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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 (16th May 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
- Elevate Your Personal Statement: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy for Impactful Writing
Danielle L says
What started as an ordinary Friday morning clinic, ended in a six-hour experience that exemplified many of the reasons why I aspire to become a physician assistant (PA). Around 10 am, John* and his mother came into the clinic so he could receive a single vaccine that he needed to graduate high school. John exhibited an intense fear of needles and exacerbated his fight-or-flight response each time we attempted to administer the vaccine. While many other providers would have been distracted by their other administrative tasks, Jennifer, our PA, had the time to focus on him whole-heartedly and refused to let him leave without the vaccine. After several attempts involving various sedatives and the help of five EMS personnel, John headed out the door around 4 pm, vaccinated, and immensely grateful for all we had done. However, as we waved them goodbye, we learned their scheduled transportation had come and gone, leaving them stranded at the clinic. The nurse and I then gave the exhausted patient and mother a ride back home where we learned of the many barriers that John had to overcome to even make it to his appointment. For John and his mother, this moment meant much more than becoming immunized — it was a stepping stone towards a future of better education and better health. For Jennifer, it was simply a duty to patient care in which she was dedicated to fulfilling regardless of the hurdles that stood in the way.
I first learned of the PA profession at a health fair my senior year of high school. Having just returned from volunteering at an orphanage in Haiti where I first realized my interest in medicine, I was drawn to the medical model and patient-centered focus that the PA profession emphasizes. During my undergraduate career, amid the coursework requirements and the checklists that were laid out before me and distracted by a fascination in the biological, chemical, and evolutionary aspects of the human body, I began to look towards medicine as a career path. Despite this somewhat rigid pre-med path I began to journey down, I continued to find myself drawn to service opportunities where I could connect with people from different backgrounds. I sought out engaging in opportunities like my summer-long service program in a small Ugandan village, teaching science at the primary school, and helping the clinic staff at the local hospital. While there, I became involved in a program for youth who were HIV+. At first, though I recognized some of the children from the orphanage, school, and nearby houses, I knew nothing about their lives beyond their diagnosis. This made even the simple acts of taking vitals and dispensing medicine feel intrusive. Growing up with the stigma surrounding HIV, I felt as if I was invading such a personal part of their lives. As the summer progressed, I was able to build relationships with the children by teaching them in the classroom, seeing them at the clinic, and playing with them at community events. After getting to know them on a level so much deeper than their medical diagnoses, the same acts that once felt so intrusive began to feel more natural. By simply taking the time to understand them as students, patients, and local children, I was able to establish a sense of comfort for everyone even when addressing such a vulnerable aspect of their lives.
I have spent the past year as an Americorps Fellow at a medically underserved, rural health department, working in both a clinical and community health capacity. In my clinical roles as a scribe and medical assistant, I am essentially an extension of the provider, taking vitals, documenting patient encounters, and assisting with procedures. In these roles, I am with both the patient and provider every step of the visit which has allowed me to witness first-hand the important role providers have in breaking down barriers to provide the best level of care to everyone. Yet, these roles are limited in their active capacity. They often cause me to leave patient encounters wishing I could have a more direct impact on the patient’s health outcomes. After spending a year performing these tasks for both our doctor and PA, I ultimately decided to pursue a PA career due to the patient care focus of the profession. As seen with John’s visit, PAs have the time and capabilities in addition to the necessary medical training to form strong relationships with patients and work with them to find treatment plans that optimize health outcomes specific to them. More recently, my community health efforts have been focused on helping to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to our community members. This experience has highlighted the vast disparities that community members face and emphasized the need for collaborative health care that addresses all aspects of health, something I have witnessed Jennifer perform when consulting with nurses, our physician, and outside providers to provide care for even the most challenging encounters like John’s.
After confirming my decision to become a PA, I completed my remaining prerequisite coursework while continuing to my full-time Americorps service during the peak of COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Though this led to many long days and late nights, this past spring only served as a further reaffirmation of my interest in both patient care and the medical sciences.
The scope of the PA role is unique in healthcare in that it will allow me to focus more on understanding my patients, educating them, and breaking down barriers to provide them with the best possible care. My continuously evolving relationship with patients, paired with the growing provider shortage, only motivates me further to become a physician assistant. The continued dedication to patient care has highlighted a role in healthcare where I can envision myself. As a PA, I will be able to become fully invested in every aspect of patient care. I hope to be the link in the system that connects everyone to their place in medicine while allowing patients to feel heard, respected, and cared for. I want to provide a sense of comfort to those who are often overlooked in the world of medicine. I aim to help my patients like John overcome mental and physical barriers. By using a patient-centered approach, I hope to allow patients to regain trust in a system that may have failed them before. My training as a PA will allow me to contribute to a systematic change in the healthcare system, allowing for increased access to health care in medically underserved communities. I am confident that the knowledge, compassion, and understanding that I will continue to expand upon while in PA school will allow me to advocate a change for better health, better communities, and a better environment for every patient I encounter.
Whitney Prosperi says
Danielle,
What a beautiful introduction that shows a PA in action providing care in a personal way. It also showed your ability to go above and beyond what is required of you.
Good job here!
I would suggest adding a paragraph that describes your shadowing experience. What about the interactions between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician confirmed your decision? You may need to condense somewhat throughout to make room for this.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
I wish you good luck, Danielle!
Austin says
I sat across from my Uncle Ralph at his kitchen table in Missouri while visiting his home during my summer break. The chess board, stretching between us like a battlefield, had all 32 pieces in place. He was a two time chess champion and could play three different games of chess simultaneously and win all three games comfortably. And me? I was 12. I took a deep breath and moved my pawn two spaces.
I began working in healthcare as a registrar in the Emergency Room which exposed me to nearly every kind of injury, disease, infection, trauma, and symptom a person could suffer. I thrived working in a fast paced environment that required me to interact with patients experiencing an array of physical and mental conditions. I vividly remember a man walking through the ER doors carrying his 9 year old son who was vomiting and wailing in pain. After some time, a nurse told me that the boy was being transferred to a pediatric trauma center for an idiopathic intracerebral hemorrhage and that he needed to be registered immediately. I pushed my cart into trauma 10 poised and prepared to gather the necessary information from the hysterical father. The anxiety and fear for the boy’s life was palpable and permeated everyone in the room. I was able to calm the father down and collect all the information quickly and efficiently. Yet, I felt completely impotent. After that experience, I had an unrelenting desire to want to have the power to step in and make a difference in people’s lives.
I enjoyed interacting with patients and working with a team, but I wanted to be more responsible for a person’s health, so I began working as a physical therapy technician (PT tech). I spent a lot of time with patients which allowed me to build a genuine rapport and care for them in ways I never had before. I developed essential interpersonal and assessment skills which were vital for patients to trust me with their rehabilitation. When an elderly lady came into the clinic, it became evident that she was deaf. It was her initial evaluation, and she was understandably overwhelmed. I walked over and in sign language said “Hi! Nice to meet you. I’m Austin”. Her face lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. She was suffering from TMJ and was prescribed physical and e-stem therapy. My skills in ASL were sufficient enough to effectively communicate with her that the needles about to be inserted into her jaw were safe and were going to make her feel better. After her treatment, she explained to me how grateful she was that I was there to help her. It was gratifying to know that I was able to help someone, even in my limited role as a PT tech. Over the next few weeks, I devoted myself to learning as much ASL as possible, just so that I could explain the plan of care to her and help answer any concerns she had. It became vehemently important to me that I pursue a career that emphasized patient education as well as empathetic personalized care.
As a medical scribe, I’ve gained invaluable insight on the exciting intricate daily work life of medical providers. By witnessing hundreds of patient-provider encounters, I have the unique advantage of understanding how providers navigate a patient’s HPI, perform physical exams and ask pertinent questions in order to develop a differential diagnosis and formulate an appropriate plan of care. Scribing has equipped me with the ability to chart efficiently, while also giving me the confidence to collaborate with the team I work with, interpret diagnostic lab work and tests, and recognize what medications are prescribed or adjusted in order to treat a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. Through scribing, shadowing and working with multiple PAs, I have seen how effective PAs are at diagnosing and managing patients, while also having more time to address questions, discuss diagnostic results, and in many cases, alleviate patients of their anxiety just as effectively as the doctor could and with just as much credibility. This perfect blend of autonomy, competency, and patient engagement is the kind of quality of care I want to be able to provide as a PA.
I won that chess match against my Uncle at 12 years old. What I lacked in experience, I compensated through critical thinking, determination and hard work. I will emulate those same qualities in order to succeed in PA school, so I can continue to learn and develop the skills necessary to care for my patients with proficiency and compassion. My decision to become a PA has been a progressive well researched choice based on my culmination of diverse experiences working in multiple hospitals and outpatient clinics. For me, being a PA is the perfect intersection of team based collaboration, while being autonomous in managing patients’ health and having the clinical cognizance to work in every aspect of medicine. I know PA school will take a Herculean effort, but I am confident that I have the academic, technical, and collaborative skills needed to succeed.
Whitney Prosperi says
Austin,
You do a good job of showing your experience and ability to think on your feet.
I would suggest adding a bit more information about how you discovered the PA profession.
You may also want to give more detail about your shadowing experience. What did you admire about the PA’s ability to treat patients and about their patient interaction?
You may want to add a transition sentence at the beginning of your 2nd paragraph that connects your early love of learning (alluded to by the chess game) to your desire to learn about medicine.
I am not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Good luck to you, Austin!
Sean says
At college orientation, everyone always tells you the same thing, “At some point during your four years at this school, you will hit the lowest point in your life.” To me it seemed like some anecdotal nonsense, I couldn’t wrap my head around what college could through my way that I couldn’t handle. I was naive and stubborn coming into college, I always got good grades throughout high school, why would college be any different? I had the mindset that I was invincible and all I had to do was coast through these four years and I would achieve my dream of becoming a Physician Associate. Then I got my first test grade back, then my second and third. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. It seemed like no matter what I did to prepare for a test I couldn’t get the grades I wanted. At the end of my Freshman Year, I met with my advisor for an end-of-the-year meeting. That was when she told me that I would not make it through college as a Biology Major and I should consider changing majors. I called my Mom and broke down to her. In less than a year I had hit my low point and my dreams were crushed.
That summer, I went back to work as a Patient Care Associate at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. While working the overnight shift, I had a patient who had a terrible case of COPD and was on a BiPAP throughout the night. She kept calling me into her room complaining of how she felt like she couldn’t breathe. I went back and forth to the charge nurse asking if there was anything we could do, but all we could do was let the medication and BiPAP do the work. It broke my heart to tell the patient we are doing everything we could and to just try to make it through the night. I could tell the patient was scared and she asked me to stay with her as long as I could. I sat with her and held her hand because that was the best I could do at that moment. I was not a medical professional, I did not have the skills or the ability to make her feel better, but I could sit and talk with her to make her feel safe and comfortable enough to make it through the night. She asked me to get her a priest and was telling me all about how great of a life she lived and how she was ready for whatever comes next. I kept reassuring her that I was right next to her and she was going to make it through the night. That morning when I left I promised her I would come to find her and check on her the next time I came into work. Sure enough, three days later she was still with us and even able to walk on her own. She eventually was discharged and able to enjoy life a little bit longer. I know I played a very small role in her overall healthcare but I believe if I had not stayed with her and held her hand that night, she might not have made it home.
As one of the few male Patient Care Associates, I am often looked at as someone who is just a big body that can help move patients, but I didn’t come into healthcare for that. I came into healthcare to bring a little light to someone who may be experiencing their darkest day. Whether that comes in the form of holding someone’s hand, fixing their pillow, or learning Spanish during my break so I could communicate with a Spanish-only speaking patient. No matter how small the task may be, if it will make my patients a little bit better I will jump at the opportunity to give them the best healthcare they deserve.
These little moments are why I went against my advisor’s suggestions. No matter how many classes I had to retake and no matter how many semesters it would take me to get my degree, I felt as if I owed it to every patient I encountered to be the best healthcare provider I could be so that one day I won’t feel helpless standing next to a patient on their deathbed. My drive to become a Physicians Associate is rooted in every interaction I’ve had with a patient over the last 5 years so that one day, when I eventually become a Physicians Associate, I will be able to do more than just hold someone’s hand.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sean,
I can sense your passion to help patients woven throughout your essay.
I would suggest moving your grade comments to the paragraph before your conclusion. This is where schools are accustomed to seeing this information, and it also allows you to set up the your positive traits first. One suggestion would be to make your 3rd paragraph that introduction if you don’t write a new one altogether.
Additionally, in that grade paragraph I would briefly explain what happened that resulted in the lower grades and then focus on gains you have had since then. You want to show how you will be able to keep an upward trend in a rigorous PA school program.
I would also give more detail about why you are drawn to the PA profession. You want to explain why specifically you are a good fit. Is it your ability to connect with patients? Your commitment to teamwork? Your desire to switch specialties?
I would also expand where you can on your medical experience and clinical skills. You want to show how you have prepared for PA school and what you have to offer patients as a future PA.
Lastly, if you have any shadowing experience I would describe that. What appealed to you about the interactions between PA/supervising physician or PA/patient? What affirmed your decision that this was the right profession for you?
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
I wish you good luck, Sean!
Sydney says
In Kindergarten, when all of the other girls in my class said they wanted to be a princess or an actress, I said I wanted to be a doctor. I was always the student that walked my classmates to the nurse’s office, tried to diagnose myself and my friends, and was the first person to run for bandaids when my little siblings fell and scraped their knees. All throughout my life I knew I wanted to be a medical provider. This goal has only changed once in my life: when I discovered the Physician Assistant profession. This career encompassed everything I wanted in a medical profession, and the collaborative nature and responsibility for patient care were exactly what I was looking for. Since then, every experience with shadowing and working as a Medical Assistant has further confirmed this notion. My most impactful shadowing experience was when I shadowed Physician Assistant Blake Carden. I spent an entire 8 hour work day with him, and we saw over 70 patients in one day. Not only did he spend quality time with each patient one-on-one, listening to their concerns, but he also had the support and supervisory assistance of the nursing staff and the physician. Observing their interactions and collaborations solidified that this was the career for me. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and I thrive in environments of community and partnership. I have been lucky enough to get a taste of what this will be like working as a Medical Assistant for a Plastic Surgeon, and a primary care office. It has been an incredible learning experience, where I have had hands-on clinical patient interaction. I have had the opportunity to develop essential medical skills, such as taking vitals, directing patient intake, collecting patient history, administering immunizations, and learning valuable communication skills from other medical providers. I have developed strong connections with patients of all ages, and all walks of life. While being a Medical Assistant has been incredibly rewarding, I have a desire for more. More hands-on patient care, more responsibility for my patients, and the ability to make more of a difference in patients’ lives. I have enjoyed the flexibility of being a Medical Assistant in multiple specialties, and appreciate that this same flexibility exists in the Physician Assistant profession. I know that my empathy and compassion for others, my ability to make strong connections with those around me, and my aspirations to have greater responsibility for patient care will allow me to thrive in this profession. My desire to be a medical provider has never wavered, and for all of these reasons, I know I want to become a Physician Assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sydney,
You do a good job of describing what appeals to you about the PA profession. You may want to include more detail about how you discovered the role. Was it a personal encounter?
I would also include a patient care story that shows you in action performing clinical care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to spotlight your medical knowledge, clinical skills, and ability to engage on a personal level. Show some of your characteristics that will make you an effective PA.
Lastly, while I love how you show your early interest in medicine, this type of introduction is fairly common. Do you have a short story that could demonstrate your love for medicine at an early age? Is there something specific you could share that would grab the reader’s attention in your intro and reveal your early passion for helping others?
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
I wish you good luck!
Nimo says
Personal Statement
I will never forget the shock that was displayed on my mother’s face the day we learned both my younger brother and younger sister suffer from the same genetic eye condition. The helplessness in her eyes failing to understand what the doctors were explaining due to the language barrier sparked something in me that day that has existed ever since. My siblings have undergone multiple surgeries to improve their eyesight and along the way, we encountered countless doctors, nurses, and PAs. However, none have had the same impact on my family as the Somali PA we met in Iowa. The second he walked in, I sensed the ease radiate off my family as he began his explanation in full Somali. He was joking with my father while gently examining my little sister. My mother asked every question that came to mind and provided information she has never told doctors or nurses before. I asked her afterward what the difference was between the Somali PA and a regular translator and she responded with, “Xanuun waxa ugu daran midka aan la sheegi karin” (The worst of pain is that which one cannot explain). At that moment, she felt like every other patient being able to converse comfortably with their provider. This interaction impacted me deeply because I thought of how many more families out there wish for a moment like this, to be seen and heard like everyone else, to voice their concerns with no misunderstandings. Growing up in a family that does not speak fluent English, I have always been the messenger between my parents and the provider. This allowed me to recognize the inconvenience of the language barrier which could hinder patients from reporting their symptoms. The novel, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down details an account about a Hmong family where culture intertwines with medicine and the outcome is severe. This book along with my own personal experience jolted me into considering a career not only in healthcare but as a PA. I can recall three major events in my life that motivated me to pursue a career as a PA, and this was the first one.
In my pursuit of discovering if being a PA was right for me, I worked as a PCA (personal care assistant) and DSP (direct support professional). These roles included providing assistance to my residents in every way from administering medications to helping them decide what to wear. From aiding in tasks of daily living to being a shoulder to lean on, I realized many big life lessons in my time working these jobs. For example, as a DSP, I worked with a resident who required not only medical and physical support but social and interpersonal aid as well. He would always ask to play UNO and inquire about my day. I thought of this as just small talk, but I didn’t realize how important this was for him until I noticed a coworker who was ignoring his questions. His whole demeanor shifted and his mood declined severely due to his bipolar disorder. I spoke to my coworker and reminded her about our resident’s needs and I also began to take his small conversations and games very seriously. I learned that dignifying and speaking to patients is just as important as administering medications and providing assistance. My experiences in these positions were valuable and treasured, however, I felt as if it wasn’t enough for me. As I began to care deeply about my residents, I wanted to be a part of all aspects of their care and understand why they take each medication and how this affects their wellbeing. For example, I would sit in the office and research all of my resident’s medications to fully grasp how each one works and what it accomplished. I googled the side effects of Lorazepam for one resident and why carbamazepine tablets tasted bad for another. I yearned to be the one who decides these things and be a part of their all-around care. This was the second big catalyst that made me pursue PA school.
The reason I narrowed my career search to PA, specifically, was due to intense research, shadowing, and personal experience. My shadowing experience was instrumental in my decision to pursue becoming a PA. I shadowed an OBGYN PA, Laura, and I was amazed by not only the scope of practice but the extra compassion and care shown by her that I had never seen in any other medical profession. I remember walking into a room with a first-time pregnant woman and her husband. She was a high-risk pregnancy and was having complications and I could hear the fear and uncertainty in her voice as she was asking the PA questions about her due date. Laura came down to eye level and assured her that everything will go according to plan while placing a hand on the woman’s thigh. I saw both her and her husband visibly relax and it was then I realized there is more to medicine than science and number. Compassion and empathy are crucial characteristics that are necessary and routinely displayed by PAs. This moment and many others like it was the final push for me to set my heart in becoming a PA.
In the future, I would keep this philosophy as a physician assistant to endeavor to be the most compassionate, trustworthy, and hardworking healthcare provider. Every patient is someone’s loved one, and as a physician assistant, I will treat them as such. Working as a team and being able to counsel patients on preventative care, diagnose and treat illnesses and much more would just give me greater autonomy than I have now, to be an extraordinary contributor to assist in their overall health while also championing for diversity wherever I go.
Whitney Prosperi says
Nimo,
Your introduction does a great job of showing how your interest in the PA profession was sparked!
I would suggest condensing where you can throughout your essay so there will be room to add a few more elements. I think we need to learn more about what appeals to you about the PA profession. (ability to switch specialties? balance between autonomous responsibility and working with a supervising physician?)
I would also elaborate on your medical experience and clinical skills gained in these roles.
I wish you good luck in the process, Nimo.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Syd F. says
When I was growing up, I was always in and out of doctors offices and the hospital due to many allergies, severe asthma, and a scary experience with pneumonia. This cemented in my head at a very early age that I wanted to be a healthcare professional because I wanted to understand how to make people better like the people who cared for me did. I had always leaned towards pediatrics, because that was all I knew when being introduced to healthcare professionals, but now primary care and family medicine would allow me to help a greater population and reach more disadvantaged people. My first introduction to a PA was when I was trying to make my first appointment without my parents help at the dermatologist, and the doctor was out but they had a PA available. I had never heard of that role before, only nurses and MD, so I took that opportunity to ask her a lot of questions and found out that yes, she could prescribe medicine and properly care for my eczema. After that appointment, I quickly began to google more details about the position and fell in love with the thought of working closely with other providers in a team setting, especially knowing that I could switch specializations easily. I realized then that I needed to begin the preparations for PA programs and start moving into the field of healthcare.
I have always worked jobs in school since high school, but I really dip my toes into the medical field so I started looking for Certified Nursing Assistant programs to get into the door after completing a summer of biomedical research. Shortly after I completed my CNA program and exam, I landed my first job in a long term care skilled nursing facility, and that is where I truly learned how much compassion and empathy it takes to work with sick and elderly populations. This was during my junior year, and I was able to gain experience and knowledge while continuing to work on time management. At the facility, I worked closely with other CNA’s, Licenced Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, physical therapists, and once COVID-19 hit I was able to interact with some respiratory therapists. I loved seeing how everyone with different credentials worked together as a team, especially when I first started, but over time I saw some of my coworkers seemed to forget why they got into this field and did not always treat residents with kindness and respect. This pushed me to be more understanding about my residents and realizing that I got to go home, and they were not able to leave and be with their families and loved ones, so I was the closest thing they had to rely on. I did not think that I would learn a lot from the more monotonous schedule of a nursing home, but surprisingly I learned that every single resident had their own needs and routines, especially those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other disabilities. Being a CNA requires a person to be hyper aware of changes in condition and relay that to the charge nurse so that the resident can get adequate care, and that will be a skill that I will have in other medical settings.
With the help of a great professor, I had the opportunity to shadow a PA over a period of 3 months, and she works at a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in a bilingual pod. Many patients were only Spanish speaking and I was able to witness how relieved they were when they realized that language would not be yet another barrier to their health care. I witnessed the PA perform a variety of tasks such as many hypertension and blood pressure checks, pap smears, cyst and lipoma removals, and ear wax removals among other procedures. There were a few days where I was also able to also observe a doctor at the clinic perform IUD insertions and joint injections. One experience that stood out was a patient who had a history of cancer became concerned that a bump in their arm was cancerous, and they were also uninsured and Spanish speaking. The PA that I shadowed believed that it was only a lipoma and was able to calm them down and explain the procedure of removal and that it would not cost her more than a few dollars, because the patient was extremely nervous before their appointment. Once the lidocaine was administered the patient was able to calm down and the lipoma was removed. By the end of the procedure the PA and I had them relaxed, smiling, and taking pictures to show their daughter what was removed. I learned so much from her, but was most surprised to learn how much independence and autonomy she had with diagnosing and treating her patients, and collaborated more with the other PA’s than with the doctors present. Watching how validating the PA was to all of the patients’ concerns, and how she applied interpersonal skills and not just her medical knowledge to every single patient made me realize that this is really the role I want.
As a PA, my ultimate goal is to be able to work with all populations, especially disadvantaged groups of people such as people of color. I would be a provider of color, and would be able to fully serve my community and work towards the reduction of racial health disparities. Being a PA would allow me to quickly begin my community work within a medical team to have the best impact on my patients.
Whitney Prosperi says
Syd,
You are off to a good start. Your paragraph on shadowing does a good job of showing some of the aspects of the PA profession that you admire.
I think it would be helpful to see you in action caring for a patient, maybe through your CNA role. Can you add a paragraph that shows you connecting on a personal level while caring for one of your patients? You want to show some of the qualities that will make you an effective and compassionate PA.
You may need to condense elsewhere in your essay so there is room for this addition.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you, Syd!
Jennifer says
90. 34. 123. 57. Those were the drastically changing heart rates (HR) that ran across the screen of a patient at 3 A.M. Being a patient care technician, I have witnessed many variations of HRs, usually ranging from low 70s to high 110s, but this time was different. My heart started to race as I held my breath. 37, 98, 72. Quick fluctuations in HRs in a matter of seconds. Although the patient was having a regular conversation with me and seemed fine, I quickly but calmly, notified the charge nurse. I took on the job of obtaining an EKG of the patient’s heart. Silence filled the room as the EKG machine printed the results. “She’s in A-Fib. I’m calling the rapid response team (RRT).” A team consisting of a physician assistant (PA), critical care nurses and a respiratory therapist rushed into the room within minutes. As I was reporting to the RRT of the changing heart rates, I could only focus on how little I could do to help the patient. It was eye opening watching the PA expertise as he explained the situation, consoled the patient, and determine a treatment plan right in front of the patient in order to save their life. “That’s what I want to do,” I kept thinking to myself. I want to be able to expand my scope of knowledge to be able to do more for patients.
When I was a third year undergraduate student, I heard about a medical professional called a Physician Assistant (PA) through volunteering in an emergency medical service organization. I was intrigued and shocked. This type of professional is a direct correlation to my undergraduate education and lifelong passion. Not only did I learn about my future dream career through being a first aider, my skills of intuition, creative problem solving as well intellectual curiosity thrived from being able to provide medical services for people in need. Volunteering for an organization out of my sheer love for serving the community and learning about patient/healthcare led me to finding my dream career as well as furthering my pursuit in healthcare.
“Would you like to watch a cyst removal procedure?” I couldn’t contain the sheer excitement that bellowed throughout my body as I exclaimed, “Yes I would love that!” The amount of gratification I received from solely watching a PA assess, educate, cut, extract and close part of the body was unreal. The instant pain that was relieved from the nerves of the patients where the cysts resided was unbelieveable. Having the ability to shadow a dermatology PA confirmed my desire to pursue the impressive path of becoming a PA.
Being given the opportunity to broaden my healthcare knowledge in a hospital environment during a pandemic is a blessing. I had the opportunity to provide care to surgical patients on a medical level as a PCT at a top hospital in an underserved community. The medical staff taught me how important skills, such as interpersonal, awareness of cultural issues and professionalism, are in saving lives and in providing the best experience and care for patients. My favorite part of being a PCT, aside from drawing blood, was building bonds with the patients. Knowing that I am a part of a process of making someone’s life better ensures me everyday that I am in the field I was born for.
“You have a very severe kidney infection. The medications you received at the minute clinic three days ago were not strong enough, which has led to the severe pain you are feeling now. You will need new medications to clear up the infection.” The simple instructions to rid myself of my discomfort as I was shaking in pain caused me to release an audible sigh of relief. My eyes swelled with tears after realizing how much of a difference there can be between healthcare options. As a minority and being raised in a medically underserved area and I would be remiss to think that my situation hasn’t happened to many others. I also realize that there are many people who are unable to receive appropriate medical attention due to their economic, cultural or linguistic barriers surrounding the medical profession. I have vowed that I will find innovative ways to help as many people as possible through my pursuit of becoming a PA.
Learning different medical protocols and the ins and outs of medicine challenges me, and that is something I want to continue to do throughout my career, learn and be challenged, as medicine will always change and evolve for the better. Assisting patients through a scary and difficult time in their life to assure they are comfortable and overall getting better is why I love working in the medical field. Supporting and improving communities, like my own, with easily accessible, highly trained medical professionals would greatly improve and save many lives in underserved communities. I would be greatly honored if you would support my passion and dream of becoming a PA, as this decision would also help this country gain a medical professional who has the drive and desire to serve their community by bettering and saving lives.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jennifer,
Your introduction does a great job of showing your ability to remain calm in a stressful situation, your clinical knowledge, and your desire to one day do more for patients.
I also think you do a good job of conveying your desire to treat underserved patients.
I would suggest adding some more information to your paragraph about what draws you to the PA profession. What other aspects appeal to you? The ability to connect with patients on a personal level? Ability to switch specialties? Collaborating with a supervising physician and team of providers?
I wish you good luck in this process, Jennifer.
William L. says
William’s PA Application Personal Statement
Practicing as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for the past seven years has provided me with experience and knowledge to help make a positive impact to patients and the community as a Physician Assistant. Going back to school after almost a decade, working overtime during COVID, and taking care of my grandmother who is 92 years old certainly has presented its challenges. Although difficult to handle all of this at once, I find my motivation to further my career and provide a wider scope of care to patients a key factor that has allowed me to overcome these obstacles.
Working as an ACLS/PALS/NRP instructor when I was 19 in order to generate income while going to school to further my professional goals in healthcare has been an asset in being able to make accurate decisions in critical situations. I enrolled in a Respiratory Therapy program shortly after graduating high school because I truly feel like when someone can’t breathe is when they are in need help the most. In my opinion the most gratifying part of my job is to see the relief a patient has when they can breathe again. This can be said about patients not only in an acute care setting but in the outpatient setting as well. Being lead point of contact and an educator for an AARC accredited pulmonary rehabilitation program has allowed me to form skills that improve communication with patients, which I use every day. Engaging with the community and providing them with knowledge that will proactively prevent them from losing their breath in the first place has always been my main objective. While instructing this program, I realized how little some people know about the diseases they suffer from, which sparked my passion to educate patients and to not just treat their symptoms. Growing up with up with both of my parents in the health field, I have been in Doctor’s offices and hospitals my entire life, and I love it. With my mother being a family practice Physician and father being a Respiratory Therapist, I was raised to help others in times of need. This up bringing inspired me to be in a career where I can provide the same relief to people that I saw my parents provide.
After moving to Michigan to provide care for my grandmother, I began working at a large hospital in a leadership capacity. This role required training new respiratory therapist in the realm of adult critical care and emphasizing the importance of good communication and ability to be decisive in critical decision making. While working at this facility, I have been practicing side by side with excellent Physician Assistants and have had an opportunity to observe the variety of things they can do as well as role they play in the healthcare team. This has motivated me to further my career in healthcare and become a PA. I think I will make a great PA because critical thinking, decision making, teamwork, and patient education are things that I have been practicing my whole career and are useful tools in providing a high level of care to patients. Becoming a Physician Assistant is truly a dream of mine, and with always striving to provide the best care possible to patients, I am sure I can make a difference in the lives of others.
Whitney Prosperi says
William,
I can sense your passion to help patients throughout your essay.
I think it would be great to include a patient care story from your work as a respiratory therapist. You want to show yourself in action while also highlighting your ability to connect with patients on a personal level. I would also mention your desire to have greater responsibility for patient care.
I would also describe a bit more of how you arrived at your decision to pursue the PA path. You say you family works in healthcare. What solidified your decision to become a PA?
Also, elaborate some on what appeals to you about the PA profession specifically. Is it the ability to switch specialties, collaboration with a supervising physician, more time for patient connection?
If you have any shadowing experience I would also describe that. What about your experience confirmed your decision? I would also describe what you witnessed in interactions between PA/supervising physician or PA/patient that confirmed your decision. If you don’t have shadowing of PAs, describe what you witnessed in working with them.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you, William!
Lauren Frank says
Oh no. Not again. The lights around me flashed in bright, green-colored spots before everything went black. My face would likely be flushed with shame if it was not drained of blood as I fainted in the phlebotomy chair again. I once again affirmed that the medical field would never be a career option for me as I recovered with a juice box and granola bar in hand. Years later, I am actively pursuing the career of my dreams as a physician assistant. This shift from disgust and fear towards the medical field to love and excitement has been a long journey. When asked why I chose to be a physician assistant, I respond that this career is how I can have the greatest impact on the health and wellbeing of those I work with. Through my diverse clinical experience and my own personal health challenges, I have found that being a PA would be the best career for me to invest in patient/provider relationships where I can provide quality care in my community.
This is first demonstrated when I shifted my life course towards a medical career. In high school, I was sure I wanted to be a teacher. It was then that I became chronically ill with what I later learned to be systemic lupus. My symptoms led me to see a variety of medical professionals, from whom I learned how a care team can impact the life of someone living with chronic illness. I realized at this point that I wanted to have that same positive impact on the people with whom I interact in my future career. I then began shadowing resident physicians at a local clinic that cared for those on Medicare and Medicaid. In one of the first appointments I shadowed, the patient was a newborn with a widespread, papular, erythematous rash. His breast-feeding mother, rightfully concerned, conversed with my mentor in Spanish for a few moments, after which we left the room to converse. When he mentioned to me that he did not know what to make of the condition, I told my mentor that the baby’s rash closely resembled one I had when I discovered my illness had rendered me lactose intolerant. After confirming with an experienced colleague, my mentor discussed a non-dairy diet with the breastfeeding mother and the child’s condition resolved. This experience confirmed that my health journey would help me become the empathetic, passionate provider that I now am working to be.
After this, I threw myself into getting clinical hours while getting my PA prerequisites. I was offered opportunities to be a medical scribe, but I instead obtained my CNA certification, and began working in a nursing facility as soon as I turned eighteen to get direct patient contact. I worked nights for two years, studying during my shift down time, and learning as much as I could about common illnesses in the elderly community and how those illnesses impacted the lives of the residents. Here, I seized the opportunity to connect with those I cared for. I learned their medical needs, and how I could best serve those needs, while helping them maintain their best quality of life.
To gain more diverse clinical hours, I obtained my phlebotomy certificate. This, I knew would be difficult for me, given my intense fear of needles. So after overcoming my fear during my certification, I made it my mission to help those from whom I draw samples overcome their fears of medical professionals and medical procedures. During an appointment with an 18-year-old, her highly elevated blood pressure and pulse notified me that she was panicked. After some gentle questioning, I learned that she had never had a blood draw and was terrified. I acknowledged her fear, walked her through the process, and communicated with her throughout the draw, so that at the end of the appointment, she stated that she now had no fear of needles. Through this job, I also realized the need for bilingual medical providers in my community. I studied Spanish in my free time, until I was able to complete an appointment entirely in my patient’s own language. I continue to study Spanish to help any patient I work with understand that I want to provide them with the best care possible. Through this, I have demonstrated how determined I am to provide excellent patient care, while helping those I work with express their concerns as I complete medical service with empathy and professionalism.
Through my personal health and clinical experience, I have found that my skill set of attention to detail, quick learning, empathy, and a desire to help those in my community have access to the best medical care possible, make me an ideal fit to be a physician assistant. When I become a physician assistant, I will make a difference in my underserved community by creating patient/provider relationships where the patient feels comfortable and understood, so that they can receive quality care. I want to make a positive impact in my community as a physician assistant, because my heart is in direct patient care and creating connections that better the lives of those with whom I work.
Whitney Prosperi says
Lauren,
I am only able to provide feedback on this forum once. If you need further help, we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck!
Lacey says
Heading into the public health field I know I need to have multiple perspectives on all things patient care. So, you may ask how has my perspective been formulated, and what will I add to the world as a Physician Assistant?
One year ago, I found myself very unhappy with my strained relationship with my father. For as long as I could remember, my dad played a very insignificant role in my day to day life and essentially there was no relationship besides one of proximity. I would go to graduations, birthdays, and hangouts only to see “normal” father-daughter relationships that I envied. To provide some insight on who he was I will ask you to picture a middle aged white man who grew up and grew old in the same town, worked construction, and was trapped in the mindset that he would never amount to anything as great as those around him. His insecurities were deep rooted and led him to depend on alcohol and family money to keep himself sane. As one would expect, I struggled to accept this man as my father figure, at least until my senior year of college when I decided to do two things: enroll myself in a course all about understanding addiction and seek help in order to mend this kinship.
Hypnosis was the form of help that I found most beneficial. This style of therapy is similar to meditation in the sense that it is all about finding your true inner self. And don’t forget, I was in my senior year of college which naturally is a time where one is looking for an answer to who they are and who they should be. After several sessions of identity searching exercises I found one answer that I finally understood. Empathy became my savior. I am someone that feels so deeply what those around me are feeling, my love does not have boundaries, I want to help anything or anyone that is in pain, and for my whole life I did not have control over this. Having this realization was a turning point for my career goals and my life as a whole.
Before I forget, the course that I mentioned taking simultaneously to hypnosis that completely changed my definition of addiction was called Drugs and society. This class turned my perspective of the substance abusing population on its head. At the start, I quickly realized that much of my premed education, which had led me to believe that addiction was strictly a disease, has ignored important aspects of the illness. It became clear to me that there is a systemic problem with society’s approach to substance abusers and I started thinking about the medical care that my father had been receiving for his alcoholism, or lack thereof.
After finding my inner truth as an empath and learning that compassion is vital to an addicts healing process I became invested in my father’s treatment. I was now able to show him love, kindness, and unwavering support. Seeing the change in my father’s mental and physical health solidified the goal I have to work in healthcare as a PA. I found there are many things you just can’t learn in a textbook and my patient care experience has surely taught me a lot about challenging my opinions. I want to work cohesively with physicians that can offer me the challenge and guidance I am looking for in my career.
Here in the United States I am grateful for the resources and opportunities I have been given to learn what’s best about public health, but I also have witnessed the prevalent healthcare inequalities and cultural disparities directly as a medical assistant that highly motivate me to be in this field. I seek to understand all aspects of public health to see where I can make a difference and change things for the better. Healthcare is fundamental and the proper knowledge can benefit many aspects of one’s life. Sharing what I know could save lives and I am dedicated to making myself an equipped healthcare professional to make positive changes. Furthermore, I intend to emphasize compassion and to be personable in my treatment of patients as I’ve witnessed the lack of those qualities in my dad’s healthcare experience. If given this opportunity I hope to use empathy first. The applications of empathy are widespread, and are especially relevant in medicine, where the successful treatment of patients depends on effective patient-physician interactions.
Whitney Prosperi says
Lacey,
Your story reveals how you have fostered empathy and compassion that will help others as a provider one day.
I suggest condensing where you can so there is room to add more details that describe your journey toward becoming a physician assistant.
I would add more information about how you discovered the PA profession and what specifically draws you to it.
Also, add a paragraph that describes your shadowing experience. What about the interactions between PA/supervising physician or PA/patient confirmed your decision? If you have not shadowed PAs, what did you learn from working with them? How have these experiences strengthened your decision and given you a vision for what kind of provider you hope to become someday?
I would also elaborate on any relevant clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained. You want to show how your jobs and volunteer opportunities have prepared you for PA school.
Also, I would highlight your interest in caring for patients directly. Do you have a patient care story you could share that shows in action connecting on a personal level while offering care of some kind? You want to show what characteristics you possess that will make you an effective PA.
I’m not saying you need this, but we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
I wish you good luck, Lacey!
Emily says
I would really appreciate any advice!
As a result of being born nine weeks premature, I spent the first twenty eight days of my life in the NICU at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During my stay in NICU, I had many struggles including necrotizing enterocolitis, heart rate issues, and weight gain. My parents stayed at the Ronald McDonald House during that month. My family will never forget the life-saving care I received at Erlanger Hospital.
When I began elementary school, I started running. Each year, my school would take the top five fastest boys and girls in each grade to run in a cross country meet. The first year we competed I placed sixth, but the next year I placed first. After my dad saw how much I was running, he started running with me. We ran many miles and participated in lots of races. In middle school, I joined the school’s cross country team. As an eighth grader, I was able to run with the high school team. In my eighth grade year, my dad and I decided to run our first half marathon. We signed up for the race and trained for the 13.1 miles. We trained hard over the summer, and we both completed the 4 Bridges Half Marathon in Chattanooga in October of that year. After that distance, my dad and I checked into doing a full marathon, 26.2 miles. We found the perfect race: the inaugural Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon. The race benefited the hospital where I stayed for a month, and Chattanooga was where we ran our first half marathon. We signed up in April of 2015 for the race in March of 2016. We really started increasing our mileage in late December and January where we would go out in the dark on Sunday mornings to get in fifteen to twenty miles. By the time the race came around, we felt that we were ready. On March 6, 2016, my dad and I went to the start line to begin the marathon. The race started with us running through downtown Chattanooga with crowds all around and running under an American flag. I settled into my pace and felt very comfortable. I got with a pacer and his group of runners and stayed with them the entire distance. I finished the race in four hours and eleven minutes. When I crossed the finish line, I was so happy, and I waited for my dad to finish. I worked toward my goal of running a marathon, and I was able to accomplish something that not too many people can say they have done.
I continued running throughout high school, and was a varsity competitor for cross country and track in addition to swimming. I was fortunate enough to continue my running career at Berry College. I entered Berry as a Mathematics major, but after spending time in the training room due to occasional injuries, I changed my major to Exercise Science as I wanted to get into the healthcare profession to be able to help others. My advisor recommended I look into physical therapy or physician assistant. I completed an internship with a local PT clinic, but my experience was cut short due to COVID. I enjoyed and learned a lot during my time there, but still wanted to see how a physician assistant’s career compares. I was able to shadow a PA in the Spine and Pain Clinic through a local Hospital. I really enjoyed the patient interactions and being in a fast-paced setting like this large clinic.
While I was with the PA, I began to research more about the PA field and look into graduate school. I was very attracted to working under the supervision of a MD or DO, but also having some autonomy. I like that one can change specialties at any point in time without going back to school for an extended period of time. Another important positive is the work life balance as a PA. The shorter schooling time and being able to practice sooner, greater geographic mobility, and being able to practice in different settings like clinic, to hospital, to regular business hours all are characteristics that I am looking for in a career as I want family time to be a top priority in my life.
In conclusion, my life has been greatly impacted by healthcare professionals. When I was born early, doctors did not know if I would survive or have a disability. Being born nine weeks early caused a lot of concern both to my parents and to my doctors. Today, one would not be able to tell that I was born early. These physicians and nurses took great care of me to get me on the right track. As I grew up and played sports, trainers helped me stay healthy so I could continue what I love to do. I want to be able to have an impact in other people’s lives, and I believe that I can be most successful by becoming a physician assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Emily,
Your story of resilience is very inspiring!! I do think you will need to summarize some of the details in your opening story to allow room to describe more of your journey toward pursuing the PA path.
I would suggest elaborating more on your shadowing experience. What did you witness that confirmed your decision? Describe an interaction between PA and supervising physician or PA and patient.
Also, in describing why you are drawn to the PA profession I would focus more on what appeals to you and why you are well suited for it over quality of life reasons.
I would also include a patient care story from your work as a PT. You want to show what you have to offer as a future PA as you describe your connection with a special connection that revealed your desire to do more for patients.
I wish you good luck in the process, Emily!
Sarah says
Until the age of 21, I never understood the true meaning of what it meant to be responsible for someone else. Up to that point, I had only been responsible for myself or the occasional pet goldfish. That all changed when we received a call in July of 2019 from my Aunt Anna. She sounded frail, and her voice was shaking terribly. She told me that she was in the hospital as a result of her interstitial lung disease, and that she did not feel the prognosis was good. My family and I sprung into action. For the next 6 months I was personally involved in her health and made sure that her quality of care improved. Weeks of research led me to find facilities who would do a lung transplant for her, something that we were told was impossible because she was not a legal immigrant. We would have to front the cost for the procedure which would be around five hundred thousand dollars. I started a GoFungMe to raise money for her, and in one month we had over one hundred thousand dollars. This became my passion, I never wanted another person to be in such a situation where they felt they had no other choice. Sadly, my aunt’s disease progression was too far along, and she passed away. As upsetting as this part of my life was, it was the final moment that solidified why I wanted to become a PA. During this experience, I spent many hours communicating with the PA who was on my aunt’s team. I was able to express any and all concerns to them and it only solidified why I would choose this profession. As someone who had been involved in the medical field for a few years, I could tell many stories that broke my heart, or led to me pursuing medicine in the first place. This story though, was the first time everything came together. I had much exposure to the medical field as my whole family is new to the country. None of us really knew how the system worked as our parents we’re barely able to communicate with others well as parents immigrated from Poland shortly before I was born, as a result they did not speak much English and I learned to speak Polish before I could speak English. This resulted in many visits alongside my family members trying to not only understand what was going on during the visit but also translated back to them. I always knew I wanted to help others as a career, my aunt’s case was what ignited my true passion for medicine. From that point on I became focused on exposing myself to the medical field and trying to help patients in any way I could.
Once I began to work towards obtaining clinical hours as well as shadowing my decision to join the medical field was set. I knew I wanted to help, but was still unsure which career path within medicine was the best fit for me. That was until I began working for an orthopedic practice and had the opportunity to shadow a PA-C. She was very dedicated to her patients, and really went above and beyond for each one and I desired to be that passionate as well. I really admired the PA approach to patient care. They seemed to be more available, focused on their patient’s comfort and providing excellent care. Each appointment was just a little longer so that all the patients’ questions could be answered and they could leave with an understanding of what their situation was. I find this to be a more personalized approach to medicine. I had also observed on many occasions the collaborative nature of the PA-C and physician relationship which would lead to better problem solving and streamline the process for patients. I also appreciated the versatility of the position. Rather than having to train in one specialty, they were able to switch which would ultimately allow me to diversify my experience in the medical field.
This journey has not come without complications. My freshman year of college, I had little direction on what I wanted to do with my life and was as a result unmotivated, and my academic career suffered. I overcommitted myself, thinking that I had time to not only do my school work, but also work and volunteer. As a first generation college student, I had to navigate my way through school alone. Once I understood my career path I set out to prove that I did have what it took to improve academically. Over the next two years I would take the prerequisites for my PA application and finish with a 3.76 post baccalaureate GPA. This experience has taught me that I can come back from rock bottom, and I can be the best version of myself. I have learned to take responsibility for my actions, and have seen first hand how this can affect my future. In the end though, this helped me to become academically stronger than ever as I worked and went to school full time for the last two years and my GPA did not suffer.
Ultimately I know that becoming a PA is something that I want to achieve. This is something that I’ve worked hard for to correct my mistakes and something that I will continue to strive for. I know I am extremely motivated, as this has really become my one true passion, one that I will not abandon. As a PA I would continue to dedicate myself to my patients as I do now, and would go above and beyond for every single one and treat patients with the respect that they deserve.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about what happened with your Aunt Anna and trust her legacy will be the compassionate care you provide your own patients one day.
You do a good job of explaining why the profession appeals to you.
I would suggest spotlighting any clinical skills and medical experience you have gained. You may even want to tie them to a personal encounter that shows you in action helping a patient in need. (calming an anxious patient while providing some clinical care of some kind, for example)
In your conclusion, I would add a sentence or phrase that ties back to the story about your aunt.
Also, I saw a little typo when you referred to the GoFundMe account.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Good luck, Sarah!
Haley Hollander says
Here is my personal statement.. I have been refining this thing for nearly 2 years but I’m worried I’m missing the forest through the trees at this point. Please be brutally honest!
“I’m sorry, but your sister can’t meet you at the hospital.” The nurse’s words filled Nel with dread. She began frantically striking herself and everyone around her. My partner and I fought to keep the gurney stable as she dug her nails into our arms with vice-grip force. Her blows came down on her own throat as she tried to pull out her tracheotomy tube. We had no choice but to restrain her.
Nel needed a simple g-tube reinsertion. At 42 years old, Nel’s cerebral palsy left her bedbound and nonverbal – a capable mind in an incapacitated body without the means to effectively express herself; Nevertheless, it was clear that Nel was terrified of going to the hospital. Once Nel was restrained, my partner and I told her we understood why she was afraid; her sister’s absence made her feel she would have no voice and no control. We promised Nel that we would proceed at her pace, and that we would make sure she felt heard. Her guarded demeanor softened as she contemplated our words, and her frantic gaze gave way to an expression of trepidation. Nel gave us a nod, so we removed her restraints. I created an alphabet board on the back of an extended notes page with ‘yes’ and ‘no’ written at the bottom, and she used a pen to point at the letters. Within minutes she was able to express what she wanted from her treatment. We kept our promise to Nel, and while she still found the ordeal stressful, she received the care she needed. This woman, who had been so fearful of going to the hospital that she resorted to self-harm, went willingly with a crew of strangers who simply took their time to listen. Ultimately, Nel needed to feel understood and respected as much as she needed her g-tube.
Earning Nel’s trust was bittersweet. I knew I had helped her that day, but my role in her life ended when I brought her back to her nursing facility. I encountered many patients like Nel working as an EMT, but my time spent with each was brief and my impact limited by my scope of practice. I found the up-close patient interactions and ability to touch people’s lives incredibly rewarding, but I felt my role fell short of creating lasting change for my patients. This insight serves as confirmation that I am on the right track. I need to become a physician assistant.
“Why a PA? Why don’t you become a doctor?” I hear that a lot when sharing my career goals, so I am ready with my reasons. From the patient-centric focus of a PA’s day, the unique flexibility to work in any specialty, and the collaborative working relationship between PAs and their doctors, the PA profession encompasses everything I love about medicine. In my time spent shadowing medical personnel, volunteering at my local hospital, and evaluating patients in diverse medical settings, it became abundantly clear that doctors are spread thin. They are often so bogged down by their duties that they become delegators—spending much of their time on a phone or computer—at the expense of time spent with their patients. PAs are delegated the task of patient-centered care, and this focus is something I hope to use to create lasting change in the lives of my patients. While shadowing Luis Cadena, PA-C, I witnessed the benefits of this advantage in action. His routine consists almost exclusively of evaluation and treatment, allowing him time to form sincere relationships with his patients. I believe that connecting with patients is vital to effective healthcare, and PAs have time to foster those connections.
I look forward to empowering my patients. I felt what that was like one evening in my EMT training course. We had a substitute who instructed us to use the class period as a study hall. A few of my peers knew that I was a science tutor and asked if I could lead a review on diabetes. After finishing the impromptu workshop, I was surprised when the substitute pulled me aside to thank me. He admitted that he had diabetes for nearly 20 years, but he never truly understood his diagnosis until that evening. Smiling ear to ear, he expressed that for the first time he fully grasped why he took insulin and how his diet affected his symptoms. Little did he know that moment was incredibly rewarding for both of us. I had helped him gain a sense of control over his diabetes, and I know that as a PA I will have many experiences like this one. The knowledge that I will gain at your institution will enable me to empower people every day, and I can think of nothing more fulfilling than such a reality.
I know my calling. I want to form meaningful connections with my patients based on respect and understanding. I want the freedom to study and practice in any specialty, allowing me to leverage a broad range of training to better serve them. I want to learn every day and grow with the ever-evolving medical field. I want the ability to advocate for my patients in ways that I have not been able to in the past. With every fiber of my being, I want to be a physician assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Haley,
You are off to a good start. In your introduction, I think you do a good job of showing your compassion and ability to connect with patients. I suggest condensing some in this story so you have room to add some more detail about your path in healthcare.
I also suggest being very careful to not appear that you are criticizing MDs. I would soften your language about them not having enough time and instead focus on the specifics of why you want to become a PA. It is always best to stay positive in a personal statement.
You may also want to add a comment about your desire to collaborate with a supervising physician and healthcare team.
I think it would be nice to detail some of the clinical skills you have gained in your roles.
Also, you may want to add a bit more detail from your shadowing experience. What did you admire from the interactions between supervising physician and patient or supervising physician and PA?
For your conclusion, I would also directly tie back to your compelling introduction in some way.
I wish you good luck, Haley!
Cecelia Chapin says
Here is my draft. Thank you so much for any feedback that you can provide!
“There is a picture hung up in my father’s office, a dog-eared kodak displaying a smiling, older man holding my brother and me on his lap as toddlers. In the dim light of the photo, the viewer can see the man is missing the bottom portion of his leg, his plastic prosthetic tucked unassumingly against the armchair. This man was my Uncle Ricky, and he would die later that same year due to cardiovascular complications brought about by his type II diabetes and tobacco usage. This story is much too common in the reality of living in rural America. As the population ages, the market demand for medical services has outpaced the number of physicians who can supply care, especially in remote areas.
Over half of my family members are considered “rural Americans”, living in small towns of several thousand people. Many of these areas are medically underserved, with the closest medical professional being over half an hour away. Although the death of my Uncle Ricky was the first funeral that I hold in my memory, the prevalence of preventable disease and death has remained evident in many of the other relationships that I have had in my life. This experience was not limited to my family, but extended to the community around me; around half of the population of my school was on free or reduced lunch programs. Access to quality health insurance was a non-entity for many of the people that I grew up around. After all of these experiences, I knew that I would seek a profession that reflects the change I want to see in my community. I want to show others how a focus on health could be life-changing.
This education gap in the implementation of proper, personal healthcare has become even more apparent to me in my time as Emergency Medical Technician. Many of the patients that I take on interfacility transports are non-ambulatory due to preventable issues brought about by a misunderstanding of their underlying health conditions. One of the regular patients that I take to dialysis three times a week had a multitude of missing digits, open sores, and neuropathy due to his uncontrolled diabetes. As a man in his early 60s, I can’t help but wonder how much better his quality of life would be if he’d been equipped with knowledge on how to take better care of himself.
While I have found my time as an Emergency Medical Technician incredibly rewarding, it lacks the extent of patient interaction that I desire. Working closely with many health providers in my position, none have stood out to me like Ben, a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department of the town’s local hospital. In the time that I shadowed him, I was able to see how he took the time to carefully explain treatment options with each patient and ensure that they fully understood the medications they were going to be on. Patients under his care were educated on not only their immediate problem, but also on how to take better care of themselves in the future. Taking the time to ensure patients fully understand their problems through education and support is essential in increasing the quality of life in our patients and communities.
In addressing issues of patient care, I’ve always had my sights on the bigger picture. Experiences in my Master’s of Public Health taught me how to design and implement community interventions through gathering data and providing education. However; while I had initially been planning to move my career into health in a community-programs direction, I realized that I missed one-on-one patient interaction. Communication is one of my strongest skills, and I believe that the core of improving broader community health is through singular interactions with a trusted health provider to educate and change perceptions. These values are championed in the role of a Physician Assistant, a position that was created to facilitate a greater team-oriented approach to medicine. I look to enter this profession to offer much-needed relief to the physician shortage and support under-represented populations with quality, accessible care.
The education I have received in public health with my professional experience in the medical field allows me a unique perspective as a Physician Assistant candidate. Both my personal and professional background have allowed me to understand the importance of collaborative healthcare and its potential to reach underserved populations. I am confident in my ability to translate my skills into my classwork and excel within my program to become a successful Physician Assistant. I can offer my passion for the Physician Assistant profession, my current skills and knowledge, and my commitment to quality patient care and continuous education.”
Whitney Prosperi says
Cecelia,
Your opening is effective, showing how your passion for patient education and treatment was birthed.
I also like your emphasis on collaboration, since this is such an integral part of a PA’s role.
I would also condense where you can so have room to add a patient care story – maybe from your EMT work. You want to show yourself caring for a patient while also connecting on a personal level. You want to reveal some of the traits you possess in action that will make you a strong PA.
I would also spotlight some of the clinical skills you have gained that will prepare you for PA school.
Lastly, you may want to add a sentence or phrase in your conclusion that ties back to your introduction.
Just so you know, physician assistant is lower-cased and PA is upper. 🙂
I wish you good luck, Cecelia!
Ash says
It’s my first time writing an essay for a masters program and I would appreciate any feedback.
I have always viewed the healthcare profession as a respectful career path, full of hard-working, responsible, and caring individuals. As I grew, I gained experience that shaped my childhood assessment of medical personnel into a more realistic perspective. The more I learned about the health science field and the research and clinical work it entailed, the more confident I became that I wanted to pursue a career in health care. Volunteering and working in healthcare has been a constant part of my life. These opportunities have allowed me to adapt and work closely with patients and community members in various clinical and healthcare environments.
During the summer of grade 10, I began volunteering at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, in Ottawa, ON, as a “Patient Care, Inpatient Unit” volunteer as well as began working as a part-time Pharmacy Assistant at a community pharmacy, Rexall. In 2020, the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic after completing my Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences and Minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, I began working full-time as a Medical Assistant at the Appletree Medical Group. The more I learned about diverse needs of patients, healthcare and the clinical work it entailed the more motivated I became to help the community by pursuing a career within the healthcare profession by becoming a qualified physician assistant (PA).
When I was in grade seven, I came home from school to find my mom resting in bed. She explained how the doctor did not catch her infection in time and that she was on antibiotics. For the next couple of years, I watched my mom suffer from recurring infections and go through one treatment after another. Nothing helped to improve her condition and relieve her pain. Growing frustrated with the lack of information, I went to one of my mom’s appointments with her and impulsively asked the doctor to refer her to a specialist and order a multitude of tests to find the cause of my mom’s illness. Finally, after an MRI, ultrasound, and sonography, my mom visited a specialist who told her that she needed a hysterectomy, due to her original misdiagnosis. I was furious when I heard that this could have been avoided if she received proper care on time. A few months later, my mom underwent surgery under the watchful eye of her new specialist. When she came home, she told us how well informed, kind, caring, and professional, the hospital staff was. After years of meeting different doctors, my mom finally received the treatment she needed.
As a medical assistant at the Appletree Medical Group, I have developed a meaningful understanding of working alongside a team of different physicians and specialists in a clinical setting. This position has allowed me to gain experience in different medical specialities, enabling me to gain hands-on experience while working with family physicians, urgent care physicians, gynecologists/obstetricians, and general surgeons. As a medical assistant, I am responsible for verbally screening patients for COVID-19, reviewing and updating patient medical histories and conducting initial assessments. Under the supervision of the physician, I administer injections, perform dipstick urinalysis, audiometry tests, and visual acuity tests.
Recently, a 38-week pregnant patient on whom I had conducted the initial triage months ago and had seen her throughout her pregnancy during her regular visits, told me that she was very thankful because, after having two miscarriages, she finally felt like she was getting the proper care she needed. She told me that despite being very anxious before every visit, she always left calm and happy because all her concerns were heard, noted, and addressed by me and the doctor. This incident emphasized to me how important having a keen eye, listening ear, and focus on patient care is in a clinical setting. This has further inspired me to qualify as a PA and deliver patient-centered care alongside physicians.
As a pharmacy assistant I process, fill, maintain consistent inventory of medications, and compound mixtures for patients. While working under the supervision of the Pharmacist, I communicate with physicians and nurses regarding prescription clarification and renewal, and I refer questions to the pharmacist accordingly. This role has taught me the importance of multitasking, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration within a clinical setting, which ensures that the patient receives proper treatment, resolves any discrepancies, and minimizes error. In addition, the vitality of attention to detail that the fast-paced environment demands further motivates me to pursue a career as a PA.
As a “Patient Care, Inpatient Unit” volunteer at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, my responsibilities include reading and interpreting patient diet sheets, infection control precaution signs, and using positive patient identification methods such as wristband indicators of fall or elopement risks. I have also had the unique opportunity to volunteer in India and assist a doctor at a non-profit orphanage, wherein, I was given the opportunity to assist a physician in a variety of clinical encounters with patients from different demographics.
My community volunteering and working experiences in diverse clinical environments have prepared me for the demanding nature of the PA profession. Having these opportunities to work directly in various healthcare settings has instilled in me the importance of compassion, empathy, and adaptability that comes with the job of being an advocate for vulnerable patients. My education and experiences have made me strive to pursue a career as a PA and take every opportunity that I could to help people who are suffering from health problems. I want to promote the positive mental and physical wellness of patients and communities by using a patient-centered approach.
Over these years, I have learned the virtue of integrity and honesty towards patients and healthcare professionals I work with. This is why I firmly believe that my knowledge, experience, and motivation make me an excellent candidate and looking forward to joining the Master of Physician Assistant program.
Whitney Prosperi says
Ash,
You do a good job of describing your work and some of your traits that will make you a good PA.
You may need to condense in some parts of your essay so you can add more information about your healthcare journey.
I would also suggest a paragraph that describes how you initially were drawn to the profession. What specifically appeals to you about becoming a PA?
Also, if you have any shadowing experience, I would describe that. If you do not, explain what you have admired about the PAs you have worked with? Describe any interactions, with patients or supervising physician, that have confirmed your decision.
I would also be careful to not sound critical of a provider since it is best to stay positive in a personal statement.
I wish you good luck in the process.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Jenny Shah says
Here is my draft. Any feedback to help me would be greatly appreciated.
“He’s vomiting up blood,” a young woman called. The doctor rushed out of the room to attend to his next patient, but I couldn’t bear to leave. Before me was an elderly man. His hands trembling, face red, I could perceive the anxiety and fear running through his veins. In a couple of weeks, he would be undergoing a colectomy to treat his cancer. I peered into his eyes and noticed his yearning for support, recognizing it was no different than what I had craved for.
Suddenly, I was an eight-year-old girl at my grandfather’s bedside after he had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and awoken from a coma. Seeing my grandfather wake up and become a person that could no longer walk or speak, I was terrified and confused. It wasn’t until a lady in blue scrubs held my hand, sat me down, explained what had happened, and reassured me that I felt myself ease up.
“I know you are worried, but you will be in good hands. I’m here to listen to your concerns,” I responded, echoing the same words, nine years later, today to the patient in front of me. More than any scientific explanation, emotional support and reassurance was the answer to his agony of uncertainty. I sat beside the patient, learned more about him, and provided him with simple explanations of the procedure avoiding medical jargon. In that moment, I felt contentment as I could see a slight sense of relief calm his body.
From a child struggling to navigate uncertainty, I quickly learned the importance of compassion and support. I knew I wanted to become a medical professional that could not only treat patients but provide them with support and spend time communicating with them. Noticing my passion in medicine and natural inclination to create connections with patients, the doctor introduced me to the physician assistant profession.
Shadowing Ms. Shah, a gastroenterology PA, I was fascinated by her devotion to each patient, educating them about their health conditions and ensuring that each of their symptoms was addressed. She took the extra step to review procedure reports with me before each telehealth call and allowed me to use my previous knowledge as a gastroenterologist medical assistant to propose treatment plans.
In fact, my interest for the profession only heightened as I saw the same empathy and patient centered care shadowing four general surgical PAs. I accompanied the PAs as they explained the surgical procedures to the patients, and I loved how they carried blank pieces of paper in their white coats to be able to illustrate their explanations. One PA effortlessly drew two connecting water pipes each time she demonstrated an arteriovenous (AV) fistula surgery. During the surgery, the PAs worked in tandem with the surgeon and autonomously performed sutures. Above all, I was in awe as I watched the PAs support patients even after the surgery was successfully completed.
Empathy and compassion are what I saw in each of the PAs along with their abilities to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team to provide the best possible patient care. Thinking back to my grandfather’s recovery, it was the collaboration of the healthcare professionals that resulted in his ability to regain his speech and mobility.
As a patient care technician at Saint Peter’s University hospital, I worked in harmony with the RNs, physicians, and PAs. “Code Stroke. B7,” the overhead speaker announced. Before I could refresh my computer screen, the patient was already being brought into the room by EMS. I quickly rushed into the room. Two nurses were beside him attempting to insert an IV. Meanwhile, the PA attempted to receive medical information from the patient. I felt a rush of adrenaline. Remaining calm, I swiftly hooked the patient up to the pulse oximeter and placed the ECG electrodes on his body. Within two minutes, I showed the PA the normal reading and proceeded to take his temperature. With a loud and clear voice, I stated, “Fever. 101.3,” and alerted the healthcare team. With every second counting, I aided the nurses in performing a venipuncture to collect blood samples and cultures. It was during such a crisis, that I recognized the key to the patient’s fate was teamwork and I hope to play a bigger role as I continue to grow as an aspiring PA.
Through my personal experiences and professional involvement as a medical assistant, shadowing PAs, and a patient care technician, I have uncovered some of the qualities that made my grandfather’s medical team so powerful: compassion and collaboration. I strive to become the lady in the blue scrubs that not only provided my family and I with the emotional support we needed, but also was capable of rhythmically working with the medical team to perform technical skills that were necessary to bring my grandfather back the to the individual that I recognized. Out of all of my experiences exploring the roles and duties of different health care professionals, it dawned clearer to me that as a future PA I would be able to provide the same compassion and collaboration to my patients, making them feel educated and supported.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jenny,
You do a good job of showing your personal motivation for becoming a PA. I also think your descriptions of what you witnessed in shadowing are effective.
Your story about intervening to calm and comfort the patient was also strong.
I would suggest adding some more detail about your work experience and any clinical skills you have gained that will prepare you for PA school.
You are off to a good start here and I wish you good luck!
Kensi Almeida says
I know it needs to be cut down but here is my draft:
Ever since I was a child, I have loved making conversations with strangers. While other children were curious about how planes worked or why the sky is blue, I was intrigued by people’s stories and how they got to where they are. This quality has persisted into helping me understand people to a deeper level in my personal and professional life. I recognized this characteristic in a Dermatology PA when I was 12 years old with a fever and a persisting rash. Instead of dismissing it as just an allergic reaction, as other providers did, she took the time to understand my story including my history with a weak immune system. I was diagnosed with shingles, which was previously ruled out by other doctors because of my age, and with the PA’s prescription I improved in a week. I am grateful for this experience because it cultivated my interest in medicine and introduced me to a PA that demonstrates the kind of compassionate and holistic care that I want to provide for my patients.
My decision to pursue a career in the medical field stems from my passions for science and public health. My major, Biology, Health and Society, gave me the opportunity to study a diverse curriculum, such as Medical Anthropology and Women’s Health. These courses allowed me to explore the interaction between science and society and how it influences the experience and distribution of illness to different groups of people. I continuously saw a trend in social, physical, environmental, and economic inequalities that directly impacted people’s access to healthcare. These disparities are what motivate me to be a PA. I want to advocate for my patients and practice a model of tolerance, respect, and open-mindedness to my patients. And while continuing to educate myself on these themes, I want to integrate them into other student’s medical education and institutional policies.
Working as a Medical Assistant at the Dermatology Institute of Chicago, I have learned how crucial teamwork, communication and compassion for patients are for effective patient care. Most often, we have patients come into our office feeling vulnerable and insecure about the way they feel in their own skin. A huge part of my job is to be that initial face of hope by listening attentively to their story, fears, and goals. I had a 55-year-old woman who came in with severe atopic dermatitis, looking and feeling incredibly insecure and uncomfortable in her own skin. She told me that the last doctor she saw said her skin was reacting this way because “black women have angry skin.” This was heartbreaking to hear and left me speechless. Similar anecdotes I once read in articles in school, I was now seeing in reality. This experience opened my eyes to the sometimes not so bright side of healthcare and in general, the racism and discriminations that people face every day. As healthcare workers, it is our duty to advocate for our patients physical and mental wellbeing. Every patient deserves to be treated with the same level of respect while listening to each of their differences. In my future career as a PA, I will not ignore these social determinants of health but rather address them head on and work with patients to provide a unique and personalized treatment plan.
My time as a Personal Aide provided me with valuable experiences in patient interaction and connection. Ashley is a 29-year-old woman with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disease that leads to the progressive deterioration of the muscle fibers. After building a relationship for two years, Ashley gained more trust for me and was able to rely on me physically and emotionally. Similarly, Ashley challenged me to have conversations about ableism and other disability discriminations; concepts that I never encountered before. I soon recognized that Ashley, among so many others, face this prejudiced behavior every day, even in healthcare. Taking the time to understand Ashley’s identity, fears and experiences were crucial to form a deeper connection with her and ultimately allowed me to tailor her care to her priorities and goals.
I believe that Physician Assistants take all of their opportunities to contribute to healthcare reform through clinical work, biotechnology, academia, etc. PAs are motivated to educate themselves on the challenges that patients face medically and socially. They use this integrative mindsight to effectively treat their patients, enlighten their peers and remodel policies. My inherent curiosity for medicine, compassion for patients, and adaptability to overcome challenges will make me an excellent candidate for the PA profession. I am eager to join a community of likeminded people and contribute towards creating an environment that provides reassurance, trust, and holistic and individualized care for their patients. I feel that my intimate experiences with patients and diverse skills have shaped me into becoming a valuable healthcare provider. One that will listen, support, and advocate for the wellbeing of their patients emotional and physical health.
Whitney Prosperi says
Kensi,
I can sense your desire to help patients throughout your essay.
Like you said, you will need to condense where you can so you can expand a bit more on your clinical skills and work experience.
Your introduction does a great job of showing how your interest in medicine was sparked and how you discovered the PA profession.
I suggest including a paragraph that discusses your shadowing experiences. If you don’t have any shadowing, then describe what you have admired in working with PAs. Describe an interaction, either with a supervising physician or patient, that has confirmed your decision.
I’m not saying you need this, but if you would like more help remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
I wish you good luck in the process.
Kayla says
This is my rough draft on my first application cycle. Any edits/recommendations will be greatly appreciated!
As a teen, I fractured my spine in 2 places. I spent years in constant, debilitating pain that made even the most simple of tasks nearly impossible. The day after I graduated from high school, I had surgery to fix my spine. At my follow-up visit, my surgeon showed me the X-rays. Looking at the plates and screws holding my spine together put me in a state of awe. Thanks to the work of my surgeon and those few pieces of titanium, I can get out of bed each morning without pain. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to have that sort of impact on the lives of others.
While I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in health care, I had no idea which avenue was right for me. In order to gain more experience and insight, I began working as a medical scribe in an ER. I worked directly with physicians, PAs, and nurse practitioners. The ER allowed me to gain invaluable experience, seeing orthopedic reductions, strokes, heart attacks, and many other conditions. The wide variety showed me that I truly enjoyed being a small part of a patient’s journey within each of these various specialties. I knew that if I pursued a career as a physician, I would have to pick 1 single specialty. The idea of not being able to help outside of my specialty lead me to the realization that I wanted the opportunity to help patients within any specialty. It did not take long before I decided that a career as a PA was the future I wanted for myself. PAs get to spend more time with their patients, they are called on by physicians to perform procedures such as laceration repairs, and they have the ability to work in any specialty they desire.
After doing research, I found that many small towns can not afford to employ physicians in their ERs and/or clinics, but they can afford employing PAs. As a first generation college student, I understand fully what it is like to have difficulty affording the necessities in life. There were several times throughout my childhood where we could not even afford electricity, let alone expensive medical bills. As a PA, I know that I will be uniquely situated to help close that gap between financially disadvantaged people and quality medical care. I talked to several of the providers I work with currently, and of all the providers I spoke to about working in rural or underserved areas, the PAs seemed to be the ones going above and beyond with regards to this portion of medical care. Joining that powerhouse team is something that truly excites me.
Being a scribe for the past 7 years has given me great insight into patient-provider interactions, but it has also taught me invaluable skills that will benefit me as a PA. I have learned how to interact with the strong personalities of physicians, facilitate communication between providers and nursing staff, and even how to assist with the re-examination of patients. I have been able to get firsthand knowledge of how important teamwork is within a medical care team, and quality communication is a core foundation of that team. As a new scribe, I worked with a physician who told me to document a normal exam for a patient I knew the patient had sustained a laceration, but rather than question the physician, I did as I was told. When that physician reviewed the chart, he was upset that I did not document the laceration. We had an open discussion regarding the incident, and from that moment on, we began working so well together that we became the model for the ideal scribe-provider relationship.
To further improve my skills, I took on the role of lead scribe. Over the past 2 ½ years in this position, I have worked to improve the scribe program by standardizing the training/evaluation processes and implementing a performance-based raise system. As a lead scribe, I have learned how to provide constructive criticism not only to the scribes, but also to the physicians, PAs, and nurse practitioners that we work with. Having this skill set well-developed and within my toolbox will serve me well as I move into a provider role.
After my sophomore year of college, my world fell into chaos: I had to take on the primary caregiver role for my then 8-year-old brother and begin working full time to help out financially. Unfortunately, this is when I developed anxiety and panic attacks. I was too proud to admit that I needed help, and my grades suffered. I began seeing a counselor and took a break from school. When I returned in the fall of 2020, I saw an increase in my anxiety, and rather than let my grades suffer, I saw my doctor and asked for help. What started as an insurmountable obstacle became the most important lesson of my adult life: it is okay to ask for help.
My non-traditional journey has uniquely prepared me to be a PA. I am excited to work with medically underserved populations. My past experiences have taught me the importance of quality communication, teamwork, identifying my own limitations, and asking for help. I am confident that I will implement these skills as a PA.
Isabel says
I took a deep breath as I entered the room. Expecting chaos, I was surprised to find the room filled with a child’s laughter. Annalise, a five-year-old with a history of needle phobia sat on the stretcher in front of me. My team was tasked with placing an IV in Annalise’s arm; we had been forewarned of a history of violent outbursts during past IV placements. But there sat Annalise, looking up at Hannah, a physician assistant, with a smile on her face. Hannah was explaining the steps of IV placement using drawings. As they drew step five, the numbing step, Annalise looked up at me and asked for clarification. As she spoke, fear began to appear on her face. I pointed to the drawing and explained that the step was painless, but that she would hear a loud sound. “What does it sound like?” She asked. “It sounds similar to the opening of a soda pop can” I said “Do you have a favorite type of soda?” I asked. The fear faded from her face as we began the classic coke or pepsi debate.
Ten minutes later, the IV was placed and only a single tear was dropped, from Annalise’s mom. She explained in misbelief how easy this process was compared to past IV placements. I had always excelled in the technical aspects of patient care, but this experience highlighted the importance of utilizing age appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes. After this experience, I was certain I wanted a career with a focus on quality patient-care.
My path to becoming a PA has been a gradual, multi-year process. While in high school, I was given the opportunity to work as a practice assistant at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. The practice consisted of a wide array of medical professionals including: doctors, physician assistants, medical assistants and nurses. Through this exposure, I was able to develop an in-depth understanding of the various roles in the healthcare team. After carefully observing the complex system in place, I noted several key differences between the various roles. To start off, Garett (PA), was allotted more time with each individual patient. With this additional time, Garett was able to form a relationship with each patient while also having time to emphasize patient education. Although, all roles are very important in the functioning of a practice. I have always strived to be in a role that is enabled to spend extra time with each patient, therefore increasing the focus on both patient trust and education.
Another differentiating aspect that I noted while comparing the two professions is the degree of collaboration in both roles. Although both roles have a great amount of self-autonomy, PAs are overseen by a physician and therefore fill a more collaborative role. Garett was able to and often did collaborate with everyone in the office. Growing up, I have always enjoyed working as a team and collaborating with others and therefore seek a career with a high degree of collaboration and teamwork. With these key differences in mind, it is clear that my future role in the healthcare team is as a PA.
In the years since high school, I have gained the experiences and tools needed to adequately prepare myself to enter PA school. As a Clinical Assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital, I was able to master the basic clinical skills through pure repetition. However, more importantly I significantly improved my communication skills with patients of all ages and demographics. Abdalla was a 4 year old toddler who was put under general anesthesia during a CT scan during the last month of my employment. When he awoke in the PACU, he was surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a language that was foreign to him. He immediately began crying and thrashing his body uncontrollably. As I was racking my brain for a way to communicate with the child, I began to visualize the interaction between Abdalla and his mom earlier that day. I picked up Abdalla and mimicked the way I had seen her hold him. Within an instant he began to calm down. While reflecting on my experience with Abdalla, I noted how far my communication skills had improved since becoming a clinical assistant. I was able to problem solve when verbal communication was inadequate and utilize non-verbal communication to console Abdalla. My communication skills will prove to be a great asset as a PA.
Working as a medical assistant at the Allergy and Asthma Center of Boston has provided me with additional experiences and tools that are going to be vital as a PA. Most significantly, my employment as a Medical Assistant has greatly improved my patient education skills. When Jamie, an 8 year old came into our office for his first oral immunotherapy dose, he was very scared and timid. However, after carefully explaining the oral immunotherapy process he began to relax and was soon ready for his first dose. Thanks to my interaction with Jamie and many other oral immunotherapy patients, I have been able to both practice and strengthen my patient education skills. Additionally, as a scribe I am again able to utilize my patient education skills at the end of each visit when I explain the customized treatment plan to each patient.
Whitney Prosperi says
Isabel,
I really liked your introduction that shows a PA in action.
Also, you do a good job of explaining your reasoning for wanting to become a PA.
I would suggest including a paragraph that describes your shadowing experience. If you do not have shadowing, describe what you have witnessed through working with PAs. What about these interactions have confirmed your decision?
For your conclusion, I would add one line that ties back to your introduction.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you need further help remember that we are taking essay submissions for our revision service.
Good luck to you.
Linda Ayawvi says
I am currently reapplying and I am a bit stuck on how to retweak my old personal statement so any feedback will be really appreciated.
Moving from a desire to be a lawyer to pursuing business, I never thought healthcare would be the grounds for me, but a seed for that aspiration was sown in me at a young age. Growing up in Ghana, I had an ill mother who was unable to care for herself. I remember having to bathe and dress her in the mornings before school and enduring punishments for being late, but these experiences made me who I am today and ultimately formed my desire to become a physician assistant.
Coming to America after caring for my mother during her terminal illness changed the trajectory of my life. I started college as a chemistry major and fell in love with science. My interest in science and health prompted me to sign up as a volunteer at the Grady Memorial Hospital. I moved from working in the NICU to serving as a transporter. During my time at the NICU, I had the opportunity to take vital signs and change and feed many babies. I hold dear the privilege I had to be there for these babies in the hospital while their parents were away. Volunteering as a transporter allowed me to interact with different patients and recognize their uniqueness as I got them to their various hospital destinations. For instance, I was called to transport a patient, Mr. James, from his room to get a scan. On our way, I noticed that he was afraid. He expressed his anxiety about being in the hospital and his fear about the scan. To ease his nerves, I asked him about the things he liked to do for fun, and he began to tell me about his life and how much he loved to travel. I encouraged him to keep his focus on the things that brought him strength during this difficult time. This encounter helped me realize that every small moment spent with a patient is a chance to brighten their day.
I joined Jumpstart Corps and volunteered teaching English to underserved children in the community, helping to improve their reading and writing skills. The Jumpstart program helped me cultivate patience and effectiveness in teaching individuals in a way they can understand. I believe the ability to teach is an important skill every healthcare professional should possess to inform and aid patients in making wise decisions about their health.
Later, I decided to get licensed as a certified nursing assistant. I have been working as a CNA in home health for the past four years, and it has been very rewarding. Assisting the same patient for four years has opened my eyes to the unique relationship that is built with time and dedication. I work with Mr. Brown, who is paralyzed from the chest down and experiences muscle spasms. Because I have worked with him for so long, I can tell when he is not himself. One morning, I came in and realized his confusion, fatigue, and an unusual episode of spasms. The first thing I did was check his vital signs, and I discovered that they were abnormal. After alerting his wife, we decided to take him to the ER, and it was concluded that his sodium level was critically low. I was glad that I noticed these changes and took the right actions. A physician assistant later came for a home check-up after Mr. Brown’s hospitalization. She drew blood for testing and explained to Mr. Brown and his wife his current medical conditions and how we would move forward.
I have seen the PA on my healthcare team cultivate a strong relationship with the patients, and I know that their expertise runs deep, helping to improve the health goals of the patient. Becoming a PA will equip me with the tools and knowledge I need to have a greater impact in the field of healthcare. The opportunity to serve in different specialties is also a factor that drew me to this path. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the advantages of being able to navigate changing times, as healthcare workers are needed to serve in different capacities. I aspire to do the same with the volunteering, teaching, and working experiences I have acquired over the years. As a PA, I will have the opportunity to work in a team where I can collaborate with physicians and nurses to provide the best patient care. Building strong interpersonal relationships and connections like my relationship with MR. Brown is something I aspire to have in my career and being a PA will enable me to have that. Helping and serving the underprivileged has been one of the things that I have enjoyed doing and a career path as a PA will give me the ability to expand access to care to underprivileged communities.
What began as a seed of interest in healthcare sown during my childhood in Ghana sprouted and blossomed into a passion for helping others in the highest possible capacity. As a PA, I will be committed to nurturing my interests and use my strengths, knowledge, and experience to help others.
Whitney Prosperi says
Linda,
You do a good job of showing how your interest in medicine developed. Also, I can sense your desire to care for patients with expertise and a personal touch.
I would elaborate on any clinical skills you have developed in your current or past roles.
Also, if you have any shadowing experience, include that. If you have not had the opportunity to shadow then describe what you have witnessed in working with PAs. What about their interactions or treatments of patients have confirmed your decision to pursue the PA path?
I wish you good luck in the process, Linda!