an ultimate impact in their lives. Strategizing and delivering permanent solutions is what I am driven to contribute to patient’s lives. While being a volunteer and medical assistant helped me build a foundation for interacting with different populations, I do not want to be limited by the scope of my role. Rather, I want to provide care as a medical professional, making important and long lasting impacts in the lives of those that need it most.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     August 8, 2022 at 8:00 am

     Carly,
     Your desire to make a lasting impact is woven throughout your essay.
     I think it would be impactful to add a patient care story that shows you in action connecting on a personal level with one of the patients you have served. You may want to use a story from your work as a medical assistant.
     I would also further spotlight some of the reasons that the PA profession appeals to you over another type of provider. What about working with this PA has confirmed your decision?
     I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
     I wish you good luck, Carly.

     Reply

4. Whitney Prosperi says

   August 3, 2022 at 12:49 pm

   Lekala,
   Your introduction does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention and revealing some of your motivations to become a PA.
   I can sense that you have a passion to advocate for patients and expand care.
   I would suggest including a patient care story that shows you in action providing care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to reveal some of your character traits that will make you an exceptional PA.
   You also may want to highlight some of the clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained.
   I wish you good luck on your journey!

   Reply

5. Maddie Z says

   August 2, 2022 at 2:55 pm

   I was pinned up against the door, my patient’s nails digging into my arm and her face inches from mine when I realized: I get to do this for the rest of my life. This patient was staying at the hospital because her memory was diminishing and her temperament was erratic. These changes were happening rapidly and her providers had no explanation as to why. She hated being in the hospital and didn’t understand why she was there, leading to her holding me hostage in her room begging me to let her leave. Normally, someone would see this as aggressive behavior from a patient and feel no sympathy towards them, but when I looked in her eyes I did not see anger or intentional aggression, I saw fear. I saw someone seeking comfort and help and she was communicating that in the only way her brain could reason how. When I saw that look I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted her to know that I could see her, I could understand her, and that I was there to help her.

   Caring for someone who previously attacked you is surely not for the faint of heart – in fact caring for another person in general is not for everyone – but I feel my LNA instructor put it best when she said “you don’t choose healthcare as a career, healthcare chooses you”, and she was absolutely right. I would like to say that I wanted to be a PA my whole life, but that’s simply not true. It wasn’t until I started going to physical therapy during my freshman year of high school that I realized I loved medicine. I loved learning about how and why the body works; how each part works as a team to complete a task. This love further grew as I looked into other healthcare positions, and I fell upon physician assistants. What caught my attention about PAs is the ability to work with independence, while also working as a team with other providers. I believe that patients get the best care when their situation is assessed from different angles, so it is important to have different people from varying backgrounds and experiences on their team to best meet their needs. What also drew me to the PA profession is that I can still do what I love as an LNA, becoming close with and caring for my patients, while also providing them with a much higher level of care than I can do now.

   I understand many of the challenges that come with becoming a PA, as the education is accelerated and it is an extremely competitive field, but I am no stranger to challenges. When I transferred to the University of Vermont from the University of New England I had to take a semester off, putting off my projected graduation date to the fall of 2021 instead of the spring. Instead of succumbing to this obstacle, I took classes full time over the summer and worked hard to keep my grades up so that I could graduate on time. During my senior year of college, I was working two part time jobs as an LNA and a nanny, planning my wedding, and caring for my father who had suffered a severe ischemic stroke and a transient ischemic stroke within two months of each other. Despite these challenges that continued to be thrown my way, I graduated on time and with good grades.

   When sharing with people that I want to be a PA, many people mention the necessary preparedness, not only for the academic challenges, but for the emotional challenges that come with it as well. The feeling of losing a patient, seeing your patient deteriorate, or knowing that there is nothing more that you can do. I feel that my experiences as an LNA have greatly prepared me for this obstacle. I have cared for patients’ bodies after they have passed, and assisted patients as they lose basic skills such as eating and walking, and sometimes even forgetting their own name. While this is always devastating and never easy, I find it helps to think about the difference I am making in my patients’ lives. How a man who was almost entirely paralyzed was able to crack a small smile when I remembered that he loves cop shows, or how I helped a bedbound patient learn to walk again alongside occupational therapists. It’s these small moments that draw me so deeply to be a PA, because there is no greater feeling than altruistically caring for another person, while also pursuing a passion for medicine.

   Through my experiences working as an LNA and alongside PAs, the exciting moments and the melancholy, I know wholeheartedly that treating patients as a PA is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have learned so much about patient interaction, and I want to further my education so I can enhance the level of care that I can provide. I am ready for the challenges that await me and feel confident in my ability to succeed as a PA.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     August 3, 2022 at 1:15 pm

     Maddie,
     I can sense your passion to help patients woven throughout your essay.
     I would suggest adding some dialogue to your introduction that shows you calmly responding to this patient. You want to show some of those traits that will make you a strong PA who stays calm in chaos.
     I would also include more details about your work history, clinical skills and medical knowledge.
     If you have any shadowing experience, include that. Describe an interaction that solidified your decision to become a PA. (between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician)
     You may even want to refer back to your introduction in your conclusion.
     I wish you good luck, Maddie.

     Reply

6. Jill says

   July 28, 2022 at 4:33 pm

   While at Union College, I participated in both cross country and track. Participating in both seasons, meant I never had an off-season. I would train year-round and more times than not, I would have two practices a day. One practice at six in the morning to complete my mileage and another practice at eight in the afternoon to lift weights for strength training. While running is not only a very physically strenuous sport, it also involves mental toughness to push yourself through up to thirteen miles at a time. Dedication to the sport is essential, if you miss a few practices your body is no longer at peak performance, and you will let yourself and your team down. The skills of dedication, determination, and just physical hard work will broadcast themselves in my work as a physician assistant. Aside from competing, I was nominated team captain by my fellow athletes and coaches. The skills I have learned by being a team captain will be essential to my work as a PA because I will oversee my patients’ care, and I will need to lead my nurses and techs to provide the most beneficial care possible. My time management and organization skills will help me to handle the patient load and use my time effectively at work to see and help the most patients possible. Being a collegiate athlete has prepared me in every way possible to become the best well-rounded individual I could be to succeed as a physician assistant.

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7. Jill says

   July 28, 2022 at 2:19 pm

   On April 14th, ten years ago, a tragic accident that left me devastated also left a growing curiosity for medicine that inevitably made me into the curious and driven woman I am today. Every Saturday I would go to the job site with my grandpa who built houses for a living. As I finish up my beloved breakfast of a chicken biscuit and yoo-hoo, grandpa announces that he is going to move the loader down the hill to allow space for the concrete trucks to deliver. I watch as he starts the loader and proceeded down the hill when one of the tires hit a hole in the ground causing my grandpa to fall off the loader right under the tire. I drop my biscuit and yell for my dad while running to my grandpa. He is on the ground, tire tracks on his exposed abdominal organs. He tries to get up as I push him to the ground and hold pressure on his flattened stomach. He says, “just get me some Tylenol and I’ll be ready for this truck to come”. The ambulance comes and takes my grandpa and that was the last time I saw the face of my best friend.
   Many years later, my curiosity for the human body grows thinking back on grandpa’s accident and his inability to feel the pain of his injuries. I then immersed my curiosity into my volunteer work through TJ Samson Rehabilitation Services. At TJ Rehab, I work alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapists to provide therapy to children with autism, down syndrome, and developmental disabilities. By being involved in this program, I have come to realize that I am driven to be an advocate for undervalued populations. Through my volunteer work, I have organized walks, school programs, and even camps such as Camp TJ. These programs not only provide the critical resources needed for the children but also allows the children to have a sense of purpose and inclusion.
   When I received academic and athletic scholarships to Union College, I joined many highly regarded organizations such as student ambassadors, spiritual life internships, and peer tutoring. One of my pivotal points was when I was a spiritual life intern, it allowed me to volunteer and aid in community development for underserved populations. We would spend our time with the local churches holding food and clothes drives, health fairs, and community dinners. On top of the community development, I was working on, I was team captain of the Union College Cross Country and Track team. It requires great leadership and dedication to excel at my sport by being a leader and serving as a good example.
   When COVID-19 hit, I had to move back home to Glasgow, KY, and continue my education at Western Kentucky University. During my time at WKU, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in biophysics and participated in the PA club and intermural sports. My first semester at WKU was a struggle for me academically, I was trying to adjust to not only a new school but Covid restrictions as well. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, my grades that semester dropped and even caused me to obtain a C in organic chemistry. I believe that if circumstances were different, I would have excelled in chemistry and obtained a higher grade. By my second semester at WKU, I understood what was needed to get the grades I desired.
   With the growing desire to be in the medical field, I started a job as a phlebotomist at Bowling Green Medical Center, in the emergency department. While responding to a trauma call, I rush to the trauma bay to obtain my blood sample for the lab when Jessica Strunk, PA-C comes into the trauma room and begins to call orders for the code. I was just staring up at her wondering who she was and how she handles the situation with such grace and urgency. After a few rounds of compressions and epinephrine being pushed, the doctor comes in and proceeds to let Jessica lead while he obtained an airway. Later that week, I asked Jessica if I could shadow her and see what all her job entails. I knew after the first day I shadowed her, I knew that being a PA is my life calling. While shadowing under her, I have been able to witness not only the qualities of an amazing PA but also the quality of having a good bedside manner and the assertiveness to maneuver the fast-paced work environment.
   My desire to practice as a physician assistant has slowly shaped and developed throughout my life in various ways. I believe that God has organized these events in my life to set me up for a career as a PA. From my witnessing a traumatic accident to my passion for serving undervalued and underserved populations and even my work as a phlebotomist, the best way for me to pursue my passion and answer my calling is by becoming a physician assistant.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     August 3, 2022 at 1:05 pm

     Jill,
     First of all, I am so sorry about the tragic loss of your grandpa. I cannot imagine how traumatic that must have been for you, and I trust that your legacy of service will honor his life.
     You have many strong elements in your essay. I would suggest adding a patient care story that shows you in action connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to spotlight some of those personal skills you have that will make you an exceptional PA.
     I would also add in some more details about what specifically draws you to the PA profession as opposed to another type of provider. (more time/connection with patients, ability to switch specialties, expand access to care to underserved populations)
     I wish you good luck in the process, Jill.

     Reply

8. Hannah G. says

   July 25, 2022 at 5:38 pm

   I am a fixer who found purpose in tragedy. Since I was a little girl, I’ve made it my personal purpose to fix everyone and everything. At 13, I was the confidant and relentless cheerleader for my homeless, drug addicted uncle. It wasn’t his fault, after being molested since he was 6, he’s known nothing but drugs to calm the voices in his head. I’d take phone calls night after night locked in my room thinking I could save him if I just took one more call. When I couldn’t, I turned to music, learned guitar, and I would sing and perform. I poured my soul into every song I sang and wrote. I made it my therapy; a way to show others they weren’t alone by giving a voice to the things everyone was afraid to talk about.

   Fast forward to 16. I wrote letters, made phone calls, tried to intervene, yearning to be the one that could save my dad from drowning in the alcohol he used to hide the PTSD lingering in the shadows left by what he has seen as a firefighter. Still, there was nothing I could do to help enough.

   Finally, after graduating college I felt I could make a real difference. I travelled to a new city and became a medical assistant. I dealt with a patient who has been shot 22 times and lived to tell the story. Irreversible neurological damage rendered him unable to speak and irreparably fearful of everyone and everything around him. I sat with him for as long as he needed me to for him to feel safe, helped him fill out forms, walked him through our new patient process step by step. He wrote notes to me to communicate. I still have the ones he wrote thanking me for being patient with him. And I remember beaming for the rest of the day, yet still left heartbroken wondering how there would be anyone who wouldn’t be patient with him.

   Now as a cardiac tech I’m faced with a military patient. Being seen for heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Eyes darting from side or side, fidgeting with his keys. After telling me about all the tours he’s done and accomplishments he has achieved, he can’t stop fidgeting. He became enraged when I asked him if he ever experienced anxiety. “I’m a marine, I don’t have anxiety. I came here for my heart”. And yet, after countless tests come back clean and clear, he looks at us angered and defeated. Saying he doesn’t understand. His pain was effecting so many parts of his health, and he didn’t even know it.

   This is what has brought me to healthcare. PTSD and emotional trauma has become such a forefront that continues to be misunderstood and misinterpreted. But each tribulation that I’ve lived through have further steadied my hands, sharpened my curiosity, widened my mind, and softened my compassion. I flourish in adversity and I believe this is what will make me a wonderful physician assistant. I realize through my interactions with patients that there is still so much work to be done, and I want to pave roads for healing. I want to educate patients. I want to create a medical environment that facilitates safety and through that safety, bears growth and healing. As a PA, the paths to doing so are endless. Emergency care, providing a calm and compassionate voice with immediate trauma. Primary care with the underserved, honoring voices that rarely get to be heard. Working with PTSD victim and veterans in psychiatry, introducing each patient to the intricacies of healing, creating plans and care team networks to guide them through the process. I didn’t know it as a little girl, but it couldn’t be clearer to me now. Every experience has molded me to become a provider for those who have not yet found their voice, and teaching them how to sing.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     August 3, 2022 at 12:58 pm

     Hannah,
     Your passion and ability to help others radiates through every word of your essay.
     I would suggest condensing where you can so that you have room to add in more essential elements of your journey.
     First, you will want to share what specifically appeals to you about the PA profession over another type of provider. (the ability to switch specialties? the opportunity to expand access to care for underserved patients? more time/contact with patients?)
     You also want to spotlight any clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained along the way.
     Also, I would describe any shadowing experience you have. What about an interaction between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician solidified your decision?
     I wish you good luck, Hannah.
     I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.

     Reply

9. Lekala Moore says

   July 22, 2022 at 1:32 pm

   “Your daughter “possibly” has herpes.” These are the words a doctor says to a 16-year-old virgin as she sits across from her mother. The purpose of the visit was itching, but somehow this appointment ended up with a painful examination being performed. All while an innocent young girl is being judged by her mother all from the word “possibly”, told by a doctor. This caused judgmental stares from her mother and an ocean of tears and screams of “I don’t know” and “I’m innocent” on the car ride back home. Little did the 16-year-old girl know that this was just the start of a gynecologist misdiagnosing her and brushing off her pains. This 16-year-old is me and why I want to be a physician assistant.
   Growing up in a poverty-stricken home in rural North Carolina going to the doctor for annual wellness exams was never done. We relied upon over-the-counter drugs and rest to fix any ailments we may have had. This method had worked until I started feeling sharp pains in my lower abdomen. After countless days of sudden sharp pains and taking multiple Ibuprofen pills with no relief, I was scheduled for my first physical. With a wait time of two hours at the small health clinic, I was finally able to be seen by the doctor. It didn’t take long for the doctor to come in and say that I should get an ultrasound done and that I should be put on birth control. Again, there were the judgmental stares from my mother all from a doctors’ words. My mother quickly made the appointment for birth control and the ultrasound all while I was left still in pain and confusion. After being put on birth control and receiving the ultrasound I waited for a call from the health clinic for the results of the procedure but there was nothing. My family told me no news is good news, but I knew that was wrong. I still had the sharp pains that would cause me to leave school early and occasionally vomit from how much pain I was in. This consistent pain sparked my interest in healthcare I wanted to understand my body and why I was feeling the way I was.
   In high school, there was a health careers class that would teach you about the human body and what careers you could pursue in healthcare. With this class, I was able to truly fall in love with healthcare; I loved the idea of helping others just like me that were confused about medical jargon and who were scared to talk to their doctors. After taking the health career pathway in high school I applied to Winston-Salem State University to pursue a career in Healthcare Management. I loved the motto for the program, “A Mind for Business. A Heart for Healthcare, and a Degree for Both.” I know that to truly help a patient; it is important to understand the business aspects of healthcare. During my college career, I was still searching for a female gynecologist who would finally be able to help me get to the bottom of these random sharp pains I was experiencing. After many searches, I found a doctor who listened to my concerns and gave me an ultrasound the same day. With that ultrasound, I found out that I had ovarian cysts the size of golf balls on my ovaries. She quickly gave me progesterone shots and told me that the pains I was experiencing were coming from the cysts. I immediately broke down into tears from finally having the answer I had been searching for over the years. Talking to my doctor solidified my choice of becoming a healthcare provider.
   After college, I worked at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in the Office of Cancer Health Equity. Here I was able to see the social determinants that many cancer patients have. I was able to meet patients and hear their stories, work with the Patient Navigators to get the needed resources their patients might need, and lastly volunteer in the community to educate and inform community members about the importance of cancer screenings. While working in the office I had the opportunity to talk to a variety of healthcare professionals across the multidisciplinary team. I met a physician assistant intern who allowed me to ask her questions on the difference between being a doctor and a PA. She informed me that there wasn’t much difference, but she had much more time with her patients than most doctors had, and she was able to build a better bond with her patients. When hearing those words, I knew I wanted to become a physician assistant. My goal is to return to my rural, medically underserved community and help those who were confused just like me. I believe that every obstacle I went through helped me become the person I am today. From the traumatic experience at 16 to meeting my gynecologist, working in the Office of Cancer Health Equity, and finally meeting that PA who opened my eyes to this new goal. This is just the beginning of my journey and with your institution, I know you will help shape me into becoming a well-rounded physician assistant so I can help those around me.

   Reply

   • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

     August 2, 2022 at 5:05 pm

     Hi Lekala! I love your essay and would like to post it to our blog as an example of how an essay should be written. This essay is perfect. It is honest, vulnerable, and engaging!

     Warmly,

     Stephen Pasquini PA-C
     CEO/Founder
     http://www.smartypance.com
     http://www.thepalife.com
     http://www.paschoolfinder.com

     Join our free PA Life community at https://community.thepalife.com

     Reply

10. Will H. says

    July 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm

    Thank you for your time and expertise! Please take the shotgun to it.

    The ER was my first exposure to physician assistants, and it was enthralling. I relished the lessons ranging from symptomology, interpretation of diagnostics, treatments, and other clinical pearls of wisdom. These PAs were experiencing their work as synchronized with who they were on a personal and emotional level. A sense of purpose, enthusiasm, and willingness to work harder to contribute was palpable. These were the people I aspire to become.
    For the first time, I found a crystal clear role which aligned with my calling. It embodied the intersection of the applied biological sciences, humanitarianism, and the fight for social justice. In collaboration with a physician, I, as a PA, would be a conduit to improving health through performing the physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment of disease by way of testing, therapeutics, and offering preventative education to patients. Likewise with these skills and expertise, I intend to fill some holes in our nation’s healthcare system by providing better access to society including the special needs population, BIPOC, veterans, immigrants, and refugees. I reason since our bodies are the only true possessions we have in our lifetimes; the unburdening of disease offers the potential for a person to live a fulfilling life and contribute something beneficial for the rest of humanity. For these reasons, I have spent the past 15 years clawing forward “reeducating” myself while gaining experience on the periphery of medicine. But this odyssey to answer the call has been anything BUT smooth.
    First step involved eliminating the fixed mindset I brought with me to college: no effort needed, I am smart, I deserved “A’s”. My intellect and sense of self-worth were inextricably tied to the external validation of a grade rather than what I had genuinely learned. This mindset influenced the strategies I used, which worked through high school. But coupled with poor prioritization skills, proved academically fatal in my undergraduate studies. I had adopted a laissez-faire attitude about my GPA and gave up. I still wince at the 2.58. A branding of my sin accompanied by a haunting feeling of failure.
    Years later after coming across psychologist Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset, I evolved. I swallowed the bitter pills, hit the reset button, and began taking classes. With time and renewed perseverance, I internalized the growth mindset espoused in her book by leaning into challenges. Mistakes were lessons, not judgments. While juggling postbaccalaureate courses I worked as a clinical care technician then an ER scribe. These positions supplemented with volunteering as an EMT on a local rescue squad. That haunting feeling began to dwindle.
    Then came a barrage of pitches. A curveball came in the form of breast cancer. My mom was ill, suffering from the stress and anguish of my original sin. Next came a literal fastball to my head. I had sustained a concussion while coaching my Special Olympics flag football team. To this day, I continue to have post concussive symptoms, but I stay the course.
    Last came the knucklecurve ball. I found mom lying in bed at 5:44pm on April 17th, 2020. My Spidey sense tingled immediately. She managed to moan of the “worst headache ever” and chills. The house was a comfortable 75 degrees and 2 thick blankets covered her. A quick examination revealed a GCS of 12-13, slight left facial droop, diminished left grip strength with arm drift, and slurred speech. Cincinnati positive, a likely stroke. Call to 911 at 5:47pm. While EMS was inbound, any possible obstacles which would hinder moving her to the ambulance moved. Paramedics arrived and confirmed my findings. At 6:03pm I watched the ambulance speed around the corner with my mom. Was this the last I would see my mom alive? I felt deeply alone.
    The experience was surreal as I encountered dozens of EMS calls and ER evaluations involving stroke patients, most of which did not end well. My stupor interrupted at 7:44pm by the anticipated phone. “Will, it’s Siama, Dr. Durrani,” she began, “you saved your mom’s life. You did good.” After relaying mom’s medical history, I inquired if I could come down to the ER. Her reply was, “of course, you are part of our family.”
    In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, an aneurysm popped in my mom’s head causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. To be frank, I do not believe I saved my mom’s life. I would have done the same for anyone. Right place, time, and experiences aligned at a critical moment. But Dr. Durrani’s sentiment continues to resonate with me. Each ordeal has not only reinforced my drive but fosters a deeper empathy and compassion I hope that as a PA, I extend to another member of the human family in their time of need when they feel afraid, abandoned, or alone.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 21, 2022 at 8:03 am

      Will,
      The story about your mom is incredible. You may consider moving that to become your introduction. Next, you could transition into your description of what appeals to you about the PA profession specifically. I would describe what exactly draws you to that role over other roles in healthcare.
      I also recommend describing your work experience and clinical skills gained along the way. I would include a patient care story that shows you in action connecting on a personal level while providing clinical care of some kind.
      If you have shadowing experience, describe any interactions you witnessed that solidified your decision. (between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician)
      I suggest moving the discussion about your grades to the paragraph before your conclusion. This allows you to establish the more positive aspects of your experience first.
      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, Will.

      Reply

      • Will H. says

        July 21, 2022 at 9:54 am

        Thank you for the feedback Miss Prosperi. It is truly truly appreciated. To be frank I am more of a scientific prose > poetry. So this first draft was cognitively draining. I will take the suggestions into account and likely acquire the revision services.

        Reply

11. Zakiya Scott says

    July 14, 2022 at 3:04 pm

    Imagine laying in bed for 9 months with an IV stuck in your arm, wondering if you would ever gain use of your left hand again. There is swelling starting from the tips of your fingers, down through to your forearm. Your hand is black, peeling, and infected with yellow pus oozing out of it. It is scary to look at and makes you feel ashamed to show your hand in public. Then due to the prolonged swelling, you have lost the full use of that hand, which also means that you are unable to work. Can you believe this started as a small rash after a family vacation? A week of fun with the family had a vicious ending.

    This was the reality my mother dealt with while caring for five children. It took more than 5 months for the doctors to diagnose her. This was only after prescribing her a multitude of creams and treatments. These treatments caused her rash to become severely infected. After many different referrals, a doctor was finally able to get her proper testing, only to discover she had Lyme disease. Seeing my mother go through this pain and stress at the tender age of 8, was traumatic for me. I couldn’t understand why no one knew what was wrong with her or why none of the treatments were working. She was bedridden for almost a year and had to undergo physical therapy before she was able to fully use her hand again. This is the first event that sparked my interest in Healthcare.

    At a routine physical exam, I had an impactful conversation with my doctor. Dr. Conde spoke to me about her experiences in healthcare in our hometown, recently renamed “Little Caribbean” in Brooklyn, New York. She told me that in an area that was predominantly populated by people of color, we were not being adequately represented in health care. She worked at a local hospital after medical school and was the only black woman in her department. She wanted to inspire other people of color to go into health care and give back to the communities they grew up in. She motivated me even more, to pursue healthcare. I have always been passionate about helping others and her experiences resonated with me.

    At an early age, I was pushing myself to become as well-rounded as possible. I studied hard and it paid off when I was given the opportunity to skip the seventh grade. I could see this lifted some financial pressure off of my parents who both worked two jobs to send me to private school and I was happy to make them proud. In high school, I was chosen to join an early college program that allowed me to get my Associate’s degree by the age of 16. This was very difficult as I was enrolled as a full-time student while taking high school classes and being captain of the track and field team. I did not back down from the challenge but instead embraced this experience as a test in leadership and discipline. I am grateful for the preparation and insight it gave me before starting my undergraduate career.

    In May 2022, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences with a focus in Medical Microbiology. To expand my leadership and teaching skills, I worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant in a microbiology laboratory. This allowed me to familiarize myself with laboratory techniques and gain teaching experience. In the summer of 2021, I worked on a research project focused on identifying components involved in the sensory pathways of Hydra, practicing in-situ hybridization, and confocal microscopy. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in presenting, showed me how to work with others, and helped me explain complex topics in ways that the general population may understand. I also became the president of the Black student union. This enhanced my leadership skills and taught me about administration, planning, and management. I worked to use this platform to spread knowledge on human rights, sexual health, and mental health throughout my campus, three factors that heavily affect college students. Which I found to be especially important in a culture where sexual and mental health has been so stigmatized. After graduation, I began working as a physical therapist aide helping people through their injuries and encouraging their progress. This job helped with my communication skills and ability to explain the importance of treatment plans to patients.
    Growing up in Brooklyn has played a large role in my passion. My parents have high blood pressure. One of my grandmothers had diabetes and the other battled breast cancer twice. Similar scenarios are true for many in low-income communities who are more likely to be affected by chronic diseases. Access to adequate health care services should be available to everyone. My goal is to break down the walls that hinder the well-being of every single community. In the end, I want to be able to educate others, foster learning, and give access to the necessities that can aid in keeping people healthy. The role I want to play in this battle starts with becoming a Physician’s Assistant.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 21, 2022 at 7:38 am

      Zakiya,
      What an ordeal for your mother and your family. I know you are grateful for her full recovery.
      I would add in some more details about what appeals to you about the PA profession. You do a good job of explaining your desire to expand access, but what other aspects draw you to this role? (ability to switch specialties, collaboration with a supervising physician and healthcare team?)
      I would also add a patient care story that shows you in action connecting with a patient on a personal level while providing care. You want to show some of the traits that will make you an effective and compassionate PA.
      I would describe any clinical skills you have gained along the way through your different roles. Also, if you have shadowing experience, describe how this confirmed your decision to pursue the PA profession.
      I wish you good luck, Zakiya.

      Reply

12. Kimberly Rebecca says

    July 13, 2022 at 9:33 am

    At the age of six, one storming evening, I went to carry my dog, when all of a sudden, he bit deeply into my chin. Immediately, I screamed from the instant sharpness of pain I felt and my mom rushed me to the hospital as she saw blood rapidly dripping from my face. Once we arrived, I didn’t have to wait long before a couple doctors and nurses walked in to assess my wound. I felt a rush of fear enter my stomach, as I never enjoyed doctor appointments, however one doctor noticed the fear in my face and walked away. When she came back, in her hand was a watermelon flavored lollipop that made my tears subside. Throughout my time in the ER, she was extremely attentive and while explaining what was happening to my mom, she also did her best to speak to me in a way that was understandable and relatable. It was the first experience that sparked my interest in the healthcare field and would create my passion to comfort my patients’ during times of fear by creating a connection on a personal level, the same way this doctor did for me.
    In high school, I began to research and explore the different aspects and roles of healthcare. I took the initiative during my sophomore year to join the Pre-Med/Medical Explorers after school club. This extracurricular gave me the opportunity to connect and interact with other peers who shared my same interest for medicine. One of my first observing experiences happened in a local community hospital near my school and as a group we were able to spend time shadowing different providers who shared their experiences. Being able to observe healthcare providers interact with patients and be educated on the foundation of their medical career solidified my decision and interest for medicine.
    I decided to take a big leap into applying for my first healthcare job at the end of my freshman year of college, which was as a medical receptionist intern. One of the biggest skills I learned was adaptability, this allowed me to thrive in a medical office setting, because I learned to communicate more effectively with the providers, staff, and patients and acclimate to the diverse cultures I encountered daily. Shortly after, I yearned to gain more experience and became a certified phlebotomy technician and worked as an phlebotomy intern. I gained an extensive amount of knowledge about the human body, how to provide care for patients and expand on my medical terminology. The patient volume in this practice was much higher, and working in a fast-paced environment taught me how to be efficient in a timely manner, while still providing excellent patient care. I learned how to manage stressful situations to ensure that I avoided feeling overwhelmed and instead have a calmer approach.
    One day, there was a young patient who came in for an annual physical and needed to have blood drawn and from the beginning, the patient’s mother expressed how he does not do well with needles. I immediately began to comfort and assure him; we engaged in small conversation to focus his mind away from the venipuncture and before he knew it, I was already done. At the end of his visit, I made sure to catch him on his way out with a lollipop and voice that he did great.
    I have a come a long way from that little six year old girl who received stitches from a dog bite. I have increased my experience in healthcare that has not only encouraged me to grow as person but to further develop my passion for medicine. Working in different medical offices I had the opportunity to speak with both physicians and physician assistants as I began to narrow my decision with becoming a PA. Although, both groups of providers talked highly of their profession, my future goals aligned closely with those of a PA. An aspect to highlight is their level of autonomy as a provider, their ability to easily switch specialties as they choose to do so and their overall job satisfaction. One physician assistant that I shadowed was named Suzanne, and one aspect of her job that I admired was her level of compassion and empathy that she expressed, even when they came in with a medical mystery puzzle. I admired her role to act how she saw fit for her patients but also have the flexibility to speak with her supervising physician for input and feedback. It gave me reassurance that I am able to care for patients while also have a team that are there for my support if necessary.
    I have invested lots of dedicated time to learning about the PA profession and what contributions I can make as a future PA. The different roles that I have held has given me access to appreciate the team aspect of working in healthcare. I have learned how important it is to communicate clearly and effectively with both physicians, staff and patients, to ensure that the patient has a pleasurable experience and that as a team we work collaboratively, to be efficient, detailed, compassionate with our patients to ensure outstanding care, and when possible offer a lollipop to ease any fear.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 21, 2022 at 7:23 am

      Kimberly,
      You are off to a good start. I would suggest elaborating on relevant work experience and any other clinical skills you have gained along the way.
      You also may want to add in some dialogue to your patient care story. Show yourself in action providing care while saying calming words to this anxious patient.
      You may even want to move your line about how far you’ve come from your six-year-old self down to the start of your concluding paragraph. I would make the discussion about what appeals to you about the PA profession and what you witnessed from shadowing their own paragraphs.
      I wish you good luck, Kimberly.

      Reply

13. Alli D says

    July 10, 2022 at 12:44 pm

    There is a family member who helped me finally decide to start my journey into becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). That person is my grandmother. For the majority of her life, she was a very healthy and independent woman. Then, one day she was showering, she had slipped and fallen in the bathtub. In doing so, she had suffered a deep wound to her inner thigh as well as a spinal cord injury in her cervical spine. Watching her struggle through her recovery and coming to terms with being totally dependent on other people for basic needs breaks my heart. I have always dreamed of working in healthcare, but this event is what made me want to take on a role that has more of a leadership role within the field.
    Since graduating from college, I have worked in two settings in healthcare. This first was an outpatient physical therapy office as an aide. While I loved interacting with patients, I always felt like I was missing out on something. I wanted to have some control as to what the patients were doing throughout their treatment. One day, a therapist called next door to the clinical side of the office to have a PA look at a patient’s leg in concern for a blood clot. Ultimately the PA decided to send that patient for a doppler. I took the opportunity to talk with the PA while they explained their role. They proceeded to explain that although they have a supervising physician, they make decisions on their own and are responsible for their plan of care.
    After understanding a bit more about the PA role, I decided to switch jobs to experience a different domain within healthcare. I currently work at a primary care office as a medical assistant under three doctors and a PA. At this office, I am more involved in working alongside the doctors and PA so I get to see what they do in the room with a patient- an aspect that I did not get to see at my previous job. Seeing that there were very little differences in how a PA and doctor interacts with patients directly is important to me. The PA sees her own regular patients and maintains their care and follows up with them when necessary. Ultimately this is what got me attracted me to the role of a PA. I like to have the ability to make decisions on my own and I like taking responsibility for those decisions.
    Once I graduated college, I was unsure what role I wanted to pursue. After hearing patients talk about how their care under a PA has been and seeing how knowledgeable the PAs that I have had the pleasure of shadowing and working with are, I was set on becoming one myself. It is great to see the relationships that the PA, Erica, has with her patients. She never leaves the room without reviewing the plan of care with the patient to ensure that everyone is on the same page. While I got the opportunity to sit down and talk with and ask questions to Erica, she explained that although she really enjoys primary care, she has always had an interest in neurology and specifically treating migraines. If at any point she decides that she wants to switch to a different specialty, she can. This is something that was important to consider when deciding whether to go to PA school or med school. I love the freedom a PA has without needing to choose one specialty for the rest of their career.
    Physician Assistants must manage a bunch of different things at once. Between seeing patients, charting, addressing concerns from patients throughout the day, and a variety of more tasks, they do a lot throughout their workday. In addition to the workday, they have personal lives to live outside of their career. This is something that I have been working on, myself. Throughout college, I worked part-time while maintaining a full-time student status. Now, I work full-time and maintain my grades in a few classes that I have been taking. I believe that this lifestyle is preparing me to be able to undergo PA school as well as become an established PA in the future. Throughout undergrad, graduate courses, and pre-requisite courses, I have maintained a strong science GPA as well as a strong overall GPA. My experiences while being employed in healthcare and shadowing opportunities have provided me with a better understanding of medicine and the PA profession itself.
    Overall, throughout this journey of applying to PA school, I have found myself to be very confident in my application and my ability to succeed in PA school. Due to the amount of healthcare experience and my shadowing hours, I am certain this is the profession that I am made to become. I know that I will be successful both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Rather than jumping straight into PA school, I took a few years off from school to develop my passion and decide what exactly it is that I want to do. I am sure that I will become a well-respected PA and I believe your program can help me reach that goal.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 14, 2022 at 7:57 am

      Alli,
      I recommend including a patient care story in your essay that shows you in action connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to highlight some of the character traits that will make you an effective PA.
      Additionally, include some more details about relevant work experience, clinical skills, and medical knowledge that you have gained along the way.
      Lastly, in your conclusion, I would include a sentence that ties back to your introduction.
      I wish you good luck, Alli.

      Reply

14. Courtney says

    July 9, 2022 at 2:39 am

    I am really close to my character limit and would like some advice on the conclusions, thanks!

    My olfactory senses memorized the sticky must that filled the atmosphere of the Dominican Republic (DR). As we walked about 1 mile from the local clinic, I recognized how many folks that I met carried the aroma of layers of dirt and sweat. I assumed that their scent reflected a laborious day. During my time in the DR, I learned that my assumption was partially correct – the odor was related to hard work – but even more a reflection of their impoverished circumstances.

    I walked alongside Dr. Brendaliz, an MD born and raised in the DR, who committed her degree to providing medical care to her community. We came to a dirt yard with a man who had his right leg propped up on a bucket; his lower leg was wrapped in a deteriorating bandage, gnats buzzing around the extremity. Dr. Brendaliz examined the patient and explained that we needed to remove the old bandage, clean his wounds, and replace the wrapping. We began removing the battered bandage and not only did I see multiple open, festering wounds but also a great deal of swelling that signified a fracture. At that moment, I realized that this scent, of which followed around the members of the community, indicated need.

    We gently rinsed, treated, and rewrapped the man’s leg. Words of gratitude were exchanged for the service that we provided. As I walked away, Dr. Brendaliz explained that the man had fractured his ankle in a motorcycle accident; he was unable to afford any treatment and developed wounds from the inability to keep his splint clean and dry. The man was no longer able to work on the local farms and was searching for a way to provide for his family. I experienced a feeling far from disgust or pity, but instead, of concern for the medical opportunities and education accessible for those all over the world. I am inspired to become a physician assistant (PA), for this very reason – to be a beacon of light for those in impoverished communities, who are desperate for medical care and education.

    My chemoreceptors have allowed me to keep this memory throughout my medical experiences. While working in the Emergency Department (ED) as a medical scribe, I caught whiffs of the same potent stench that was prevalent in the third world countries that I visited. These smells encouraged compassion for those who were enveloped by it, for those whose circumstances I simply could not understand. Working as a scribe broadened my understanding of the variety of patients that I could encounter, teaching me that everyone deserves adequate treatment and kindness, regardless of their appearance, scent, economic status, or any other factor.

    My experience as a scribe is what propelled my desire to become a PA. While scribing for many PAs, I learned the dynamic of the profession, in an ED setting. I became attracted to their humble nature of working as a team with other providers to give the highest level of medical care. I grew up playing competitive softball and soccer which taught me that teamwork is essential for success. I yearned for that same style of teamwork throughout undergrad and EMT school, always preferring to study in groups, bounce ideas off of each other, and help point out what others can not always see. I understand a PA’s responsibility to independently analyze and educate patients in laboratory work, radiology results, aftercare instructions, etc; however, the unity of PA and MD is where, in my opinion, the profession soars. I witnessed how patients felt cared for and understood due to the presence of multiple providers. I believe that I have and continue to cultivate the humility and desire for teamwork that is required of a PA.

    I continued learning what it means to work in a medical environment when I obtained the position of an ED technician. I returned to the medically underserved community where I was raised and concentrated on learning hands-on care. My olfactory memory was enlivened in this environment, but this time I was required to clean the patients that brought these scents. My limits were pushed as I was faced with many incontinent, bug infested, and vomit soaked patients. My compassion was challenged. However, I have learned how important it is for underserved communities to have proper care and education.

    The first patient on which I performed chest compressions taught me more. As I rhythmically pressed my weight onto this patient’s sternum, feeling ribs break under my force, I watched other medical staff play their roles and I felt important. I, of course, was consumed with compassion for the patient struggling to live beneath my hands, but I was also given my first sense of value in the team work of saving lives. During my undergraduate time, I struggled to find my rhythm and drive, which is reflected in many grades, but I found my stride in my final years and have continued to learn. My experiences have made me empathetic, compassionate, team oriented, and ready to become a PA so I can serve and educate medically underserved communities.

    Reply

15. Ann says

    July 7, 2022 at 9:06 am

    “Are all of these people waiting for the train too?” One of my residents, Bridget, asks me while we are doing the afternoon activity. Bridget was the sweetest 90-year-old woman you could ever meet, and her Irish brogue can convince you to do just about anything for her. Bridget suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and often forgets the names of her sons that would visit every week; yet, she could tell you just about everything about her 40 years as a bedside nurse.
    As a CNA, I try to make a special connection with all of the people I take care of, but Bridget is one resident from the nursing home that will always hold a particular place in my heart. Bridget reminded me of my mom, who also left Ireland in search of a nursing job. My mom has worked as a nurse for 30 years and has loved every second of it. As a single mom of three, my mom would come home from a tough 12-hour shift each day happily ready to make Shepard’s pie for my brothers and me. My mom is my role model, and she is why I am pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician assistant today.
    “I found a lump.” This is probably the worst text I have ever received while walking into my 9 am organic chemistry class last fall. At the end of 2021, my mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer that spread to her bone cells. My introduction to the physician assistant profession was through an experience visiting the lab my mom worked in when I was in high school, but her diagnosis only made my ambition to pursue my career stronger. During the week we were dissecting the brain in the gross anatomy lab, I got a call from my mom saying that her most recent scans showed a 4 cm in diameter meningioma that was pressing on her lateral ventricle. This news was horrifying, but even more daunting when I had just witnessed a craniotomy that Tuesday.
    It took three months of my mom requesting a head and neck MRI to get her oncologist to order it. Given the size of her tumor, if my mom was not an advocate for herself, she might not still be here today. My mom’s journey with cancer has solidified why I am going into the career of being a physician assistant. I want to be an advocate for the people that may not know how. I want to connect with patients on a deeper level than the physician may not have time for. I want to take a more medical approach to diagnosing and treating than nurses do.
    After working on the general medicine floor as a patient care technician in a hospital and a CNA in a nursing home, I have developed my own worldview on what it means to be a healthcare professional. Although the positions I currently hold may often go overlooked, I have found that they are the best positions to really connect with a patient. The duties of a PCT such as feeding, bathing, and assisting with mobility may be everyday activities, but they are crucial to a patient’s health and quality of life. I have found that as a PCT, I am able to get to know the patients I take care of on a personal level because I get to spend the most time with them when I am helping them with activities of daily living. This allows me the opportunity to get to know them better and to make them feel more comfortable in a setting that may be scary or strange to them. Being a CNA and PCT have been very rewarding experiences, and these opportunities have shown me the importance of the patient-provider connection that I want to continue in my profession as a physician assistant.
    My healthcare and shadowing experiences have reinforced that being a physician assistant is the position I strive to hold in the medical field. As a PCT, one of my roles is to collaborate with a care team, and I have seen the crucial role physician assistants play in interprofessional collaboration with the supervising physician and other providers to administrate the best care. During my shadowing experience with a gastroenterology PA, I saw firsthand how the physician assistant was able to develop a treatment plan for her patient experiencing dysphagia from esophageal cancer. I valued the time she took to understand the patient’s needs and saw how she determined that the best plan of action was esophageal dilation after consulting the supervising physician.
    Though I have faced challenges this year with my mom’s illness that have put a strain on my academic performance in the past two semesters, I know that I have the drive to achieve my dream of becoming a physician assistant. I want to continue the same respect for humanity that my mom exemplified every day when she worked as a nurse, and to take time to show compassion when I am providing care. I chose the physician assistant path because I want to be an advocate for patients that may not feel heard in the healthcare setting, and work with a team of professionals to deliver them the best care in order to meet their needs not only medically, but on all levels of mind, body, and development.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 9, 2022 at 8:33 am

      Ann,
      You are off to a good start and have many effective elements in your essay.
      Also, I am so glad that your mom is okay- she sounds amazing.
      I would include more details about what specifically about the PA profession appeals to you. (ability to switch specialties, expanding care to underserved communities, etc.)
      Also, elaborate on any clinical skills you have gained in your various roles. You want to show how you are prepared to take the next step toward PA school.
      Your description of what you observed during shadowing is strong.
      I wish you good luck, Ann.

      Reply

16. Michele says

    July 5, 2022 at 12:20 pm

    I would really appreciate some help making my personal statement more fluid and cohesive! Any suggestions would be amazing.

    One of the most difficult experiences a person can have is being confronted with a life-threatening diagnosis. When I was nine years old, I came home from school to find out that my six year old brother was being admitted to the Children’s Hospital. He was promptly diagnosed with aplastic anemia and told he was extremely lucky it was caught in that moment. His battle was long and stressful for our family, with countless rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, dozens of blood and platelet transfusions, as well as two bone marrow transplants. As a young child, I did not understand much of what was going on, but I do remember feeling terrified and helpless. His team of healthcare professionals was constantly trying to explain what was happening, but the only person who truly made me feel better was one of his physician assistants. It was this experience that made me want to work as a healthcare professional, and it was my brother’s PA that made me begin to consider a career as a physician assistant.

    Ever since my brother’s diagnosis, I have been learning about the importance of perseverance. Although his battle helped me begin to develop this trait, I have faced many other obstacles that have helped me to further develop it. I have realized that one of the most important abilities in life is to be able to face challenges, work through them, and not give up on the things that matter to me. This has been very useful over the past two years in my current position as a Resident Care Assistant on a Memory Support unit. Working with residents with dementia has allowed me to grow in many ways. I have strengthened my communication and teamwork skills greatly, as it is essential to be able to communicate any changes in condition to the appropriate parties and work with others to provide excellent care to each resident. This experience has also helped me to develop patience and compassion. The majority of my residents do not understand where they are or why they are in the facility. At times, it can cause them great deals of stress. I have learned the importance of taking extra time to talk to them, get to know them, and explain how I can help them. By doing so, I not only ease their nerves, but also show them that I care about them and will do anything in my power to help them.

    My experience with Memory Support residents has been very rewarding, but it has also been extremely challenging. At times, residents become agitated or aggressive and it can be difficult to help them through their emotions. Over time, I have learned strategies for helping a resident who is struggling, and I have also learned when to give them a moment and re-approach them at a later time. Despite the difficulties of working with residents with dementia, the lessons I have learned about perseverance have allowed me to continue to come back and assist them. This has not only made me a stronger person, but I believe it has also made me more successful in my current role and will continue to benefit me throughout my life.

    A career as a physician assistant will empower me to apply the many lessons I have learned about patience, compassion, and perseverance in a work setting. Like my brother’s PA, I want to be the person who can help ease the nerves of my patients and their families while simultaneously explaining what their situation may mean. A career as a PA will allow me to get to know my patients and spend quality time with them, not only learning about their needs and preferences, but also about the things that make them who they are. Additionally, I want to apply the lessons I have learned about perseverance to my daily life. Although a career as a PA is not easy, it is very rewarding. Encountering challenges and working to overcome them is an amazing opportunity to grow as both a healthcare professional and as a person, and I believe that it will set me up for success in my career. I will not back down from a challenge and I want to ensure that everyone is taken care of, no matter what difficulties I may face along the way.

    While I have gained insight into the importance of perseverance through my life and work experiences, I believe a career as a physician assistant will help me continue to develop this trait. The role will challenge me, giving me the opportunity to grow and learn not only as a healthcare professional, but also as a person. I look forward to being part of a team of professionals that can work together, solve problems, and provide high-quality care to patients.

    Reply

    • Whitney Prosperi says

      July 9, 2022 at 8:24 am

      Michele,
      Your introduction does a great job of showing how you discovered that the PA role was for you.
      I would suggest changing up some of your discussion about your work in memory care to include more of a patient care story. You could show some of the same skills and traits you have developed in your work by showing yourself in action calming an anxious resident.
      Also, I would include more detail about what appeals to you about the PA profession. (ability to switch specialties, expand care to underserved patients, etc.)
      Lastly, include any clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained that have prepared you for PA school.
      I wish you good luck on your journey, Michele!

      Reply