The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative

Comments

1. Samantha Wong says

   February 21, 2021 at 11:38 am

   My dermatologist shines a bright light on my face that makes me cower in fear, fighting the urge to turn my head so that she does not see the red angry bumps all over my face. Acne. Although only four letters, this word held such a weight on my shoulders for years. I couldn’t look at people, not wanting to make myself heard for fear of people seeing my face. It was not until my dermatologist changed my life around. Now this seems dramatic, but to a middle schooler, wanting to fit in was the most important thing. She looked at my face without judgement and guided me throughout my journey to clear skin for years. Because of her, I could look people in the eye and be confident, all things that helped me get to where I am today. I realized that I wanted to be just like my dermatologist, who is able to change people’s lives in big and small ways, whether it is finding a precancerous mole or curing acne. As it turns out, she is a physician assistant. And so, my interest in becoming a PA was ignited.
   I always knew since senior year of highschool that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. This was affirmed in college. In 2017, I went on a volunteer trip to Haiti, where I helped run clinics. One day, we came across a boy. We checked his vitals and discovered a heart murmur. Back then, there were only around three EKGs in the country. With our program, we had one on hand and were able to find out more about the boy’s heart. It’s times like these where I am aware of the lack of healthcare equipment and lack of access to health facilities in parts of the world, and even in our own community. As a PA, I hope to close the gap between these disparities and provide for those in underserved communities who need medical attention.
   To learn more about being a PA, I shadowed one during college when I took a medical scribe class. A patient came in who cut his eyelid after falling. Him and his wife had to go to a wedding that same day, and I watched as the PA provided them comfort and stitched up the cut. I also observed how another PA was an essential part of a team, collaborating with the attending, residents, and medical students as they did morning rounds on the trauma floor. She provided input on each patient and updated the team on the patient’s status and care. I am very curious about different fields, so the flexibility in specialties that a PA is given is enticing to me. It is fascinating how PAs can work independently but also join forces with others to provide high quality and personalized care.
   After college, I started working as an ophthalmic technician. I learned how to do many things, like navigating machines and dilating eyes. I discovered relevant traits that are needed for PA school, such as prioritizing and decision making. Most importantly, I learned how valuable patient interaction is. Our patients range from 6-100 years old, so I have experience dealing with people of all kinds. I am patient, efficient, and adaptive so that patient flow is smooth. Trust is vital in a provider-patient interaction. Many are scared to have anything go near their eyes, so I communicate with them so that trust is instilled. During a pandemic, there are patients that are scared, so it is my job to make them feel comfortable. Moreover, patients come back frequently due to eye conditions, ranging from an infection to glaucoma. I love that we recognize each other and I can learn their life stories and serve them well during their eye-care journey. Patients may come in because of vision changes, and we suddenly discover that they have a retinal detachment from a picture that I took of their eye. Being part of these situations further affirms my desire to become a PA, so that I could help catch a condition before it becomes worse.
   During college, I have shown consistency in academics and as a student. I’ve maintained good grades and reached out for help when needed to achieve success in the classroom. In addition, being a leader in my cultural organization has taught me how to take initiative, form plans, and carry them out. As a technician, I learned to connect with patients, adapt, and show compassion. Because of my time in Haiti and as a minority race myself, it is vital to me to provide for those who are not well represented in healthcare. Asians are also an underrepresented race in the PA profession, so I hope to set an example that we are capable of leaving a positive impact in medicine. I want to go to PA school to eventually give back to my family and my community who do so much for me. Being Filipino and Chinese, both of my cultures focus heavily on hospitality and respect. I want to use these values that I grew up with to look after my parents when they get old, and to be able to help others. Becoming a PA is difficult, but rewarding. PAs work hard to put their name and presence out into the world, and I hope to be part of that. They inspire me to put all my effort into becoming the best student and provider that I can be.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 23, 2021 at 12:30 pm

     Samantha,
     You do a good job of showing your motivations for pursuing the PA path.
     Your section that describes your work as an ophthalmic technician is strong, showing your ability to connect with patients while providing clinical care.
     I also think your description about your trip to Haiti is effective. You may want to even add a little more detail about your interaction with the young boy to show your ability to connect with patients on a personal level.
     I would suggest condensing where you can. Also, high school is two words. 🙂
     I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. Good luck to you, Samantha.

     Reply

2. Kayla says

   February 19, 2021 at 3:36 pm

   Blood curdling screams. That is what I awoke to one morning when I was in 8th grade. My mother was screaming and crying; I ran to her room.“Mom, what’s wrong?” All she said to me was “Amy!” My father came in the room and told me that my cousin, Amy, had been in a serious car accident and they didn’t know if she was going to survive. Without realizing, she was in the backseat of a drunk driver’s car. The car swerved off the road down an embankment, flipping the car several times before hitting a tree. She was extracted from the car using the ‘jaws of life’ before being rushed to the hospital.
   Amy suffered blunt force trauma to the head. I will never forget what it was like seeing pictures of her head open to relieve the intracranial pressure on her brain. Amy was unconscious for a week, and when she finally came to, her brain damage was so bad that she couldn’t talk or move. Eventually, with rehabilitation she got better and is now fully functioning.
   Her story inspired me at a young age to pursue a career in the medical field. As a senior in high school, I decided to pursue a physical therapy degree and was accepted into Ithaca College’s accelerated DPT program, with minors in psychology and neuroscience. In my neuroscience courses, I learned about brain diseases, disorders, and surgeries which piqued my interest in diagnosing patients more so than rehabilitating patients.
   In my human anatomy course senior year, I had the opportunity to dissect a cadaver; an 89 year old woman who had passed from Alzheimers. When it came time for the first cut of my scalpel, it was the most exhilarating feeling that I could ever imagine. During this experience, I was able to learn about different diseases and diagnoses, not only of the brain, but the whole body. I saw liver tumors, hip and knee replacements, and lungs that had been diagnosed with lung cancer. A part of me questioned if the path that I had chosen to become a PT was the right fit.
   To assure myself that PT was in fact the right decision for me, I got a job as a physical therapy aide where I met Anthony, a physician assistant (PA) student. Every chance we got, Anthony and I would talk about the PA profession and I became increasingly intrigued. He told me that there were opportunities in several different specialties including surgery. Everything he was telling me about the profession made the butterflies in my belly fly faster and faster. I knew that this is what I felt like I was missing and why I felt as though PT didn’t really fit me.
   One of the patients at the clinic was an older woman in her 70s who had hydrocephalus, treated with a shunt in her brain. I loved talking to her about her shunt because it was exactly what I had learned about in my neuroscience courses. One day, however, she came to therapy and was not herself. She was nauseous, sweating, had a headache, and was unable to perform her therapeutic exercises. Her therapist quickly called 911 and I watched as EMS put her on a stretcher and brought her to the hospital. I was standing there, watching helplessly, realizing I didn’t want to be the one calling 911, but I wanted to be the one in the hospital that was helping her. The PA profession intrigued me more and I decided to do my research.
   I attended several virtual physician assistant shadowing sessions, including a majority of PAs who specialized in neurology. I intently listened as they described assisting neurosurgeons by taking a detailed history, performing exams, ordering special tests, and even closing the wounds at the end of surgical procedures. As I listened to this, my excitement skyrocketed. Knowing I couldn’t solely focus on neurology, I attended more and more virtual shadowing opportunities for various specialties and it opened my eyes to the PA profession, making me realize that this was my calling.
   While I don’t have many shadowing hours, I know that PA is the right profession for me. Although physical therapy is a great profession, I just know it is not the right path for me in my overall goal of improving the lives of the people around me. I don’t look at the four years I have spent studying PT as a waste, but instead as a door. The PA profession includes teamwork with colleagues as well as other medical professionals, such as physical therapists. I know I will be great at collaborating with PTs because I was in their shoes, making me a better team player. In addition to working with professionals, taking doctorate level classes has prepared me for the rigorous coursework associated with PA schooling. I have been taking graduate level courses for about a year and a half now and have continued to maintain my 3.7 GPA and receive dean’s list for all three semesters, assuring me that I will succeed in PA school. In school and in the field, I know I will be a great asset to the physician assistant profession.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 23, 2021 at 12:08 pm

     Kayla,
     You do a good job of describing how you landed on the PA path.
     The story about your cousin’s resiliency is a strong introduction. It immediately captures the reader’s attention and shows your early interest in medicine.
     In your conclusion I would tie back to your intro in some way.
     I suggest discussing less of why you are steering away from PT and more about why the PA field is a good fit for you.
     Also, can you elaborate some on your story with the patient who had the shunt? Show yourself in action caring for her, connecting with her on a personal level. You want to spotlight your clinical as well as relational skills.
     I think you are wise to mention your desire to collaborate with a medical team as this is such an integral part of the PA’s role.
     Good luck to you.

     Reply

3. Clair says

   February 16, 2021 at 6:30 pm

   One look at his face and I know something is wrong. He’s having another seizure; a febrile seizure to be exact. My first time witnessing it, the smile I once wore quickly fades. I’ll never forget my brother’s small body jerking uncontrollably for what felt like hours. What was meant to be a fun mall trip turned into a restless day at the hospital. We’re taking good care of him they said. Though my nine-year-old self couldn’t comprehend the situation at hand, I knew the people at the hospital played an important role in keeping my brother alive, fostering my appreciation for those working in medicine.

   It’s January 12, 2010. There is breaking news headlines: a massive earthquake strikes Haiti, the strongest in 200 years. My homeland in ruins; the image of the dead and injured is displayed before me. I feel helpless. I read that teams of medical providers are flying in to care for the injured. What I would give to be at the scene to assist alongside these health respondents. At the time, I had two career interests: education or medicine. In my heart, I knew the medical route would give me many opportunities to serve with other healthcare professionals in not only Haiti, but in other medically underserved countries. Thus, my desire to work with communities that are underserved with health disparities in medicine truly began.

   Through extensive research and virtual shadowing, PA piqued my interest due to the flexibility and lateral mobility of the profession. Following my path to obtain patient care experience, the nurse is giving me a rundown of my new patient: Gilberto has Alzheimer’s and speaks Spanish with little understanding of English. This is my second patient as a patient care assistant and many questions are running through my mind, one being am I capable of doing this. Communication is key for a provider to alleviate any misunderstanding with patients. Aware of this, I made sure to teach myself words in Spanish as means of breaking down the language barrier. I know firsthand the difficulties of someone not understanding your needs because of the language you speak.

   My knowledge of what it entails to care for special patients continue to expand while working with those who have dementia related diseases. Agitated, Joe tells me he’s in a nursing room and wants to leave. He is at home but to ease his mind, I go along with what his late stage of Alzheimer’s has caused him to believe. In hopes of remembrance, I ask Joe about his life and where he lives. He starts talking about his beloved truck and I smile, encouraging him to continue. It’s something. I recognized that caring for someone who suffers from disease/disability requires greater patience. As with the PA profession, I am continuously learning new information that aid in my growth in becoming a better provider. I am capable.

   I long to learn more about the complexity of the human body and be equipped at diagnostic decision making. “I have to learn how to live with this pain” Hands on her back, Addy can barely walk. Every few minutes a sharp sting ripples through her arm, back, and leg. The pain is never ending. My heart hurts for her; I want to help her, but what can I do? With multiple encounters like this one, I am aware of my limitations as a PCA and yearn to do more. My patients tell me “you’re too good to me” “you don’t know how much I’ve missed you” “what would I do without you”. Hearing this, I know my purpose in providing effective care does not go in vain. It fuels my determination to be a PA.

   She’s talking but her wounded skin is crying out for help. Her body is covered with third degree burns. As I listen to her journey as a refugee, I stop writing the visit report. I can’t help but hold her hand lightly to give her the assurance that she’s no longer alone. She’s seeking a referral for surgery, but she lacks access to medical care. As a volunteer with Medical Volunteer International while studying abroad in Greece, I had the opportunity to learn and observe how doctors from different backgrounds practice their skills and treat an underprivileged population. Whether it was writing a report, translating for refugees who spoke French, conversing with children to distract them from needles, or giving my opinion on a diagnosis, I was part of the team. The collaboration of the team lends a hand to each patient receiving the best care possible. I look forward to when I can volunteer with MVI as a PA: working collaboratively with others, taking the time for each patient, and not treating them as less than.

   The culmination of personal, healthcare, and volunteer experience has given me the affirmation that my desire to become a PA is my calling. It is so much more than forming plans to solve medical concerns. It is about creating a safe space for patients to be heard and providing protection to the vulnerable and those feeling helpless. When I am a PA, I will be an advocate while serving my patients and telling their loved ones we’re taking good care of them.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm

     Clair,
     I can sense your desire to make a difference woven throughout your essay. You do a good job of showing your ability to connect with people and your ambition to work with underserved patients.
     I would suggest highlighting your clinical skills and patient care experience where you can throughout your essay. (You can weave this into those patient care encounters you share.)
     I would also elaborate on your virtual shadowing experience. What did you witness in the interactions between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician that confirmed your desire to pursue the PA path?
     If you have a trusted friend who can look over your grammar, etc. do that.
     I’m not saying you need this, but we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need further help.
     Good luck to you on your journey, Clair.

     Reply

4. Emily Holland says

   January 28, 2021 at 1:32 pm

   As a health sciences major, my university also provided a class that analyzed different healthcare careers in depth, which allowed me to make an informed decision on why to become a physician assistant. After also taking several classes learning about the healthcare system as well as having my own struggles finding care, I realized that becoming a physician assistant would not only benefit myself, but I could be a part of a much larger mission to solve the US healthcare crisis.
   Working as a licensed nursing assistant solidified that the medical field is where I belonged. It also solidified that I wanted to further my education, as I always wish that I could do more for my patients than my license would allow. I find myself picking up extra shifts, working multiple jobs, chomping at the bit to take advantage of every source of experience I can get. Since becoming a CNA I have found a passion in healthcare that I had not felt for anything before. This is also why I have enrolled for EMT classes for my senior year to get the opportunity to see another part of healthcare. Juggling two plus jobs, volunteering, top tier division two lacrosse, and still trying to remain a normal college student has not been easy, but I remain steadfast in my efforts knowing that one day it will pay off.
   My first job working in a nursing home I formed close relationships with the residents, got comfortable taking care of people who once were complete strangers, talking to family members, and firsthand saw the impact I could make on someone’s day. Working on a coronavirus unit during my first hospital job introduced me to the difficulties of working in healthcare. I had experienced death in the nursing homes, but in most circumstances, it was peaceful. This time it was different, and nothing opened my eyes like witnessing the life slip away from patients younger than my own parents. I was willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure that my patients, whether coronavirus positive or not, were safe as well as sacrifices to ensure my own family’s safety during the pandemic. In a nursing home, a patients passing was usually expected and peaceful, but this opened my eyes to the emotional difficulties of working in healthcare.
   I do not wish to enter healthcare with an idealized version of what physician assistant does, but with my eyes wide open to the immeasurable joys, challenges, and (dare I say it) sorrows of the profession. The doctors, nurses, and PA’s I have worked with have been generous in in letting me sit in on patient care, watch IV’s be put in, NG tubes taken out, while explaining why certain measures were taken. Although I have not formally been able to job shadow PA’s due to coronavirus, I have spoken to and gone into mutual patients’ rooms with PA’s while working on the medsurg floor as a nursing assistant. While doing research and watching YouTube videos of PA’s has been beneficial, being in person talking to a pa has allowed me to see the pros and cons of the job and really understand what it is like on a daily basis. I have also begun to sit in on virtual shadowing classes. Having worked in several different aspects of healthcare, long-term, ambulatory, and inpatient, I have come to learn the differences in each. I have found different aspects of each that I like, which is one reason why the PA profession appeals to me as they have the ability to change specialties. After living through the COVID-19 pandemic, having the ability to perform in different specialties is not only beneficial in terms of job security but also for public health needs.
   When first deciding to enter a career in the healthcare field, I stayed open minded to the possibilities for what I could become. For me, deciding to pursue a career as a physician assistant is more than because it fits my future goals, but I believe that becoming a physician assistant is my small part in aiming to help the crisis that the healthcare system is currently in. I believe I have a sound understanding of what the profession involves, including the hard work, the diligence, the compassion and the commitment to easing the suffering and pain of patients. Throughout my experience, extracurriculars, and work ethic I believe I have what it takes to become a PA, exceed as a part of a healthcare team, and provide compassionate and empathetic care to all of those I have the pleasure of taking care of. Whatever sacrifices are demanded of me, I will fulfill; whatever challenges are set before me, I will meet. I will do whatever it takes to become a PA. You have my word.

   ***I don’t plan to begin my essay like that, but have struggled with an introduction. I also play D2 lacrosse and am not sure how to incorporate that to show how I am good at teamwork/benefits I have learned from it without taking too much time to focus on being a life long athlete. Just looking for some pointers to work off of thank you!

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 2, 2021 at 11:27 am

     Emily,
     I can sense your desire to make a difference woven throughout your essay.
     To your question about your introduction, I would say if there is a lightning-bolt moment that solidified your desire to become a PA include that. (Also, physician assistants is abbreviated PAs – no apostrophe needed. :))
     I would condense where you can throughout so you have room to highlight more of what will make you a great PA.
     Also, if you have a patient care story, possibly from your work at the nursing home, include that. You want to show yourself in action providing clinical care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level. Tell a story that reveals what you have to offer as a future PA.
     As to mentioning your commitment to lacrosse, you could describe it in terms of your passion for collaboration and teamwork.
     I wish you good luck in the process.
     Should you need more help, remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.

     Reply

5. Hannah says

   January 28, 2021 at 10:07 am

   “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
   – Jennifer Lee, American filmmaker.
   This quote was something I heard years before I was old enough to decide on a career path. Sure, I understood the basic meaning of the quote. Work hard, do not give up, and follow wherever your passion lies. But the quote did not mean anything personally to me – that is, until my sophomore year in college.
   It was a year into my college journey that I decided that I wanted to go into healthcare. I loved medical science and being able to take care of people was something that excited me. So, after many hours of research on the career, I settled on Medical Laboratory Science as my major. I loved their huge role in diagnostics, and their ability to work flexibly in many situations seemed perfect for what I needed out of a job – something that would encourage me to solve problems under high pressure situations and knowing that every day I was working to help solve an ailment that someone was facing.
   Later that same year, my Mom called me. She was ecstatic – a persistent, chronic cough that had been stumping her and doctors for years had finally been diagnosed. By whom?
   A Physician Assistant.
   Immediately, I was captivated. The more my Mom spoke, the more that I felt my heart tugging towards this profession. Not only did incorporate many aspects that I loved about Medical Laboratory Sciences, but the addition of being able to act as a fresh pair of eyes towards each patient and to work under a Physician to understand the best treatment for a patient seemed like a perfect fit for me.
   Lee’s quote was finally beginning to click.
   I quickly took an opportunity to shadow a Physician Assistant. Watching her interact with the supervising physician gave me the confidence that every patient that they saw was getting the best care possible, as each problem was addressed as a team.
   I also followed her to a patient room, and watched as she got to know the patient, taking time to ensure them that she would treat them as a person, not just a number. We were able to spend time in the room, and truly discuss the patient’s problems.
   What truly solidified by choice in this career was a position as a Patient Care Technician at the local hospital on the Medical Specialty unit.
   One of the first challenging cases that I faced was a patient who had not been taking the HIV medication that had been prescribed to them, leading to them ending up in the hospital. They were nearly nonverbal and spoke very little English. I was assigned to them one day and found that they had not been washed since they had been admitted a few days ago. It was a new situation for me. I was used to patients responding to my bubbly attitude, but this patient seemed mostly unresponsive. I realized later that some people just needed a caring hand and to know someone was there. In the following weeks, the patient was up and walking again – and speaking to us for the first time. Seeing the dramatic change in their demeanor lifted my spirit. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had ever felt.
   But I learned months into my job that part of being a healthcare provider did not only incorporate healing – but comfort as well. Learning to let go and to give someone peace as they went through the final stages of life. I was assigned to sit with a patient who had gotten a traumatic brain injury who, as a result, was unalert, impulsive and attempting to pull at their lines. I sat with the patient for eight hours with their spouse and children. After a few hours, their children left, leaving me, the patient, and the patient’s spouse. We talked about the patient before the accident – how the patient was stubborn and sarcastic, but loyal to no end. At one point, the spouse said something that I would never forget.
   “They have always been great at telling us what they want.” The spouse reported, eyes on the patient.
   “What are they telling you right now?” I asked.
   “That it’s time to let them go.”
   Within two years of my position at this incredible job, I have encountered experiences I thought I never would. I have been kicked, yelled at, and punched by patients. I have spoken minimal Spanish to a blind woman who did not speak English. I have bonded with patients both my age and decades older than me. I have learned so many stories from people from such a huge variety of cultures, backgrounds, and lives. Even though some memories are objectively more positive than others, I would not change any of them for the world. All these experiences – good and bad – have only helped me realize that becoming a Physician Assistant is, as Lee would put it, sets my soul on fire. I love to help people, to listen to them, to try to understand them in an experience that is probably really frightening for them. I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of every person I meet as if they were my own family member – whether that means improving their quality of life or allowing them to let go.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     February 2, 2021 at 11:03 am

     Hannah,
     You do a good job of describing your journey toward pursuing the PA profession. I can also sense your passion for helping others throughout the essay.
     Your paragraph describing shadowing is also strong.
     I would highlight some of your clinical skills so that you reveal more of why you’re a good fit for becoming a PA.
     You may want to mention your desire for collaboration since this is such an integral part of the PA’s role.
     I’m not saying you need this, but remember that we’re taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more assistance.
     Good luck to you, Hannah.

     Reply

6. Jessie says

   January 26, 2021 at 11:47 am

   Growing up I was very close with my grandpa. Some of my favorite childhood memories are going to the store with him and my mom and picking out flowers for our backyard. During the summers when my sister and I were off of school he would come over and teach us about gardening and about growing up in the great depression. My grandpa was a humble, kind man and I miss him every day. While I was in high school my grandpa became sick with multiple comorbidities including diabetes and heart failure and because of this I can often remember going with my mom to take him to the hospital. My mom is a nurse and I always admired how she was able to discuss with the healthcare providers about my grandpa’s health and how she was able to be an advocate for him. What is more important than being able to look out for the ones you love? This inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.

   I currently serve as an exercise physiologist in a cardiac rehab and I get to affect the lives of my patients for the better every day. As an exercise physiologist, I am in a unique position to really get to know my patients and become their trusted friends. From being their cheerleader on their first walk after heart surgery to teaching them how to safely return to their love of running, I see them through every stage of their recovery. I am so grateful for all of the relationships I have developed with my patients in cardiac rehab who now have become like surrogate grandparents and look out for me just as much as I do for them.

   I have been working in cardiac rehab for over a year now and increasingly there is something that has been on my mind. It is the idea that I could be doing more for my patients. In my current position, I work alongside physician assistants to care for cardiac patients. Whenever there is a concern with one of our surgical patients the surgical physician assistants are often who we call to come see the patient as opposed to the surgeons themselves. They are also who I see the most often rounding on the patients in the intensive care unit while I am doing inpatient cardiac rehab. I have had the opportunity to witness a surgical PA in action during a mitral valve replacement. I admire how the surgical PAs that I’ve had the opportunity to come into contact with get to be involved in every phase of the patient’s recovery and take a team approach, alongside the rest of the surgical team, to treat their patients. In my current role I work on a team that consists of exercise physiologists, nurses, a respiratory therapist, dietician, and pharmacist. One of my favorite parts of my current job is being able to learn from my coworkers who come from different healthcare backgrounds and also sharing my knowledge and expertise with them.

   I admire that the physician assistant’s role in healthcare is centered around patient education and reaching underserved populations because this has been a main focus of my healthcare career so far. I have had the opportunity to volunteer as a diabetes patient educator in a free medical clinic while completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. I worked with patients at the clinic who had a new diabetes diagnosis. My job included teaching them about diabetes and then following up with them twice a week to set lifestyle modification related goals. This was a very rewarding experience for me because I was able to work with patients in one of the most vulnerable points in their life and teach them how to work towards improving their health using diet and exercise.

   The population in the United States is aging and in the upcoming years there will be an increasing need for healthcare providers. I believe the physician assistant profession will be a huge part of filling this need. Physician assistants provide access to healthcare in areas where this need is great. In addition, they are able to spend more time with patients and are able to focus more of their time on patient education, a long time passion of mine. I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a physician assistant and continue to care for the sick and underserved, including all of the grandpas and grandmas.

   Reply

   • Whitney Prosperi says

     January 28, 2021 at 7:15 am

     Jessie,
     Your introduction about your close relationship with your grandpa and the advocacy of your mother is powerful. I also like how you tie your conclusion back to it later.
     I can sense your desire to help others woven throughout your essay.
     You do a good job of showing what you admire about the PA profession – more time for hands-on patient care and a collaborative approach. You also reveal your desire to do more for patients.
     I would add a brief patient care story from your experience. Describe yourself in action providing clinical care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level.
     Also, if you have any shadowing experience, add a paragraph about that. What did you observe in interactions between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician that confirmed your decision?
     Good luck to you on your journey.

     Reply