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Single Edit One-on-one Service Supplemental Essays
Your success is our passion. (See just some of our 100's of testimonials and comments below). We are ready to help. Our current PA school essay editing service status (25th April 2024): Accepting New Submissions
(Photo: Me circa 1987, just thinking about my future PA School Essay)
- Are you struggling to write your physician assistant personal statement?
- Are you out of ideas, or just need a second opinion?
- Do you want an essay that expresses who you truly are and grabs the reader's attention in the required 5,000-character limit?
We are here to help perfect your PA school essay
I have written countless times on this blog about the importance of your personal statement in the PA school application process. Beyond the well-established metrics (GPA, HCE/PCE hours, requisite coursework, etc.), the personal statement is the most crucial aspect of your application.
This is your time to express yourself, show your creativity, skills, and background, and make a memorable impression in seconds. This will be your only chance, so you must get it right the first time.
For some time, I had been dreaming about starting a physician assistant personal statement collaborative.
A place where PA school applicants like yourself can post their PA school essays and receive honest, constructive feedback followed by an acceptance letter to the PA school of your choice!
I have been reviewing a ton of essays recently, so many in fact that I can no longer do this on my own.
To solve this problem, I have assembled a team of professional writers, editors, and PA school admissions specialists who worked to revise and perfect my PA school application essay.
Beth Eakman has taught college writing and worked as a professional writer and editor since the late 1990s. Her projects have involved a wide range of disciplines and media, from editing technical reports to scriptwriting for the PBS Kids show Super Why! Her writing has appeared in publications including Brain, Child Magazine, New York Family Magazine, and Austin Family Magazine. Beth lives with her family just outside Austin, Texas. She is driven to help each client tell the best version of their story and achieve their dream of becoming a physician assistant.
Deanna Matzen is an author with articles featured in Earth Letter, Health Beats, Northwest Science & Technology, and the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. With an early career in environmental science, she developed a solid foundation in technical writing. Her communication skills were further honed by producing and editing content for a non-profit website, blog, and quarterly journal. Inspired to extend her craft, she obtained a certificate in literary fiction, which she draws on to build vibrant scenes that bring stories to life. Deanna loves working with pre-PAs who are on the cusp of new beginnings to find their unique story and tell it confidently.
Carly Hallman is a professional writer and editor with a B.A. in English Writing and Rhetoric (summa cum laude) from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. She has worked as a curriculum developer, English teacher, and study abroad coordinator in Beijing, China, where she moved in 2011. In college, she was a Gilman Scholar and worked as a staff editor for her university's academic journal. Her first novel, Year of the Goose, was published in 2015, and her first memoir is forthcoming from Little A Books. Her essays and creative writing have appeared in The L.A. Review of Books, The Guardian, LitHub, and Identity Theory, among other publications.
Read more client testimonials or purchase a revision
We Work as a Team
Our team of professional editors is wonderful at cutting out the "fluff" that makes an essay lose focus and sets people over the 5,000-character limit. Their advice is always spot-on.
Sue, Sarah, and Carly are amazingly creative writers who will take your "ordinary" and turn it into entirely extraordinary.
I mean it when I say this service is one-of-a-kind! We have spent countless hours interviewing PA School admissions directors and faculty from across the country to find out exactly what it is they are looking for in your personal statement.
We even wrote a book about it.
To collaborate, we use Google Drive. Google Drive is free, has an intuitive interface with integrated live comments in the sidebar, the ability to have a real-time chat, to collaborate effortlessly, and to compare, revise, or restore revisions on the fly. Google Drive also has an excellent mobile app that will allow you to make edits on the go!
Our team has worked with hundreds of PA school applicants within the Google Drive environment, and we have had enormous success.
The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
I have set up two options that I hope will offer everyone a chance to participate:
- One-of-a-kind, confidential, paid personal statement review service
- A collaborative, free one (in the comments section)
Private, One-On-One Personal Statement Review Service
If you are interested in the paid service, you may choose your plan below.
The Personal Statement Review Service is:
- Behind closed doors within a private, secure network using Google Drive.
- It is completely interactive, meaning we will be able to provide real-time comments and corrections using the Google Drive interface.
- Telephone consultations are included with all edits above the single edit level. It’s often hard to communicate exactly what you want hundreds of miles away; for this reason, we offer the option to edit right along with us over the telephone while sharing in real-time over Google Drive. This is an option available to all our paid clients who purchase above the single edit level.
- We provide both revision and editing of all essays. What’s the difference? See below
- We will provide feedback, advice, and help with brainstorming and topic creation if you would like.
- We will help with a “final touch-up” before the big day, just in case your essay needs a few minor changes.
Why Choose Our Service?
- It’s not our opinion that matters. We have gone the extra step and personally interviewed PA school administrators from across the US to find out exactly what they think makes a personal statement exceptional.
- We are a team of PAs and professional writers, having worked over ten years with PA school applicants like yourself, providing countless hours of one-on-one editing and revision.
- Our clients receive interviews, and many go on to receive acceptance into their PA School of choice.
Because we always give 100%, we will open the essay collaborative for a limited number of applicants each month and then close this depending on the amount of editing that needs to be done and the time that is available.
Our goal is not quantity but quality. We want only serious applicants who are serious about getting into PA school.
Writing is not a tool like a piece of software but more like how a photograph can capture your mood. It’s more like art. The process of developing a unique, memorable personal statement is time-intensive, and it takes hours to compose, edit, finalize, and personalize an essay.
As Antoinette Bosco once said:
And this is why I am charging for this service. We love helping people find stories that define their lives, and we love helping individuals who have the passion to achieve their dreams. It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when an applicant writes back to tell me they were accepted into PA school.
There is no price tag I can place on this; it’s the feeling we get when we help another human being. It’s just like providing health care. But this takes time.
Interested? Choose your plan below.
Read more client testimonials.
Free Personal Statement Review
Post your essay in the comments section for a free critique
We want to make this opportunity available to everyone who would like help with their essay, and that is why we are offering free, limited feedback on the blog.
You post your essay in the comments section, and you will get our critique. It is that easy. We will try to give feedback to every single person who posts their COMPLETE essay here on this blog post in the comments section.
Also, by posting your comment, we reserve the right to use your essay.
We will provide feedback on essays that are complete and fit the CASPA requirements (View CASPA requirements here). We will not provide feedback on partial essays or review opening or closing statements. Your essay will be on a public platform, which has both its benefits and some obvious drawbacks. The feedback is limited, but we will try to help in any way we can.
Note: Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, I will delete your stuff. Otherwise, have fun, and thanks for adding to the conversation! And this should go without saying: if you feel the need to plagiarize someone else’s content, you do not deserve to go to PA school.
* Also, depending on the time of year, it may take me several weeks to reply!
We love working with PA school applicants, but don't just take our word for it!
How to submit your essay for the paid service
If you are serious and would like to have real, focused, and personalized help writing your personal statement, please choose your level of service and submit your payment below.
After you have submitted your payment, you will be redirected to the submissions page, where you can send us your essay as well as any special instructions. We will contact you immediately upon receipt of your payment and essay so we may begin work right away.
Pricing is as follows:
Choose your plan, then click "Buy Now" to submit your essay, and we will get started right away!
Every purchase includes a FREE digital copy of our new 100-page eBook, How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement, Our 101 PA School Admission Essays e-book, the expert panel audiobook, and companion workbook. This is a $65 value included for free with your purchase.
All credit card payments are processed via PayPal over a secure HTTPS server. Once your payment is processed, you will be immediately redirected back to the essay submission page. There, you will submit your essay along with some biographical info and all suggestions or comments you choose to provide. You will receive immediate confirmation that your essay has been securely transmitted as well as your personal copy of "How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement." Contact [email protected] if you have any questions, comments, or problems - I am available 24/7.
The hourly service includes your original edit and one-on-one time over Google Drive. It is simple to add more time if necessary, but you may be surprised at what a difference just a single edit can make. We find our four-hour service to be the most effective in terms of time for follow-up and full collaboration. We are open to reduced-rate add-ons to suit your individual needs.
Writing and Revision
All writing benefits from rewriting when done well.
When you are in the process of writing a draft of an essay, you should be thinking first about revision, not editing.
What’s the difference?
Revision refers to the substantial changing of text. For example, it may include re-organizing ideas and paragraphs, providing additional examples or information, and rewriting a conclusion for clarity.
Editing, on the other hand, refers to correcting mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
On all submissions, we perform both revision and editing.
How to submit your PA school essay for the FREE editing service
Follow the rules above and get to work below in the comments section. I look forward to reading all your essay submissions.
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C
View all posts in this series
- How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay
- The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
- Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?
- 7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, “A PA Changed My Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, “I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, “She Smiled, Said “Gracias!” and Gave me a Big Hug”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, “I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, “Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, “That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, “I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.”
- Physician Assistant Personal Statement Workshop: “To say I was an accident-prone child is an understatement”
- 9 Simple Steps to Avoid Silly Spelling and Grammar Goofs in Your PA School Personel Statement
- 5 Tips to Get you Started on Your Personal Essay (and why you should do it now)
- How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement The Book!
- How to Write “Physician Assistant” The Definitive PA Grammar Guide
- 101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book!
- 5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle
- 7 Tips for Addressing Shortcomings in Your PA School Personal Statement
- The #1 Mistake PRE-PAs Make on Their Personal Statement
- The Ultimate PA School Personal Statement Starter Kit
- The Ultimate Guide to CASPA Character and Space Limits
- 10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer
- 5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School
- 7 Questions to Ask Yourself While Writing Your PA School Personal Statement
- 101 PA School Applicants Answer: What’s Your Greatest Strength?
- 12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement
- 7 Rules You Must Follow While Writing Your PA School Essay
- You Have 625 Words and 2.5 Minutes to Get Into PA School: Use Them Wisely
- What’s Your #1 Personal Statement Struggle?
- 31 (NEW) CASPA PA School Personal Statement Examples
- How to Prepare for Your PA School Interview Day Essay
- Should You Write Physician Associate or Physician Assistant on Your PA School Essay?
- Meet the World’s Sexiest PA School Applicants
- PA School Reapplicants: How to Rewrite Your PA School Essay for Guaranteed Success
- How to Write a Personal Statement Intro that Readers Want to Read
- PA School Reapplicant Personal Statement Checklist
- How to Deal with Bad News in Your Personal Statement
- Inside Out: How to use Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling to Improve your PA Personal Statement
- Ratatouille: A Pixar Recipe for PA School Personal Statement Success
- Personal Statement Panel Review (Replay)
- Mind Mapping: A Tool for Personal Statements, Supplemental Essays, and Interviews
- Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
Chris says
Hey I would appreciate it if you could lmk if I am going on the write path for this paper.
Thanks
“To travel is to find beauty in the cracks of the unknown,” is a line my father often voiced in his last strides through the front door. For this month, we were told that the family would be joining him for his monthly business meetings in Birmingham. To my surprise, the meeting was held in a grand hospital with bright and wide waiting rooms. And with scarce information, my young heart was overwhelmed with a fear birthed from a distant familiarity with uncertainty. This, my first encounter with healthcare, cruised through in a moment drawn-out as my father returned with eyes of light and stories of a cancer now vanished. This shield of ignorance silenced the glaring alarm of inability.
Uncertainty brought itself fortified in the confidence of death in my grandfather. I found myself sitting idle as my large family crowded at his narrow bedside. As I left the room, the deepest weight was hitched to my back as I sought to mend this moment without any of the tools to do so. A sureness that I was left incapable to repel. Cancer may have been a part of the memories I have in my family but it is not its center.
These experiences initiated the development of my healthcare endeavors. I had the opportunity to shadow a transplant team for a few months in a teaching hospital. I was exposed to various departments within the hospital – from daily rounds and surgeries to research and lectures by senior and prominent guest physicians. In order to prepare excellent care for each patient, it took a versatile effort from physicians, nurses and physician assistants. Each held their own portion and pieced it together to serve the patient fully. I was fond of the role that the physician assistant filled constructing exchange with each individual and illustrating their plan of care. They also stood as a key component that held necessary knowledge along with the ability to adapt to varying specialties that were needed for their patients. As I pursued a career in health, I was purposed to give adequate care which included knowing the patients that I encountered for more than their symptoms
In my experience as a medical assistant, I found myself in a fast-paced and rapidly growing pain management clinic filled with 20 minute encounters with patients desperate for relief. Outside of receiving their histories and preparing them for procedures, my role for these patients was to adequately expound on what the physician had initiated for their plan in treatments and procedures. With many recurring patients, it was natural to establish relationships with them. Once familiar, I found that patients were more keen to describe their concerns absent the fear that they once held. Through this, the team of physicians was able to appropriately treat their pain in an intimate manner. This level of trust they put into our team helped to create a more balanced effort of care. I was limited in my contribution to this endeavor in my current role as a medical assistant. Therefore, I sought to acquire the knowledge I lacked in order to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. With this centralized focus, I was able to persevere through post-bac courses and excel in areas that once stumbled me in my undergraduate years when I was reaching for each and every endeavor.
Physician assistants are awarded the opportunity to look into the cracks of their patients and see the vessel as it could be. With their community focus, PAs hold the capacity to adapt to each individual patient and treat them uniquely. I have not had the privilege to travel as my father, but I strive to find the cracks that are in the people and communities around me. As I have worked and shadowed in a number of healthcare contexts I have seen that the body ache is the homeless youth who is not sure where his next meal is. The arm pain is the rape victim who is still recounting the abuse. The lack of energy is the refugee teen working two jobs to support his family. The symptom is part of a story thoroughly read through relationship. I have witnessed how this sort of effort can profoundly complement the medicinal and surgical aspects of care. As a physician assistant, I look forward to building those relationships and utilizing the knowledge I have gained along with the integration of the team around me in order to intervene where symptoms have long been the primary member of the story.
Emily says
Morrow, OR seventeen! You have an emergency coming down from the floor! I was welcomed to work before the locker room door finished shutting behind me. Jane Doe was admitted to the hospital by a PA who first saw her in the ER. She had been coding all night and was finally stable enough for transport to the OR. The team assigned to seventeen readied the room and gathered the anticipated supplies. Prepared for chest compressions; I donned a yellow isolation gown and blue exam gloves as the CRNA, RN and I headed up to fifth floor north. I remember mentally preparing myself for the worst; I had never seen a case of necrotizing fasciitis. I was surprised to find such a cheery and pleasant woman; despite the surrounding crowd and the numerous PICC lines hanging from her IV pole.
The patient was positioned and prepped, the area appeared inflamed, warm to the touch. I expected the case to pass routinely as most incision and drainages do. During “time out” the physician explained to us that Jane Doe had received antibiotics, first prescribed at an urgent care. The infection had been stewing for quite some time before she arrived at the ER. The PA on call immediately admitted her. As was began the debridement, cream colored pus oozed from the incision site, the smell from within was indescribable. My pickups barley had any solid tissue to grasp. The physician stripped more and more flesh away; each new infection filled pocket renewed the necrotic scent. The wider the margins became the more Jane’s life would change. As we rounded the shoulder joint the infection showed no sign of defeat. The surgical field had to be broken down, as we needed to reposition to gain access to the posterior aspect. Jane’s muscular layer was visible from the anterior midline to the posterior midline, extending from the apex of the chin to her breast. As I packed the wound with moist bandages, I began to wonder if she would survive the injury, or how many reconstructive procedures she would need. I watched Jane Doe leave the OR still intubated, attached to an ambu bag prepared for transfer to a level one trauma facility. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a PA.
After the case I realized as a scrub I would only ever see my patient three times. All in the course of a single day; once upon arrival to the OR, once through the fenestration of the surgical drapes, and again as they exit the OR. I will never know the fate of my Jane Doe. I will only know that she is my inspiration and motivation for applying to PA school. She made me realize that I want to be more involved in the patient care process from beginning to end. The PA on call that evening may have just saved her life. That thought gives me the drive and assurance that this is what I want to do. I would be a part of the initial triage, surgical intervention and most importantly the recovery process. All my life I have been attracted to the medical field. I needed something to truly jump out at me. My path may be different than most, going from a BS, to a technical school and then to grad school. I was the high school jock that only wanted to play sports, after sustaining a third knee injury I could no longer play the sport that I loved. I chose to refocus, transferring universities with a new goal in mind. Going from a small private college to a large university caused me to lose several credits putting me behind on my anticipated graduation date. As the youngest and only member of my family to attend college, that was not an option in my own mind. I took summer classes to make my undergraduate degree a four year conquest.
Transferring my focus to academics was a challenge. With all of my newly added free time I had time for a more social life. When I was twenty I made a poor judgment call, underage drinking was not uncommon. I chose a night out on the town; I was stopped in Casey, SC for speeding. I dropped off my friends and headed home. When the officer approached the car he smelled alcohol, being underage I was immediately asked to exit the car. My driving record is scared with a DUAC. My license was suspended; and I was required to enroll in ADSAP. Being my first time in trouble I was eligible for a provisional license. I obtained a second job to fill my time; I also began volunteering at the hospital. The incident will always follow me, but I do not let it define me. I graduated in four years, with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with emphasis in scientific foundations and a psychology minor. I maintained two jobs, graduated with honors and found the surgical technology program, ultimately leading me to the PA profession.
Moriah says
This is a very rough draft of my personal statement so I would like to receive as much criticism as possible- thanks.
One of the first things I noticed as we drove those dirt roads through the city was the vast number of young boys walking around begging for money. They were malnourished and their clothes were falling off their bodies. Little did I know that my interactions with these young boys would lead me to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant.
I took a trip to Senegal, Africa during my senior year of high school. We engaged in various outreach projects, but providing medical services to the Talibe boys impacted me the most. These boys are sent away by their parents to a school where they learn the Quran. They are forced to go out every day and beg on the streets and are required to bring back a certain amount of money to their instructors or they receive punishment. The boys’ living conditions are terrible and they are not cared for properly. We set up a medical clinic for the boys to give them vaccines and examinations as well as a warm meal. Even though I was unable to verbally converse with the boys, we communicated through smiles and hugs. The role I played in the medical clinic was prepping the boys for vaccines. Seeing the fear in the young boys’ eyes broke my heart and I wanted to comfort them and assure them they were safe. I tried to calm their nerves by tickling them or giving them stickers or candy. The boys were so grateful for the services they received and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
When I returned from Senegal I began researching health profession careers and I was drawn to physician’s assistant. I appreciated the flexibility of the career as well as the increased demand of PAs in healthcare. I was also very interested in nutrition so I chose to study dietetics for my undergraduate degree. Throughout my second and third years of college I volunteered at hospitals and shadowed PAs to get a better idea of the medical field as well as specific duties of a PA. Learning about medicine and nutrition at the same time made me even more excited to become a PA.
I take pride in my diligence and dedication to school work as I have finished three years of vigorous college course work with a 3.9 GPA. I believe I am well equipped to succeed in PA programs. My knowledge of the medical field, nutrition, and passion for underserved communities makes me a unique candidate. I am eager to learn more about medicine and I look forward to incorporating nutrition education into my practice once I become a PA. Pairing medicine and nutrition allows me to serve in low income communities as well as third world countries. I strive to step out of my comfort zone and completing PA school allows me to go into these areas and serve them.
preppyandperiwinkle says
“Ahh,” Mr. Roberts screamed. I observed the nystagmus in his eyes and reached for the emesis basin and stood up over him. “Keep your eyes open and stare at one spot on the ceiling,” I directed him as the doctor transferred the specimen off the forceps. Once the vertigo passed, the biopsy of Mr. Roberts’s left external auditory canal mass was completed. Then, the attending, residents and I developed a plan with Mr. and Mrs. Roberts to treat the likely squamous cell carcinoma. The mood was melancholic, so I consoled him by holding his hand. I could feel the sweat on his skin and the trembling of his muscles. One month later at the post-operative visit, joy and excitement filled the air as the doctor announced, “all margins came back clear.” Mr. Roberts choked back tears while Mrs. Roberts embraced each member of our treatment team. Experiences like this celebratory post-operative visit have solidified my desire to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant (PA) in order to provide my patients with hope.
While my love of science and fascination with the human body established my desire to work in the healthcare field as a child, my array of experiences led me to PA, the perfect role for me. At the age of 16, I began to volunteer at a local hospital and was shocked by number of experts that work together to provide comprehensive healthcare. The efficient flow reminded me of an intricate NFL game. Then, I met my first PA volunteering on an inpatient orthopedic unit in college. The physicians occasionally checked on the post-operative patients, but the dedicated PA had the most patient interaction. She listened, formed individualized plans and relayed the information to the attending physicians. During my later shadowing experience with Mackel Murphy, a neurosurgery PA-C, I observed him giving emotional support to each patient while providing high-quality treatment. Like these PAs, I excel in expressing empathy and connecting with individuals.
My work as a medical scribe has added to my confidence to pursue PA. I actively engage in the diagnostics process by discussing findings, differentials and plans with the physicians. Additionally, while the doctors put in orders or perform minor procedures, I use the opportunity to engage with patients. Emergency rooms and doctor’s offices tend to elicit distress when patients arrive. Thus, I pride myself in being the comforting hand to hold and the supportive smile. My inquisitiveness has allowed me to learn about imaging review, laboratory reports and countless medical conditions. While I have helped countless patients, I know I can contribute much more as a PA.
A physician assistant is the career in medicine most suiting to my strengths. The puzzle-like nature of diagnostics plays to my investigative and detail-oriented personality. The ability to change subspecialties suits my ambition and love of challenges. As a life-long learner, I flourish in environments with constant room for growth and education. In addition to direct patient care, I have a passion for social justice and community health. My undergraduate studies and research in public health developed my unique perspective on the social determinants of health, which PAs are essential in confronting. Thus, as a PA, I will combine my diverse yet complementary interests by practicing medicine with an emphasis on prevention and education.
Not only can I work independently, but also I thrive in team situations. My work as a Benefits Enrollment Specialist exemplifies these talents. I establish relationships with my homeless, disabled clients and compile medical records for SSI applications. I collaborate with local mental health and medical clinics to connect my clients to additional resources and follow up care. As a PA, my self-motivation and ability to think critically will be vital when working autonomously with patients. Additionally, my flexibility and well-developed communication skills will ensure I work effectively under the supervision of a physician while coordinating care with the treatment team.
The past few years have been far from the ideal path I mapped out prior to college. I never expected to battle with anorexia nervosa. Taking time off of school to undergo 45 hours a week of intensive treatment was a tremendous hurdle to overcome. However, coming out on top, I am a stronger physically and mentally. No challenge seems too impossible with my newfound perspective on overall wellbeing and skills in self-reflection and time management. The experience further increased my determination to continue towards my dream of caring for others in times of distress.
Each morning when I go through the list of patients for the day, I am delighted the times I see Mr. Roberts’s name. He never fails to hug each member of our team. My relationships with patients like Mr. Roberts have further attracted me to the PA profession. Each passing day at work increases my keenness to take the next step on the PA path.
Rebecca says
Hello! I would love some critique for my personal statement. Here it is:
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Everyone has heard this question countless times as children. Most kids say they want to be a firefighter, an astronaut, a police officer, or even a doctor. However, whenever I was asked this question, I never really knew what to say. I would stop and think hard about my answer, and often times not be able to come up with any ideas of what I really wanted to be as an adult. As the years past in life, I continued to struggle with this decision, and often led me down paths that didn’t get me to where I wanted to go.
The first career I decided on was when I graduated high school: I decided to be a video game designer. I applied to and was accepted at the College of New Jersey, where I spent two years studying under an Interactive Multi Media major. During those two years, I struggled to even keep a good GPA, and seemed to do poorly compared to the students around me. I felt no spark of interest or any type of happiness in that major, and I began to think that I really wasn’t going to find my place in the world. However, the one thing I adored and excelled at was my minor, psychology. It was in my psychology classes that I learned more about the human brain and how the mind works. It fascinated me and I wanted to learn more about it, but I just didn’t know how I could.
In the summer of 2014, I was discussing with a friend of mine what would be a good job for me to pursue, and they mentioned how they were going into the PA field. When they talked about how they love medicine and find the idea of taking care of people enjoyable, my curiosity was peaked. I decided to do some more research in regards to what a physician assistant really does, and what the different types of fields a PA could work in. What I found made me realize something. As a child, I would always put others in front of me, and made sure my friends were the ones that were happiest in life. During my time as an IMM major, the only thing I thought of was how I could make people happy with the games I could make. All my life, I hated seeing people suffer; I’ve always wanted to make a person’s day better, no matter what. That’s when I realized what I truly wished to do in life: I wanted to help people.
I immediately left the College of New Jersey, and decided to see if the PA field was truly for me by enrolling into Bucks County Community College. There, I took a few prerequisite courses, and saw that I was made for the realm of science. My GPA sky-rocketed, and I was having so much fun in my classes. I figured out that I really wanted to be a physician assistant after one year at bucks, and decided to transfer and graduate with a bachelor’s in Health Sciences at Philadelphia University.
The reason I want to become a Physician Assistant is simply because I love helping people. I adore seeing the people around me happy and carefree, and knowing that I was able to help them become happy. A lot of people have asked me “why not be a doctor?” My own father is a radiologist, and I’ve seen him work almost every minute of the day since I was a child. There were times where he would talk about doing over thirty cases in just one day, and I’ve seen how stressful his job can be. I don’t wish to go through over thirteen years to obtain a doctorate, and I especially don’t want to spend as much time away from the family I would want to have in the future. I want to be able to help my patients to the highest degree as possible and, at the same time, have some availability to spend time with my family.
After struggling to figure out who I am and what I want to do with my life for so many years, I have finally found the career that I adore. I want to help, to contribute, and to make sure the people I see are healthy, happy, and most of all, safe. Being a physician assistant is more than just having a well-paying job or going into a career with a high job outlook, it’s being able to help patients and deliver the best form of patient care while at the same time having a close relationship with your patients. I know that this is a hard road to go down, and that PA school is going to be extremely stressful, but I am committed to make sure that I make this world a better place by going into the career I truly love and adore.
Sarah Chowske says
Hello! I have written my statement and would love some critiquing. It is currently about a paragraph too long, so I need some advice on how to cut it back a bit. I have tried to incorporate some of the advice that other people have been given, so I am hoping it won’t need a total do-over! Thanks so much!
It was the end of an exhausting 16 hour shift, I had just finished giving report to the night shift tech and I explained how Charlie, one of our favorite residents, was having an off day and had continued to decline physically. I had been to Charlie’s room what felt like 50 times that day to help with everything from a shower, to handing him the pen on the table right beside him. I tried without success to pry into Charlie’s mind and understand what had caused this new behavior. Just before leaving, the pager rang and it was Charlie; again. The night shift tech offered to go help him, but I figured I would go just one more time to tell him goodnight and that I would see him the following weekend. This time Charlie was crying and asked if I could sit with him for a while to talk. I was exhausted and had an exam I needed to study for, but I had been waiting all day to try and understand what was going on. It was breaking my heart to see my warm-hearted Charlie so stressed. I sat with him while he apologized for calling me so many times that day, and explained to me that he knew he was not doing well. He confided in me that he was not ready to die, and he didn’t want to miss out on anything. I sat there with him and talked until his eyes dried and were heavy with fatigue. He thanked me, kissed me hand, and I said goodnight. As always, when I passed his table on my way out the door he said, “Don’t you leave this room without taking a piece of candy, young lady.”Charlie passed away four days later. I’ll always be thankful I answered that one last page.
When making the decision between becoming a medical doctor or a physician assistant, I first asked myself why I was joining healthcare in the first place. Because I want to help people- like everyone else. But that wasn’t the question I needed to answer; I already knew I loved medicine. After feeling frustrated and torn, I finally realized I needed to find where my personality and goals fit into the healthcare team. I spent many long nights having conversations about it with anyone who would listen. I quickly realized that I am confident in my knowledge and desire a level of autonomy, yet I enjoy collaboration of thought. I am decisive, yet long for flexibility and open options. After months of this self-reflection, comparing careers, and shadowing different healthcare professionals, I landed at the doorstep of a career as a physician assistant.
Working within the medical field for the last 2 years has shown me time and time again the importance of skilled medical professionals, specifically physician assistants. I often hear patients saying that they love their physician assistant, and don’t even know what their doctor looks like. Of all the medical professionals who surround me everyday, Alexa and Meredith, two physician assistants are unlike any others, and have excited me beyond imagination to be a part of the profession. I consistently note them taking the extra couple of minutes to educate their patients on their medication and care. They go far beyond others to ensure that they have provided all of the information that their patient will need to succeed and heal. Both Alexa and Meredith act as liaisons between their patients and physicians, and flawlessly cover every aspect of their care. While sitting at the nurse’s station to document or dictate, they listen. They listen to the nurses and techs who are providing the care for the patients twenty-four hours a day. They ask for updates and questions from everyone, not just the patient. Observing their role in the healthcare team has solidified my confidence in my decision to become a physician assistant.This career allows me to play the role in healthcare that I have dreamt of since childhood, and is where my personality fits into the healthcare team like a puzzle piece.
I have dedicated myself to the career path from the moment I chose to become a physician assistant. After persistent searching at SUNY Stony Brook for a way to accrue healthcare experience, I found that the opportunities were lacking. Additionally, Stony Brook did not offer physiology lab, and the microbiology lab would always fill before I even had the chance to enroll. Unwilling to alter my decision, I chose to transfer to SUNY Albany where I had a plethora of opportunities to acquire hours, and they offered the courses I needed to succeed. When I got to Albany, I found an overwhelming amount of students struggling with their pre-physician assistant path. Inspired by my own difficult experience at Stony Brook, I decided to found the Pre-Physician Assistant Club. In just over a year, I had grown the club to well over 100 members. The club provided its members with resources to find healthcare experience, volunteer opportunities, talk with admissions from Albany Medical College’s Physician Assistant program, and a network of other students to collaborate with. The club held blood drives, bone marrow donor drives, and participated in the Relay for Life. These opportunities provided a way for students to help other people, and created the motivation for the students to continue down their path to healthcare.
Healthcare is more than labs, tests, procedures, and medications. It’s identifying that there is a problem, and having the patience, compassion, and knowledge to solve it. I’ve learned that no matter what role you play in healthcare, you will almost always work long hours, and just when you think you’ve used every last bit of energy or brain power, you’ll have to find just a little more. But that is all worth it when it’s what you love to do, and why it’s so important that you choose the career path that is the right fit for you. I learned from experience that discovering the right place in the healthcare team can be a daunting road to travel, but when you reach a bump in the road, sometimes all you need is someone to sit down and help you talk it out; just like Charlie did, and just like Alexa and Meredith do for their patients. It is a lesson that I believe will be an asset to me as a physician assistant,by providing me the patience and compassion to give comprehensive and quality care that is so vital in the medical field.
Dani says
Hello all! First time applicant here. This is my statement after quite a few edits so far. I’ve been taking some advice elsewhere so I really hope its going in an upward direction. I really look forward to seeing what you all have to say. I do feel like my conclusion is pretty weak but I thought I would post it anyways and see what came back. Enjoy!
Everyone has a story that made them who they are. On the surface I am a strong, hard-working officer in the Air Force but you would never know that I grew up in a broken home. Growing up the way I did, however, is what made me who I am and into the kind of PA I want to be. It taught me that people are always more than they appear. I want to get to know my patients and look at them as more than just a set of symptoms. My first day as an EMT we picked up an older man for a dialysis appointment. My partner, who had taken him many times before, said he was a gruff old man who never spoke much. She said he had been depressed since his nurse stopped seeing him. On my arrival, he said, “You’re new,” in his gruff old man voice. I introduced myself, stood up tall, and proudly told him I was part time EMT, full time Air Force. He seemed intrigued at my mention of the Air Force and asked me what I did. I told him, just the same as I had so many other times before. Again, he had the same intrigued look on his face. I saw on his paperwork he was prior military. I have known enough veterans to know most all of them love talking about the time they served, so I asked him about it. I opened a floodgate. He told me he served in the Army during Vietnam and the rest of the way we swapped stories about our time in the military. I even made him chuckle a time or two and it was in that moment I knew I was where I was supposed to be. Many of my patients are older and many times they just want someone to hear their story and listen to what they have to say. Being a PA will give me the chance to do just that and help them in whatever way I can.
When I joined the volunteer program, Civil Air Patrol, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the search and rescue mission. That mission was one of the things that drew me into medicine. Search and rescue is always about working with team to find the lost and provide them the best comfort and care until you can get them back to safety. First Aid training may be a drop in the ocean compared to everything medicine encompasses but it was the first step on my path to becoming a PA. I loved that with my team and my training we could help save a life, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to know more. A few years later I became a lifeguard instructor and each time I taught I learned new ways to approach patients and more about the conditions we could treat. I knew then medicine was going to be a part of my life. Every day since I have been striving toward that goal.
I began college in electrical engineering and as a cadet in Air Force ROTC. I started my first semester strong, excelling both in my classes and as a cadet. I continued growing my skills as a leader. I did so well, I was nominated to receive a full scholarship with the Air Force. As school went on, I lost focus and wasn’t enjoying what I was studying any more. By sophomore year the struggle to focus on classes mounted. I wanted to feel passionate about what I was doing. At the end of the year I had decided that in the fall I would switch my major, even if it cost me my scholarship. A weight lifted off me and that summer I ranked in the top 20% of my ROTC training class. I started my new major and began shadowing at the local hospital that fall and was introduced to the PA profession.
I have had the greatest pleasure of working with the best team in the Air Force. Mission success is never solely reliant on one person, but on how the team works together to achieve a common goal. We rely on each other’s skills and strengths. This is why I want to be a PA, to be a part of a medical team and have the support of those around me. I have worked in many different jobs and in each one, learned something that I took with me to my next position. As a PA I know I can move to into any field and take with me knowledge I have gained in another. In my position, I lead people from all walks of life. It is my responsibility to know them and be open to their needs. Understanding and listening to my patients needs and having the skills to fulfill them is what will make me a great PA. Even beyond these reasons, I want to be someone my family can look up to. I want to show them what hard work and compassion can do. This is why I want to be a PA.
Being an officer has taught me a lot about the kind of person and PA I want to be. Being a great leader is more than being better than the people around you but helping them meet their potential so they can be the best version of themselves. Everyone has a story that brought them to where they are today. Some are looked down upon for the paths they chose, but it is my job to see past that and look at them for who they are now. I’ve loved my time with the Air Force and the people I’ve led, but my heart is in becoming a PA.
Jessica May says
Jessica Castillo, a 25 year-old first generation Filipino-American, otherwise healthy female, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of Florida, s/p 2 year gap further supplemented with patient and healthcare experience totaling over 5,000 hours (primarily earned as a medical scribe x 3 years), who presents today with the desire to improve and enrich the lives of others as a physician assistant. Associated symptoms include love and commitment to family and fervor for the field of medicine.
For over the last 3 years of my life, I have dedicated myself to medical scribing, first working as an Emergency Department scribe with University of Florida Health Gainesville and currently scribing in Family Medicine at UF Health Jacksonville. Prior to my work as a scribe and ambition to become a physician assistant, I was a medical school hopeful. Pursuing a degree in medicine was planted in my childhood mind by my hard-working, loving parents. Raised by two Filipino nurses who cared more about the wellbeing of others far beyond themselves, I was taught to work even harder not only for myself, but also for others. These morals combined with my parent’s determination for my success sparked the beginnings of my journey through medicine. With my parents by my side and their unyielding support, I felt invincible until my mom found a small mass in her left breast.
I was 11 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and 13 when her treatment was finally completed. Through the grueling months of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the uncertainty embedded in between is when I began to understand the fragility of life and the ever-present nearness of death. When her Oncologist finally declared remission, my family and I not only rejoiced, but my career in medicine solidified. Becoming a doctor was merely a passing parental comment when I was a child, but through my mother’s fight with cancer I adamantly decided to give my family this gift in return. She is now a 10+ year breast cancer survivor and time with her has been truly cherished.
Education and family became my sole priorities ever since and soon enough goals started to become reality. I graduated high school as salutatorian and gained acceptance into my number one college, the University of Florida – only to find myself adrift. During my academic journey through higher education, I struggled through my collegiate course load, often over zealous in my choice of classes, trying to tough it out and complete the fragile balancing act between academia and adjusting to life in the massive swamp. My drive to enter medicine never wavered despite my less than stellar academic performance. When entering my junior year and recognizing my graduate application discrepancies, I knew I had to reevaluate my strengths and find alternative ways to excel. At that point in my life I lacked academic confidence and was thirsty for professional and clinical exposure.
My first endeavor was with the Equal Access Clinic, a network of student-run clinics partnered with UF College of Medicine, offering free basic health care services to the underserved residents of the Gainesville area. My role as an undergraduate volunteer was involved with patient intake including vital sign assessment and obtaining the chief complaint. As I gained more experience at the clinic, I was granted the opportunity to oversee the administration of oral HIV testing at the Main Street site. Here I was taught responsibility and confidentiality with handling the tests themselves in addition to the importance of patient education and art of counseling and disclosing sensitive results. Overall, my time with EAC was an exhilarating experience as an undergraduate where I was finally involved in direct patient care that I had only dreamed about. This created a hunger to seek more clinical experience and fueled my desire to understand the world of healthcare and medicine.
As my second and frankly most valuable undertaking was with the UF Health Emergency Department as a scribe. The inaugural class which started with a select 7 handpicked individuals, including myself, is now 3 years old and has grown to become a valuable asset to the ED and for the education of aspiring medical professionals. On my first official day on the job, I distinctly recall walking briskly through the automatic sliding doors of the emergency room in my spirited orange and blue scrub set with a sense of hope and excitement. I was energized with the thought of working along side physicians, seeing real patients, and becoming part of the treatment team. I unexpectedly found myself encountering another first that day, an experience that forever changed my view and journey through medicine – meeting and working with/alongside PAs.
During my initial encounters with PAs, I was immediately impressed by the technical experience, effortless expertise, and exuberant confidence of these providers. The strong physician support, cooperative learning, and thorough team care with PAs was additionally appealing. Through my countless shifts, I often witnessed PAs being the first line detectors of truly critical patient presentations through their clinical aptitude, an ability that I was inspired to emulate and ultimately pursue as a career. My time in the ED was an eye-opening chapter in my life that provided great insight on the inner workings of patient care and medical management. This position additionally revealed a viable alternative career path in medicine. For most of my conscious life I knew I wanted to improve the lives and health of others, though what I did not see is the many paths available to do so.
With personal reflection, I have found the PA career to resonate with my beliefs and goals – personally, academically, and professionally. Working as a cohesive unit with a physician, navigating not only patient care, but the evolving world of healthcare offers security in this uncertain landscape. The ability to switch specialties provides the opportunity to become a better well-rounded medical provider to provide the best care to patients, reflecting my life mantras of balance and holism. Becoming a PA will not only help me satisfy my career goals and desire to succeed, but also satisfy other aspects of my life that I hold dear. In this new chapter I open for myself, my goal is to be successful, but to be successful through others, whether it be my friends, family, peers, colleagues, and one day through my patients.
Adra Jaehnig says
Hello, I am applying to PA school for the second time and I did not seek any guidance last year with my personal statement, and I have completely re-done it with all new ideas. Please let me know what you think!
I picked up the phone and dialed for the back office, “ I need an emergency triage,” I uttered. It was an average Tuesday night in the often overflowing urgent care clinic that I work at when a woman in her early twenties checked in with a deep laceration on her forehead. I asked for her insurance and identification, but she was slow to respond, disoriented, and did not say what had happened to her. I figured she was concussed and asked if she needed help to a seat. She was soon triaged, but she was sent back out into the lobby because her vitals were within normal limits, and there was about an hour wait to see a PA. Twenty minutes had passed when the woman’s sister asked us if we could check on her again. As I looked over I saw the woman’s face turn white and her head drop against the seat behind her. I called for the PAs to come help me get her to a room and called for some oxygen. The woman’s oxygen levels had dropped, and I could not find a pulse. The providers rushed out and asked me to call 911 while adjusting the oxygen mask on the woman and lifting her into a wheelchair. The woman was taken back to a room where she soon regained consciousness. As I dialed 911, all I could think was that I wish there was more I could do for her.
Since applying to PA school last year and not gaining admissions, I have gained more patient care hours working as an MA and done more volunteer work and shadowing of PAs. I believe that I have since become a stronger candidate and have continued to work diligently towards my goal of becoming a PA. Since graduating college, I have struggled to find the right career path for me. I have always been interested in learning about the sciences of how things work and breaking down problems to find effective solutions, so I chose to study biology during my undergraduate degree. I enjoyed my classes, but I struggled with the 300+ student class sizes in my large state college and sometimes fell behind causing my grades to drop, and since I did not have a career picked yet, my motivation to excel was lost, leaving me with a GPA that is not extremely competitive. However, after graduating, I have discovered my love for learning about people and understanding their needs by working as a medical assistant. I worked closely with an orthopedic surgeon and we quickly developed a bond of mutual respect that came from our shared desire to give the best patient care possible. I had expressed my desire to become a PA early on in my time working for him since I found similarities in our relationship that you would find in a PA- physician team. His support, guidance, and example has truly helped me find my passion for patient care and working in a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
I have, of course, considered other professions in healthcare, as there are many options. What has drawn me to the PA profession is the flexibility to practice in any setting or discipline without having to choose one residency as with medical school. My interest in the scientific process and analytical thinking has led me away from nursing in which you do not have the freedom to diagnose and create a plan of care. I also enjoy working with patients closely and following their progress and creating a relationship that you would not have with other technician positions in the medical field. Subsequently, I have shadowed PAs in psychiatry, dermatology, and urgent care as well as volunteering with the Red Cross and at a local hospital. While shadowing a PA, I experienced what it was like to work with at-risk teens in a boarding school away from home. Many of these kids were abused or their parents are incarcerated, having no guidance or healthcare growing up. I was overwhelmingly impressed with the compassion shown to those boys by the PA in the time we spent with them, and it made me realize how essential involvement in the community is. Most recently, since I had applied last year, I have been working closely with PAs at an urgent care where I have certainly established that this is the profession for me. What has stood out to me the most in this setting is that being a PA is a forever learning experience. As you provide medical care, you will not always know exactly what the best answer is the second you look at a patient, but with the tools and knowledge learned in PA school, you can feel confident that you will find the answer that is needed to solve the problem and best serve the patient’s needs.
Throughout all of my experiences in healthcare and college, I have finally found what I am going to do with my life. I feel I have worked hard to get where I am and have what it takes to be successful in a PA program. Upon completion of the prerequisites, accumulation of patient care hours by working as an MA, shadowing PAs, and volunteering, I am ready to take the next step in my career by gaining admission to your PA program, and I am eager to get started.
Toyosi says
Hello
I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions about my personal statement as I continue to work on it. Thank you.
Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed many cases of lives lost due to the inadequacy of healthcare resources and medical workers, and I was always moved by the plight of families and the social and economic impact of their losses. I decided to combine my interest in medicine with public health after studying abroad in Botswana where I shadowed health care providers and community health workers at local clinics in Gaborone and Serowe. It was in Botswana, hundreds of miles away from the United States that I witnessed public health and medicine practiced as I imagined it should be.
Seeing the healthcare providers treat patients with skill and compassion in resource-limited settings and working alongside diligent community health workers who travelled miles of untarred roads to the inner parts of the villages to visit patients in their homes regularly, I realized that those healthcare workers were truly helping the people of Botswana in a manner that is unique to healthcare. Not only were the healthcare workers helping many patients manage their chronic conditions of HIV and tuberculosis by providing consistent, free medical treatment at the local clinics, they were also involved in the holistic care of patients by visiting with them in their homes and helping them adjust and thrive in their communities. Fascinated by that exposure to public health, I decided to get a master’s degree in public health after I returned from that trip. In Botswana, I saw public health’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives alongside medicine, and since then the disciplines of public health and medicine have become inseparable for me.
I first learned about the physician assistant career path in one of my community health classes, but I did not know about the work PAs do until I spoke with a family friend who is a physician assistant. Initially, I thought about entering the field of medicine as a medical doctor, but it took me some time, mental despair, soul searching and finally some courage to articulate that my interests were broader than medical school. Learning about the focus on primary care in physician assistant programs, coupled with the opportunity to truly balance life and work as a physician assistant, I was sold. I like the idea of being able to change specialties in the PA profession, and I believe that the role of a physician assistant in clinical settings fits better with my multipotentiality and my personal goals.
When I finished my master’s degree, I was not mentally prepared to continue pursuing my dreams of studying medicine. It was very uncharacteristic of me to lose focus because I was the girl who inspired her college classmates, tutoring them in organic chemistry and encouraging them to pursue their dreams of studying medicine. I had lost sight of the reason I wanted to go into medicine, so I decided to take a break to gain some public health work experience while getting counseling which has helped me to redefine my career and personal goals. Although I have enjoyed working in public health capacities for the past two years helping people access social services and community resources, I still want to be able to do more hands-on work with patients. I believe that becoming a PA will enable me to be continually challenged intellectually and professionally engaged while allowing me to simultaneously directly care for people.
College and graduate school have prepared me for the rigor of the physician assistant program by instilling in me the values of diligence, hard work, and self-motivation, and completing my master’s degree in a year, while dealing with grief and depression, is a feat that attests to my strengths. Conducting independent research on community health issues in college and serving as an AmeriCorps member, have also prepared me well for such a critical choice to pursue a career as a physician assistant. Those experiences helped me to witness firsthand the health disparities faced by members of underserved populations and to understand the challenges that arise when working to address those disparities.
I believe that the strong concern I still sense to help address public health disparities by studying medicine has a purpose. I am compelled to take action now by pursuing a career as a physician assistant. I believe that becoming a physician assistant will enable me to pursue a career that allows me to integrate both disciplines of public health and medicine so that I can effectively work to address health disparities in local and global communities. I love public health and how it impacts communities, but in retrospect, my interest in medicine has been crystallizing for much longer. Becoming a physician assistant is the culmination of a lifelong dream, and I am prepared to dedicate myself, as I have in the past to my other goals, to achieving this goal.
Bridgette Caquatto says
Foam pits, spring floors, and giant squishy mats; a two-year-old’s dream. My first experience in a gymnastics complex would prove to be the start of an enduring, rewarding, and often painful journey through the ranks of the sport. In the winter of 2009 my painful journey began when I fractured my wrist and ankle. In the summer of 2010 I tore four muscles in my quadriceps and fractured my tibia in two places. In the summer of 2012 I fractured my back for the second time, dislocated my previously shattered knee cap and received reconstructive shoulder surgery. And the list goes on.
I grew up living more like a professional athlete than a child. By thirteen, I had earned a spot on the twelve-member U.S. National Team, making the leap into the international arena. About five years later, after numerous international competitions, and nearly as many injuries, I prepared for my shot at the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials. However, I tore my rotator cuff and shattered my patella just before the trials and found myself watching the Olympics from the sidelines. These devastating injuries had an immense impact on my life, not only in the gym, but also helping me realize where another passion may lie.
Who knew that “breaking a leg” could actually be so lucky? These injuries gave me the opportunity to work closely with a world-class surgeon, the national team physician, and his exceptional physician assistant. I distinctly remember the physician assistant working overtime to help me understand my injuries and develop my “comeback” plans. It didn’t take long to realize that I wanted to help restore hope in others’ lives. Rather than tumbling into a period of dismay and low spirits as a result of my 2012 injuries, I instead began a new journey toward a career in the medical field.
In the Fall of 2012, I began my collegiate gymnastics and academic career at the University of Florida. As a student-athlete on a full-ride scholarship, I won three consecutive National Championships with the Gator gymnastics team. It was during my time in Gainesville that I learned the importance of teamwork, as well as the value of helping others. As a member of a Division One athletic team, I began to understand and build the skills necessary to work as an effective team member. One must be able to perform under pressure, communicate clearly, focus on the details, and adapt to changes. Through the sport of gymnastics, I also learned to be coachable and use criticism to continually improve myself. All of these qualities are certainly vital when working as a physician assistant.
Outside the walls of the gym and the classrooms, I spent countless hours volunteering at Shands Hospital, shadowing physician assistants and visiting local schools. Being heavily involved in the community led to countless learning opportunities and winning the Brad Davis Post-Graduate Community Service Scholarship. Becoming a physician assistant is an extremely affective way to keep giving back to the community, something I’ve always cherished. During my undergrad, I worked as an intern at the Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic through the UF Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. I met patients with injuries that affected their entire families, some who were sidelined from their sports and jobs, and others facing significant financial strain, all of whom I could empathize with. While it would be easy to take a seat as a spectator in these people’s lives, I would much rather be out on the floor with them, instilling confidence and providing medical support; everyone needs a coach.
Nowadays, I have a new routine. I aim for a different kind of “Perfect Ten”: assisting in the treatment and recovery of patients to the best of my ability. I’ve also found myself on a new team as a medical assistant at Florida Skin Cancer and Dermatology. With our clinic’s specialty in removing skin cancer, I have gained an abundance of experience working with a surgical team performing Mohs and Excision procedures. I have perfected the basic skills of a physician assistant by administering local anesthetic, caring for wounds, and removing sutures for up to eight surgeries per day. In addition, recording detailed descriptions of patients’ histories has increased my knowledge of medications, genetic factors, and healthcare coverage. This experience has been extremely valuable on both a personal and professional level.
I no longer have to add to my own laundry list of torn muscles and broken bones. I’ve retired from my sport and committed myself to a new goal of understanding and caring for the needs of others. I once hoped to achieve my own dream of competing in the Olympics, and fell short. Now, I refuse to fall short of helping others achieve their dreams. As a physician assistant, I will do everything possible to give others health and hope, just as an outstanding physician assistant once did for me.
Bridgette Caquatto says
Thank you for your help! This is my second application cycle and I can use all the help I can get. Have a great week!
Corey Olauson says
Patrick Overton is accredited with saying: “When you come to the edge of all the light, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, believe that one of two things will happen: either there will be something solid for you to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly”. I feel this explains exactly what I have been going through since December of last year on the journey to becoming a Physician Assistant. Some parts of the path are clear, refresh prerequisites and start applying to programs, but so many are not and after being out of school for so long, a little scary. But I firmly believe that this journey will have me on solid ground or I will be taught to fly in some manner so that I can achieve what I have set out to become.
The journey to becoming a Physician Assistant is a new one to me, but that doesn’t make it any less important nor me any less determined to succeed. I have been out of school since June of 2000 and just recently returned in January of this year. In the past 17 years, I have had several opportunities to return to school, but none of those excited or drove me to pursue them. This past December when the prospect of going back to school to become a Physician Assistant arose, it was like puzzle pieces falling into place, I couldn’t wait to get started!
I have been asked several times, “Why a PA, why not a doctor?”, my answer is always the same. I can help people sooner! That is important to me. I don’t need the prestige of being a doctor, I just want to help people from a small community and this is an amazing path that would enable me to do so.
The reason? I come from a very small community. Growing up we had limited local access to healthcare, one doctor and his nurses, and currently there are two clinics in our small town, for a total of three doctors and two nurse practitioners, to serve our population of 1,200 and the outlying areas. I LOVE my small community and the down to earth, underprivileged people that live here. The greatest desire of my heart is to not only become a Physician Assistant, but to serve a community just like mine somewhere so that they too can have better access to healthcare. I believe that high quality access to healthcare should not be limited to larger communities and I want to be part of bringing that to a rural community in the future. I want to build the relationships with patients that will help me enhance their care because I know them and care for them as members of my community.
(I am a 39-year-old wife and mother of 5 children.) Perhaps I am not the typical applicant for your program, however, I have 17 years of life experiences, working in various fields, caring for myriad of minor to severe medical needs in my family as “Doctor Mom”, and most recently I have had to juggle all of these things and still achieve a 4.0 at the university this last semester. How do these things make me a candidate you’d like to have in your program? I am solid in my desires, I am able to accomplish amazing things while still juggling regular life and responsibilities, I have a strong support system for when times get tough, I have learned what I need to do to succeed. I would love to be given the opportunity to, as Patrick Overton said, find myself standing on solid ground or being taught to fly in the Physician Assistant program at your school.
Fer Khal says
Here is a VERY rough draft of my PS. I’m having a hard time organizing it and having a fluid flow.
From a young age I was always good at perceiving people’s moods around me. I was a sensitive child who made sure to approach my family members based on how they were feeling that day. I still wonder if this trait of mine came naturally or from observing my courageous mother who, as an Afghan refugee, struggled to raise me in a foreign land. Either way, my family often referred to me as “dil sooz” throughout my life. This Dari term literally translates to “heart burn”, but in the context of describing someone as dil sooz it most closely translates to someone who is very empathetic, to the point where they mull. Instead of being stuck in perpetual thought, my instincts tell me to become directly involved and make an impact. My first big impact in the immense world of health was during the period of 2009-2010 when there were increased air strikes in my family’s homeland, Afghanistan. My heart ached to learn of the increasing death toll of innocent Afghan civilians as I would watch Afghan news channels. So what did I do to stop feeling helpless and take part in the lives of these people? I created a UNICEF club in my high school and with the help of my teacher, I was able to recruit volunteers and fundraise money that we then donated. This was also how I realized I could use my resources to be a voice for the voiceless.
As someone who is dil sooz I appreciate making personal connections, which is an important aspect of healthcare, so that I may become an effective and supportive figure in someone’s life. Raised as an Afghan-American, I have been exposed to individuals from various cultures, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds and I understand how these all affect an individual’s approach to their health. My desire to become a physician assistant not only stems from wanting a clinical hands on approach with patients but from a social perspective where I can be an advocate for disadvantaged communities.
There is a saying in economics that “a rising tide lifts all boats”, but this can be applied to any scenario. My work in minority populations, such as educating, providing social or academic opportunities for youth and pointing people to the right resources has shown me how these small acts benefit an entire community. As a healthcare provider, we are not only taking on the responsibility to improve patient’s well being but it is also our responsibility to listen to them, educate them and give them support. One of the projects I worked on as an Executive Board Member for GlobeMed was the women’s empowerment project with our NGO partner Himalayan Healthcare. I was able to review and evaluate the educational preventative health handouts created for the women in Nepalese villages. Over time, Himalayan Healthcare’s medical practitioners have been able to keep track of the decline in certain preventable illnesses within the village.
Through my volunteer work with the Community Empowerment Program Initiative, I have been a part of a collective effort to help resettle and integrate refugees within the Thornton/Denver area by partnering with the African Community Center. I have been privileged to work with youth who are coming into a completely new world, help them navigate their community and school as well as be a proponent for them especially during a controversial time in today’s world.
As a Global Health Co-Coordinator for GlobeMed, I have had to work with the entire team of Executive Board Members in developing and teaching a curriculum based on global health and social justice issues, planning and implementing public health events and keeping a continuous flow of communication to evaluate projects with our partner Himalayan Healthcare. My experiences have enhanced my leadership skills, oral communication skills, my ability to work collaboratively and my ability to be adaptable.
Aside from recognizing how my extracurricular work with diverse populations will make me a perfect fit as a physician assistant, I know that I thrive off hands on patient care because of the inquisitiveness I have had while working in a clinical setting. Through the Undergraduate Pre-Health Program at Anschutz Medical School, I was given the amazing opportunity to be a full time intern under an ophthalmologist. I was able to see patients in the operating room, assist during surgeries and watch these same patients follow up in clinic after their procedures. Following them throughout their course of care created a sense of fulfillment knowing that I was able to be a part of their improved health. Like I said, I am a dil sooz person which is what drives me to be actively involved in a person’s illness, course of care, diagnoses and plan for treatment. By scribing in the ER, I get to watch PAs and MDs work collaboratively in treating patients. I have firsthand experience of how provider-patient relations work, how to handle patients in an emergency setting and how a fluid, supportive work environment affects patient care. One of the biggest traits I have learned about myself from being involved in public health work is that I am always captivated in different areas of health. Because I am an inquisitive learner, I have never been able to focus on one area of health, but rather an array of different areas of medicine and how each has its own value that I hope to learn about. Being a physician assistant will feed my need to be a lifelong learner by giving me the ability to have a basic knowledge of medicine yet still be able to float within medical specialties.
I have been given an amazing opportunity as a clinical scribe in the ER to witness, on multiple accounts, very raw and emotional patient-provider encounters. Though I may see multiple patients present with the same illness throughout my week in the ER, I get to learn about every patient’s unique story which continues to add to my interpersonal skills as a physician assistant. This reinforces my desire to create strong patient relationships as a medical practitioner. Becoming a physician assistant is a career path that best completes my desire of taking a hands on approach to patient care while still being able to commit my time to working with underrepresented populations. Even though I have defied against cultural boundaries to be where I am today, my family would be proud to see me excel as I wasthe first female amongst my many cousins to complete a Bachelor’s degree and I would be the first with a graduate degree amongst the youth and elders in my family. Being dil sooz is a trait I take pride in and it is for this reason that I know as a physician assistant I will always have the ambition to take my patient’s care a step further and to continue using my knowledge as an advantage to help underrepresented populations.
Elena Gandiaga says
Thank you so much for your help. I am a first time applicant and have had multiple people help me read and edit this. I am still not sure if it is personal/unique enough.
“Cual es tu problema?” I asked a woman, as she held her infant in her arms — such a simple question that we, as student volunteers in Honduras, were instructed to repeat over and over, “What is your problem?” A distressed, young mother explained that her daughter had an extremely high fever. I smiled at her, trying to stay focused while reassuring her that the doctors would help her daughter. I repeated our question, “Cual es tu problema?,” as I stared at what appeared to be an endless line of local Hondurans patiently waiting for medical care. During medical intake, this question would prompt a story to be told, in Spanish, which I would translate to my fellow team members as we took parents’ and children’s vitals. We were able to provide medical assistance to over eight hundred patients during our Medical Brigade in January of 2016. As we were heading back to the States, Digma, our Brigade Leader, reminded us that “Si ayudas, tu corazón va a llenar” which translates to “If you help people, your heart will be full.” My valuable experiences volunteering in Honduras reaffirmed that the medical field was where I belonged.
Three years earlier, my first year of college had been tough, as I tried to discern what to do with the rest of my life. It was through volunteering for the Massachusetts Commision for the Blind that I found joy my freshman year and decided that I wanted to help heal children who had medical complications. Two Saturdays a month, children with visual impairments would visit the college, and we would plan activities for them such as sports, dance, and cooking — modifying the activities so that they could participate fully. I looked forward to seeing their smiling faces, and the days I volunteered with them quickly became my favorite parts of the semester. After researching the career thoroughly, I felt confident that I wanted to pursue being a physician assistant (PA).The following fall, I transferred to a different university and began working towards my new goal by taking difficult science classes while adjusting to the new environment.
It was during this year of transition when I took a role as Vice President of the Global Medical Brigade and eventually went to Honduras for a week. Following this volunteer work, I found myself yearning to explore the PA career more directly, so I began shadowing a PA in an urgent care. My shadowing experience reminded me of my volunteer experience in Honduras- the PA had many patients to see in a small amount of time. My first day shadowing, a team of health professionals crowded around an EKG whispering to each other and passing around a text book. I heard the word “Brugada syndrome” whispered as the x-ray Tech, physician, and PA analyzed the EKG. I followed the PA into the patient room as he delivered the news to the young boy patient and his father. What stood out to me the most was the independence that the PA had; he was able to diagnose and treat a variety of patients on his own. Many of the patients that he saw had treatable illnesses such as colds and sore throats, but some, like the patient with Brugada syndrome, presented with more complicated issues. I was intrigued by the puzzle-like process of diagnosing and treating patients while working closely with the support of the physician and various health professionals.
Yearning to delve further into the field of medicine, I began shadowing a physician in the NICU. It was in the NICU that my eyes were really opened to the complexities of medicine and the human body. Walking in, I looked around me at all the tiny newborns covered in wires and tubes, struggling to survive. The physician reminded me how relevant Murphy’s Law is: “If it can go wrong it will go wrong.” Our bodies are complex and diverse. It takes precision to have everything function properly and even newborn babies can have severe illnesses and complications. While this may seem daunting, to me it is a challenge and an opportunity to be part of a team working to help heal patients.
Just as I learned to overcome my own obstacles, in medicine you learn to problem solve while working as a PA with the physicians and nurses to overcome the adversities that the human body presents. The various activities I have participated in, such as job shadowing, being a Resident Assistant on campus, developing and executing my honors research project have taught me invaluable lessons such as time management, teamwork skills, and learning to adjust to challenges. Many experiences have also introduced me to what it is like to work in the health field, as I have been able to work one-on-one with patients. My encounters have left me yearning to learn more. The complexity of the human body continues to intrigue me and I aspire to learn as much as I can in a challenging PA program.
RAUF ALI says
What is more significant? That today I vowed to exercise and eat healthy for the rest of my life? Or that I went hunting and killed a deer? Was it a high school basketball coach who motivated me to become a kinesiology major in college? Or a patient that made me dream about becoming a healthcare professional? It is difficult, perhaps impractical, to judge the significance of any moment. We are met with opportunity on a daily basis but no one can tell what will lead to an innovative thought or perhaps even a career choice. My journey began as a freshmen in high school, not knowing what my future entailed.An older gentleman smiled at me one day. His name was William, but his grandkids called him Popo. His winter-white hair and time-worn skin told a story while his unsteady gait played a motion picture. He had been rehabilitating from a recent stroke and I had been there with him throughout the process. I had been volunteering at the rehab wing of the hospital for two years. Popo and I grew close as every Tuesday at four I would help him make his way down to the therapy room for his daily rehabilitation regime. Everyone loved Popo because not only did he indulge himself in making sure he made a full recovery but he also made everyone around him enjoy what they do. His joyful charisma filled the room with delight and his smile with bliss. He had grown especially fond of me because my facial features “reminded him of his grandson.” As I prepared to assist him off his wheelchair and onto the parallel bars, I gently grabbed his hand. The ice cold rush from his gnarled hands caused goosebumps onto mine. As he adjusted onto the bars, he raised his head and smiled, “thank you, son” he said in his soft fragile voice. The cold touch of his hand spilled the warmth of his heart. “Let’s get started William” shouted the physical therapist enthusiastically. The clock hit five and it was time to leave. I was saddened by his departure but glad for his progress. “Popo, I will see you next week.” He looked back and waved and his passionate smile shifted onto my face. It was the last time I saw Popo. I did not know one person could bring so much joy and happiness to others. I thought to myself “I would want nothing more than to be filled with this much gratitude on a daily basis.” In the memory of Popo and every patient who has individually affected me in a positive way, I have now a better understanding of the significance of every moment. No, I did not immediately know that I wanted to become a physician assistant after this moment. Initially, I thought about becoming a physical therapist or an athletic trainer. However, it did not take long for me to realize my dreams were broader than that. I wanted more responsibility but also more teamwork. I was intrigued by the diagnosis and analytical aspects of medicine so I knew I did not want to become a nurse. My next immediate thought was becoming a physician. However, I soon discovered the growing PA profession through an advisor and realized it had many benefits that the physician profession did not. An essential benefit being that physician assistants have the option to work in several different disciplines in medicine or even change specialties, whereas a doctor would have to do another residency. I know I am interested in working orthopedic surgery due to my interest and experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In addition, the role of a PA is more fitting to my personality and skills as I realize I do my best work when I am foreseeing the needs of a team leader and working steps ahead of them to refine quality and efficiency. However, I do understand that PAs often function independently and only consult with the physician when needed. Both roles will help me grow individually and professionally as I am a lifelong learner and favor new challenges over old ones. This perfect blend of alliance and independence was vital in my decision to pursue this career.
During my time working as a medical assistant at Texas Presbyterian Hospital, I worked side by side with a physician assistant in the sleep medicine specialty. From assisting the PA by taking vital signs to assisting in continuous positive airway pressure machine setups for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, working alongside a PA has helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of the profession and curriculum. I have worked as a full-time medical assistant since graduating college in May and in addition, I spent four months shadowing a family medicine physician as well as volunteering at a local hospital for two years. I am not the person who grew up knowing exactly what I wanted to do. The countless hours I have dedicated in the name of healthcare has helped me narrow the path to which I am destined. Whether it was my high school basketball coach or the patient in the hospital that helped me choose this field, I am forever grateful; as it led me on a journey of pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
Samantha F says
Thank you for this amazing service! I’m very appreciative of what you are doing for all of us aspiring PAs 🙂 Here is my rough first draft of my PS! Thank you in advance, I look forward for your constructive critic!
“Oh my god, are you okay?!” I hurried across the room to Helga. She was lying on the floor and barely conscious. Nearing the end of the blood draw she was feeling faint. Making sure she was safe to sit up; I had left to grab her water. “Helga, here, I got you some water.” She had one hand one her forehead and lifted her gaze to the cup of water. “Thank you” she said. “I needed to lie down and the floor was the closest thing,” she said laughing softly. Helga had an appointment for fatigue and lightheadedness. It was a rather sudden symptom for her, so Dr. B had me draw the entire workup of labs on her and shared with me her process in evaluating Helga. She explained that based on abnormal lab results we can diagnosis her with microcytic anemia, but based on the patient’s recent history, we cannot pinpoint the exact cause. At that moment and many similar ones before, I envisioned myself as a PA collaborating with the doctor on Helga’s mysterious case and wishing I had the knowledge to contribute my own educated medical thoughts.
Halfway through my college career, knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in the health field but uncertain on which path, I started an internship at the University of Davis Medical Center (UCDMC). During my year-long internship, while assisting and shadowing in various departments, there was one distinct trend that caught my attention. And that was the constant presence of a PA. PAs in the ER triaged patients, sending urgent and more complex patients to the doctors and examined less urgent patients. While I assisted the orthopedic technician, PAs often stepped in to see patients for pre-operative consults or post-operative follow-ups when the attending doctor operated in surgery. In the cardiac rehabilitation center, I aided the PA and therapist monitor patients’ blood pressure during their cardio endurance tests. The tests where done to monitor patients’ recovery progress and the PAs updated the doctors when they checked in. Similar to the crucial role the PAs play at UCDMC, I too, aspire to be the PA who steps in to consult and assess the patients when the doctors are occupied with their busy schedules; and to maximize quality of care and the amount of patients that can be seen at a timely and profound manner. As someone who enjoys working independently and collaboratively in a team, a career as a PA would allow me to evaluate and treat patients autonomously and consult with doctors when necessary to provide optimal patient care.
Eager for more patient and physician interaction after graduation, I obtained my certification as a clinic medical assistant (CMA) and was hired immediately by a family practice clinic. My primary duties entail rooming patient, taking vitals, obtaining their chief complainant, administering injections and performing phlebotomy and assisting the doctors with minor procedures. Working at a primary care office, patients of all backgrounds and ages would come with diverse complainants – from vertigo, sinus infections, to abdominal pain and lumbago. Due to the wide scope of our patients’ medical conditions, I familiarized myself the with all the possible specialties but could not imagine just picking one specialty because they all have their own unique appeal. Therefore, as a PA I would have the opportunity to switch specialties to learn and better apply my skills and interest.
My absolute favorite part of being a CMA is the patient interaction. “What brings you in today?” I ask patients everyday when I room and take their vitals. By answering this questions, they let entrust me as someone they can rely on to help address and alleviate their health concerns. When I administer vaccines, and draw their blood post-appointment, I get to learn about the patient aside from their health. I was inspired by Mona to read more books, learned from 52 year old Phil that a damaged ankle should not prevent one from staying active and from Sadie, value of traveling the world. It was obvious from the smile on their faces when they left the room, that they were more at ease compared to when they arrived. They have a better clarity of their health knowing their condition will get better. As a PA, it would be a privilege to be able to interact and follow patients’ care not only on treatment and diagnosis level, but on a personal level as well. Earning patients’ smiles and appreciation at the end of their visits motivates me to ensure a similar sense of ease when they come in for future visits. I also strive to offer emotional support for those patients and their families who experience unforeseen health outcomes.
With each patient interaction and physician discussions, I have continuously affirmed my aspiration to become a PA. Although, my grades prove to be less than exemplary, I believe it inaccurately represents my ability to excel in PA school. In my initial college years, I eagerly involved myself in various organizations and extracurricular activities and took on more than I could handle. Through my UCDMC internship I discovered my desire to become a PA. Through my community service fraternity, I took on multiple leadership roles and participated in various service projects, allowing me to gain valuable interpersonal and leadership skills as well as empathy and compassion in serving the community. From my job, I developed such communication and problem-solving skills that are exhibited in PAs. I believe that my college career and current work experience have strengthened and molded me into the ideal candidate for PA school. If allowed this honored opportunity, I am confident I will be a successful PA student, ready to tackle rigorous courseworks and training that accompanies a competitive PA program. It will not be easy, but I know it will be worthwhile to have the opportunity to treat cases like Helga’s and give her a sense of comfort and see her smile. I exemplify what a PA is, and that is prioritizing patients and providing them with best and most sincere care.
MJ says
I’m feeling generic. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated. I’m working on the ending, it isn’t grabbing me right now.
When I was only four years old, I underwent a Ravitch procedure to repair my pectus excavatum. During my hospital stay, I became enthralled by medicine and the white coat heroes who practice it. When I returned a year later for the removal of my bar, my interest had grown. I asked to watch a surgery like mine, and, although that wasn’t possible, I was permitted to observe my roommate’s suture removal. I was fascinated!
Considering I was raised down an old dirt road in a town with one traffic light, I was blessed to receive the treatment I needed. Too often small towns harbor people who slip through the cracks of our healthcare system. In rural communities across the United States, inaccessibility and unaffordability of healthcare are common theses. For so many people in small towns, missing a work shift could ultimately mean missing a meal. When my granny experienced a suspicious pain, she had no choice but to ignore it. Even the simplest of preventative healthcare measures—blood work, maintenance medication, or blood pressure monitoring—were not available to her. My grandmother’s pain was due to stage four cervical cancer. She was with us only six months following her diagnosis. This scenario was eerily akin to the discovery of my dad’s stage three colon cancer nine years later. Years of brushing off symptoms as minor complications resulted in major surgery and months of chemotherapy. This story is all too common in isolated areas. Geography should not mandate life expectancy in the United States!
Despite the medical challenges my family faced, everyday life continued. I graduated high school and earned my Associate’s degree before ending my pursuit of education to marry and give birth to our first child. Two years later I was ready to continue my education. I realized my approach to my studies must change. Previously I skated by with little effort and no clear goal. Now, however, I must focus on not only my future, but that of my family.
My love of medicine had not only remained constant but become increasingly evident. I spent my free time reading scientific articles on groundbreaking treatments and the genetic implications of pectus excavatum. The life-changing events faced by my family had also opened my eyes to the shortcomings of living in a rural community. Heartwarming moments of community outreach were offset by disadvantages associated with a lack of resources. I could make a difference in not only the life of my family but my community as well by pursuing a career in medicine. With this in mind, I began working on my Bachelor’s degree in biological science.
While maintaining my status as wife, mother, and full-time student, I made time to shadow and volunteer in the medical field. I began my shadowing experience with Dr. Glenn in his primary care practice. On the first day he taught me to correctly dress a wound, to give a shot, and to listen to patients. I quickly observed that patients often became guarded when the physical entered the exam room. This was verified when a patient admitted to me that she was a victim of domestic violence. She explained she felt more at ease talking to me because I seemed her equal rather than her superior. I offered her support and encouraged her to explain the situation to Dr. Glenn. The three of us decided on a course of action to alleviate the stressors that were causing her high blood pressure, the reason for her visit. I had already decided I wanted a career in the healthcare profession, but that experience made my path clear—I would be a physician assistant.
I continued my shadowing experience and volunteered in Dorminy Medical Center’s emergency department under Dr. Mark Brulte. I found myself calm amidst the chaos of the ED, reaffirming my goal. Finally I observed and volunteered in the office of Allison Bell, PA-C. She and her mentor, Dr. Davis, work together seamlessly. She is intelligent, honest, and compassionate when speaking to her patients. Since she is both a physician assistant and a mom, Allison is a great role model for me.
The many hours I spent observing healthcare providers made me aware of how much I enjoy being a part of a diagnostic team. My personal experiences as a young patient, a family member of a terminally ill patient, a care-giver, and—most recently—the mother of a premature child have culminated in my goal to become a physician assistant. I am empathetic, determined, and curious. I will be a great physician assistant who provides affordable, quality care to those patients in my charge.
Jenna says
Hi, this is a really rough draft. I’m not sure if I’m going in the right direction or not and if it needs to be more personal. Thanks in advance for your time!
Eager to jump start my career in healthcare, I obtained a job as a certified nurse aide fresh out of high school at a home health care company. One of the first clients I worked with loved to tell stories about his past and would talk about pretty much everything. After a while, he started requesting for me often. At first, I did not know what I had done differently from the other aids, as I thought I was just doing my job. Then one day after talking to his wife, I realized it was the simple act of listening. A lot of clients and patients that I have worked with are elderly and often times lonely. Small things, like listening to their stories and remembering how they like their coffee are so important to them. My experiences as a home health CNA solidified my desire for interacting with patients and improving their daily lives, but I quickly learned that I wanted more than nursing could offer.
As a freshman at UNL, I started doing extensive research into different healthcare fields. I hoped to find one that would allow me to fulfill my goal of working with patients, but while also providing me with the scope of practice that I desired. Early on, I stumbled upon the physician assistant profession and it seemed like a perfect fit. I only get to see snippets of patient care working as a CNA and volunteering in a hospital. I see patients how they are at one moment, but not how they got there or where they go next. I wanted a career like the PAs I shadowed, such as the one working primary care. She started her visits taking the patient’s medical history and performing an exam. She ended with a treatment plan and advising for follow up. She made it seem so effortless by drawing on past experience and knowledge to quickly come up with a diagnosis. She had a calming and reassuring manner, while also trying to educate the patients at the same time. That is the level of care that I wish to provide as a PA.
As a PA, I believe I will be able to draw on the skills I have acquired as a teaching assistant for anatomy. When taking anatomy myself, I was fascinated with everything about the material. I wanted to know everything, but had such limited time. As a TA, I was excited to pass on all this new found knowledge to students. I continued to learn new information myself, and improve my teaching skills by figuring out ways to explain complicated topics in a manner that anyone could understand. I believe education is an important part of disease prevention and I hope to continue learning and teaching patients for the length of my career.
My skills as a CNA will also help me in pursuing PA as a career. The nature of the PA-physician relationship requires teamwork and communication skills, but also the ability to work independently. I was required to have a high degree of independence in home health as the only person there. I also needed to be aware of changes in clients so I could alert the nurse if needed. Working in a skilled nursing facility and a rehabilitation hospital, I know just how difficult it is get all the patients ready for bed without cooperation from every aide and nurse. One day at the nursing facility, another aide was visibly frustrated after working with one resident. I alerted the nurse after seeing the resident’s agitated behavior for myself, knowing this was extremely unusual for the normally cheerful resident. Later the resident became more ill and was eventually taken to the hospital. I believe my attention to detail, communication skills and ability to excel working independently and as a team have helped me progress as a CNA, but they can only get me so far. Besides alerting the nurse in that situation, there was not much else I could personally do. I hope to take these skills to the next level and attain my goal of living and working in a rural Nebraska as a PA.
I will have a higher level of autonomy working in a rural area, but I will still be able to communicate with my supervising physician if I need assistance. I will also be able to provide care for people who may have limited access. I look forward to being the primary care provider for small town patients because it will also allow me to form close connections with patients and provide me the opportunity to treat a variety of conditions in a general care setting.
The experiences I have accumulated over the past four years have taken me on a journey that I hope will lead to the beginning of a new chapter as a PA. In particular, my experience as a CNA has taught me what it truly means to care for patients. I am forever grateful for that, but I am ready to move to the next step in my life.
Whitty Li says
Hi, I am a first time applicant. Please let me know what can be improved upon.
I stood at the gate of the airport watching my parents disappear through the security to board their flight. I didn’t know if I was going to ever be able to see them again. I was sixteen, still in high school, and I no longer had a home or parents to return to. I told myself not to cry, that this was for the best. This is what my mom needed. My mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer earlier that year. At the time, we did not have health insurance, so we were unable to pay for treatment in America. My parents decided to sell our house and to return to Taiwan so my mom could get affordable treatment there.
For the first time in my life, I was alone. The stark realization that I was alone filled me with fear; Fear that was intensified by fact that I was unable to provide my mom with any assistance. That while I was an entire continent away, I would not be able to do a single thing for my mom while she bravely suffered through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I started thinking that there must have been signs and tests that could have been done that could have caught her diagnosis before it became dire. My mother’s cancer diagnosis was the catalyst that leads me towards pursuing a career as a physician assistant. It prompted me to become interested in preventative care. I believed the best treatment would be to try and catch problems before they became life changing.
I hated the fact that my mom was ignorant of her own health until it became too serious. I wanted to ensure that people were educated in how to care for themselves. When I went to college at University of California, Irvine, I had the opportunity to take a variety of classes associated with the human body. During this time, I found out I loved learning how each system works and how they are all interconnected. I started sharing the information I learned with whoever would listen. I taught my friends how glucose, sucrose and fructose were broken down and how the bad sugars led to fat buildup and diabetes. I realized I loved sharing my knowledge and teaching others to become knowledgeable enough to protect their own health. I felt like a PA already, taking my knowledge and guiding people’s lifestyle choices so they can best prevent and manage disease.
I started working in the healthcare field as a medical assistant in a cardiology practice and this experience solidified my desire to join medicine. Here I discovered not all diseases are preventable and learned the importance of monitoring and managing disease progression. Since the patients were chronically ill, I developed relationships with them as I patiently guided them through their treatment plans and followed up with them consistently. I became good friends with one patient in particular as I managed her treatment process. Rhonda, the patient, was undergoing treatment for atrial tachycardia. When she was first diagnosed and started crying, I felt devastated and at a loss of words. I forced a smile hoping that maybe a smile could radiate comfort and reassurance. When she calmed down, she smiled and asked for my name.
Over the next couple weeks, each subsequent time I saw her in office or followed up with her on the phone I would hear updates about her life as well as her diagnosis. While I ensured she understood which medications to take and how her blood needed to be monitored, she would tell me stories about the stress of her job and how her new boss was handing out more work. I learned so much about her life that when she returned to the office after the procedure and she was back in sinus rhythm, her happiness at her recovery felt like my happiness. Being by her side every step in her journey made me feel overwhelming joy at her recovery. My experiences with her and many other patients like her made me realize that not only did I want to prevent problems from occurring, but also guide their recovery process in order that they maintain their good health over time. With the extra time that PAs often have with their patients, I would be able to build stronger relationships to guide their treatment better.
Each experience in my journey has inspired and prepared me to become a better PA. From my passion of learning and teaching to my attentiveness and patience, each quality benefits the treatment of my patients. I take everything I’ve learned from school, colleagues and patients and apply it to subsequent patients. I strive to continually build my knowledge in order to be better and do better for each patient. As a PA, I would treat more than just the symptoms. I would seek to continue building relationships with patients to become someone they can trust and count on to guide them. Each human connection I made along the way drives my ambition to becoming a PA, in hopes that I can make a difference in the lives of more people.
Melissa Hahn says
Hello, I am a first-time applicant. I have a rather emotional struggles in the past and want to convey these experiences as strengths and skills that can be translated as a PA. I hope to convey them without crossing any boundaries. Please let me know what I can improve on, thanks!
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The room was loud, very loud. Jarring even. It sounded like there were a hundred conversations going on in at least ten different languages. Even for someone who grew up in urban cities, my seven-year-old brain was blown away by this atypical amount of sensory stimulation. I stood still, wide eyed and overwhelmed, but it was only a matter of seconds until I felt a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I looked over and saw that the hand belonged to a pleasant looking woman with sandy brown hair, blue eyes, and round glasses. She started moving her mouth at me. I had no idea what she was saying. I felt like Charlie Brown trying to decipher nonsensical, warbled noises washing over my head. It was my first day of school in America.
Born in California, my brother and I were only first-generation Americans in my family. Everyday was a literal split between two worlds. The first half was spent at school, assimilating to my American peers. The latter half was spent at home being immersed in the Korean culture. As a young child, the challenge was to build relationships and communicate based on body language because I could hardly speak English. As a teenager, the challenge was finding a balance to appease my Korean parents while self-actualizing as an American.
To my parents, grades were the most important thing above all, above personality, relationships, and passion. But there were things I wanted for myself: vocation, expression, and human connection. My dream at the time was to be an artist and move people by the strokes of my hand. “Art doesn’t make money, “ they said. “It’s not realistic.” My kinesthetic skills was deemed purposeless in this world. I developed an identity crisis that ricocheted deeply into my mental health. I went through my adolescence feeling helpless, lost, and isolated by my own family. As a result, my grades suffered into my early college years. But my struggles pushed me to compartmentalize different aspects of how one’s culture can influence beliefs, behavior, and needs.
Growing up challenged by cultural differences lead to a strong foundation in empathetic communication skills. It helped me when I needed to calm down a confused patient with dementia. It helped me when an elderly Korean woman who couldn’t speak English confided in me that she wanted to die. It particularly helped me when a homeless, bedridden patient was admitted in our hospital for a very long time.
His name was Fredrick. He had borderline personality disorder and was verbally abusive to all staff. Nobody wanted to be assigned to him or simply be alone in the room with him. He was what phlebotomists call a “hard stick” and he was obsessively particular about the way he wanted his blood drawn. Upon our first meeting, he tired both of us out by relentless yelling. I was about to leave the room and calling it quits when I caught a glimpse at his face. It felt like a moment suspended in time. His gaze looked as empty as the cold white walls he was staring at. His cheek turned, because he was silently trying to hold back his tears. He looked tired, invalidated, lost, and isolated, just like I felt as a kid. It became clear to me that he had been failed many times before. I did not want to give up on this patient. “Can you guide me step by step what you would like me to do?” I asked. I listened. Through teamwork and the gentle abilities of my artist hands, I was able to get his bloodwork.
Months went by. Phlebotomist after phlebotomist were turned away by Fredrick or left the room empty handed after one failed attempt, which was his rule. “You only get one shot,” he would say. But there was a paradigm shift between Fredrick and me. There was no more yelling. There were no more micromanaging. I became one of the only phlebotomists he would allow to draw his blood.
Medicine is a platform for hope; Hope for a safe space when something in your body doesn’t feel right. Hope for someone to give you answers when you don’t have a clue what is going on. Hope for someone to not give up on you. Not only would being a Physician Assistant mean that I could have the autonomy to make these differences on a larger scale, but it would be a platform for the things I have always sought out: vocation, expression, and human connection. Surviving some unique challenges pushed me to overcome problems, be a diplomatic thinker, and not be afraid of the new. Not only do I want to help solve problems through diagnosis, but also by the touch of my hand, whether that may be by suturing an incision in a surgical setting or resetting a dislocated ankle. The versatile role of a PA would be my channel to lifelong learning and to continue this journey under the mentorship of an MD would make me feel a part of something greater that I have always wanted.
Alisha says
Suits and finances. Scrub and charting. One may ask, “Where business and medicine overlap”? What I’ve discovered is that in either, if you don’t have closed toe shoes, you’ll be asked to leave. I entered college as a Business Management Major aspiring to work in hospital management, improving patient care through increased satisfaction and safety. Part way through, I reflected on where hospital management would take me; realizing I would indirectly help patients through hospital management but not patient care. I felt stuck in the daily rotations of business, of going to classes that taught me something valuable but did not fulfill my interest. I became skilled in the realm of business, working on financial statements, studying economics, information systems, and learning how to communicate effectively with teams and customers. I would have been content with a career in business and knew that I could perform well with my ability to commit to projects, and my networking and team building skills, however, I felt like I wasn’t contributing to something meaningful.
My curiosity is what started me on this path. During my freshman year, my roommate acquired an autoimmune disease onset by stress which she didn’t care to learn about. However, I found her situation interesting. I researched what could have happened looking through the relationship of stress and the immune system. I brought ideas to a professor who helped me understand where I was missing information I haven’t learned, and where I was effectively using my knowledge to come up with a proposed reasoning. The ability to understand what is behind certain medical conditions guided me to take a chance in my something meaningful to me, the medical field.
While tutoring students, I talked with another tutor about her path as a Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) student and became interested. I began to notice that a majority of the providers I was seeing were PA’s. I was fascinated by the autonomy that they had, the wealth of information they possessed, how willing they were to have conversations, and became appreciative of their role within healthcare. To see if this field fit me, I began shadowing PA’s. During one of my shadowing experiences with a PA in the ER, Jeff Cater, my interest in becoming a PA piqued as he saw patients within pediatrics and viral infections to chronic diseases and traumatic injuries and how skilled he was in treating all of them. I realized how unique the PA field is; how PA’s have the ability to work in a variety of fields expanding their medical base, and how they have to use their decision making skills and their medical knowledge to assist many types of patients in their care. Each time that I learned more about the PA role, I became more excited to become a PA myself. After these exposures and shadowing a few PA’s, I began my journey as an entrepreneurial business management major on a pre-physician assistant track.
Since my second semester in college, I have held a job which I carried on with once choosing the pre-PA track. I worked as an optometric tech and also acquired a job as a Nursing Assistant, where I cared for patients, interacted with medical staff, and observed nurses and PA’s on the floor. As a Nursing Assistant, I walked in to a patients’ room who had been at the hospital longer than anticipated. The lady had asked to use the restroom and wanted to walk. Her body was weak and she was tired of being stuck in her room. When we got out into the hall, she asked if she could sit in the hall and see outside of her room. When we returned to her room she said “I have felt trapped in this room, you would never imagine how good it felt for you to get me out; I felt so stuck in here and now I’m much happier”, thanking me for my time. As much as my patient believed that I didn’t know how she felt, I did. With my mind set on business, I kept flipping between what I wanted to do, searching for something that allowed me to pinpoint what interested me. Once I was exposed to the PA field and witnessed PA’s working, I was no longer stuck in this search and was enthusiastic to begin this process.
My efforts along this track are ever-increasing. There have been obstacles between maintaining and improving grades while attaining health care hours, and balancing both of these with organizations and volunteering. While I did not always attain perfect grades, science classes have persistently been the classes that have retained my interest throughout my college career. Within the last semesters, I have understood the importance of prioritizing certain tasks and creating a balance for myself as a student. I have had to become more diligent in my learning and studying, and have also had numerous learning experiences not only in class but also at the hospital. My work as a Nursing Assistant has provided me continually with knowledge on patient care and the importance of patients having someone there to understand their concerns. I have worked closely with nurses and have asked questions about procedures performed on the patients. Since beginning this track, I have acquired over 1,000 patient care hours in the last year while being in school full time as well as taking summer classes to fulfill the pre-PA requirements. My work as an NA, my experience shadowing PA’s and my increased efforts in my science classes makes me confident that becoming a PA is the right decision for me and that I would be able to excel in the field that has allowed me to begin to fulfill my curiosity.