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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 (7th 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
Gregory Zukauskas says
“Heal with steel,” my dad would proclaim as my sister and I pondered our future; his mantra referred to a surgical scalpel. It was an everlasting experience that influenced my resolve in pursuing a most coveted goal; a healthcare career. During the end of my senior year of high school when I was fortunate enough to be invited to observe a cardiac surgery case (coronary artery bypass graft) in the hospital my dad was working. Although my dad shared many detailed surgical stories with me, I still endured a healthy dose of apprehension about how I might react to such intense surgery. With my dad’s hand firmly clutching my shoulder to keep me in a safe zone; my eyes scanned the operating room as I observed the team involved in the surgery. Sensing such a high level of camaraderie by all those involved, I was relieved to witness the ease in which everyone accepted my presence and engaged in conversation with me. My dad was a perfusionist (one who operates the heart-lung machine) and he was hoping to sway my interest in his chosen profession. I zeroed in on an individual who was harvesting a leg vein through what appeared to be a long metal telescopic instrument that displayed their every maneuver on several screens. The hand-eye coordination required to retrieve the saphenous vein captivated my attention. After retrieving and preparing the vein the individual moved up to the chest to assist the surgeon during the procedure. My dad noticed how mesmerized I was in this role and revealed to me that this person was a “physician assistant (PA)”; how inspired and drawn I was to this role.
Being raised by parents whose entire careers were in health care and whose discussions regarding healthcare professions were ever-present; it is no accident that I am pursuing a PA career. Some time after my undergraduate degree a driven and focused adult emerged and the unrelenting memory of my operating room experience cemented my decision to move ahead to attain a career as a PA. I focused on expanding my healthcare knowledge and experience by positioning myself at a major Boston teaching hospital. I’ve been employed by Tufts Medical Center initially as a unit coordinator in the ICU. My responsibilities immersed me in the daily activities of all levels of the healthcare team. Although not considered within my role, I still strived to make sure to assist with any care tasks overlooked; from assisting a patient to a commode, offering an extra blanket, and just listening was so comforting to the patients.
However, I craved more accountability and involvement in caring for patients. To expand my role with patients and the medical team I became an ER technician. Inherent in this role I engaged in a much deeper work experience. I practiced many clinical skills such as phlebotomy, maintaining IVs, taking vitals, implementing effective communication, and collaborating with the healthcare team acknowledging how vital the PA MD relationship is. With every interaction with patients and the medical team, I bolstered my desire to not only be a thorough clinician and a compassionate caretaker but also a member of such dedicated individuals. After lengthy discussions, hands-on experience, and shadowing of RNs, PAs, NPs, residents, and MDs, my goal persisted; of all these professions a PA position remains my number one passion. I actively sought out opportunities to learn, assist, and observe any procedure allowed. Once again; I visited the OR several times to observe a right total knee replacement and a robotic prostatectomy. How impressed I was with the comfort in which the surgical PA assisted the surgeon and the mastery exhibited with their wound closure.
My most recent per diem position at the Boston Homeless Health Center accentuated the need to practice the greatest compassion and acceptance to all those less fortunate. Coming from the bright and well equipped ER bays to the dull in desperate need of updating exam rooms of the health center nourished my commitment to the advocation of accessible healthcare. Caring for the poor, homeless, and psychiatric patients strengthened my resolve for not only their care but also their acceptance and dignity. I cherished this experience recognizing that I can play a part in something bigger than myself.
In summary, here I am in full fervor pursuing a career as a PA during these unpredictable times; when healthcare capacity is overextended on every level, I embrace the opportunity to join these heroes in relentlessly fighting against the covid pandemic and advocating for accessible healthcare for all.
Thank You so much for your time!! Greg
Whitney Prosperi says
Gregory,
You do a good job of revealing your first introduction to the PA profession.
I think it would be helpful to include more detail in the body of your essay about what specifically draws you to the profession. Is it more time/personal contact with patients? The ability to switch specialties? Collaborating with a healthcare team?
I would also include details from when you shadowed a PA. Was there an interaction between patient/PA or supervising physician/PA that confirmed your decision?
Lastly, it would be great to read a patient care story that shows you in action performing medical care of some kind while connecting on a human level. (for example, calming an anxious patient while you draw blood) You want to spotlight some of the traits that will make you an effective PA.
I wish you good luck in the process, Gregory.
Gregory Zukauskas says
Many thanks for your remarks, I will focus more on personal/patient experience. I will follow your advice, so so appreciative of your time. Thank You Again, Greg
Gregory Zukauskas says
“Heal with steel,” my dad would proclaim as my sister and I pondered our future; his mantra referred to a surgical scalpel. It was an everlasting experience that influenced my resolve in pursuing a most coveted goal; a healthcare career. During the end of my senior year of high school when I was fortunate enough to be invited to observe a cardiac surgery case (coronary artery bypass graft) in the hospital my dad was working. Although my dad shared many detailed surgical stories with me, I still endured a healthy dose of apprehension about how I might react to such intense surgery. With my dad’s hand firmly clutching my shoulder to keep me in a safe zone; my eyes scanned the operating room as I observed the team involved in the surgery. Sensing such a high level of camaraderie by all those involved, I was relieved to witness the ease in which everyone accepted my presence and engaged in conversation with me. My dad was a perfusionist (one who operates the heart-lung machine) and he was hoping to sway my interest in his chosen profession. I zeroed in on an individual who was harvesting a leg vein through what appeared to be a long metal telescopic instrument that displayed their every maneuver on several screens. The hand-eye coordination required to retrieve the saphenous vein captivated my attention. After retrieving and preparing the vein the individual moved up to the chest to assist the surgeon during the procedure. My dad noticed how mesmerized I was in this role and revealed to me that this person was a “physician assistant (PA)”; how inspired and drawn I was to this role.
Being raised by parents whose entire careers were in health care and whose discussions regarding healthcare professions were ever-present; it is no accident that I am pursuing a PA career. Some time after my undergraduate degree a driven and focused adult emerged and the unrelenting memory of my operating room experience cemented my decision to move ahead to attain a career as a PA. I focused on expanding my healthcare knowledge and experience by positioning myself at a major Boston teaching hospital. I’ve been employed by Tufts Medical Center initially as a unit coordinator in the ICU. My responsibilities immersed me in the daily activities of all levels of the healthcare team. Although not considered within my role, I still strived to make sure to assist with any care tasks overlooked; from assisting a patient to a commode, offering an extra blanket, and just listening was so comforting to the patients.
However, I craved more accountability and involvement in caring for patients. To expand my role with patients and the medical team I became an ER technician. Inherent in this role I engaged in a much deeper work experience. I practiced many clinical skills such as phlebotomy, maintaining IVs, taking vitals, implementing effective communication, and collaborating with the healthcare team acknowledging how vital the PA MD relationship is. With every interaction with patients and the medical team, I bolstered my desire to not only be a thorough clinician and a compassionate caretaker but also a member of such dedicated individuals. After lengthy discussions, hands-on experience, and shadowing of RNs, PAs, NPs, residents, and MDs, my goal persisted; of all these professions a PA position remains my number one passion. I actively sought out opportunities to learn, assist, and observe any procedure allowed. Once again; I visited the OR several times to observe a right total knee replacement and a robotic prostatectomy. How impressed I was with the comfort in which the surgical PA assisted the surgeon and the mastery exhibited with their wound closure.
My most recent per diem position at the Boston Homeless Health Center accentuated the need to practice the greatest compassion and acceptance to all those less fortunate. Coming from the bright and well equipped ER bays to the dull in desperate need of updating exam rooms of the health center nourished my commitment to the advocation of accessible healthcare. Caring for the poor, homeless, and psychiatric patients strengthened my resolve for not only their care but also their acceptance and dignity. I cherished this experience recognizing that I can play a part in something bigger than myself.
In summary, here I am in full fervor pursuing a career as a PA during these unpredictable times; when healthcare capacity is overextended on every level, I embrace the opportunity to join these heroes in relentlessly fighting against the covid pandemic and advocating for accessible healthcare for all.
Sammy says
Hi, this was my essay from the 2021 cycle and I may be re-applying this cycle in 2022 so would appreciate any advice!
Many people say they had a defining moment in their lives that made them want to become a PA. For me, it was not one moment, but a series of events that led to this decision. The first of these events was in high school biology where I was introduced to anatomy while performing frog dissections. While others in my class were squeamish, I was immediately captivated by the complexities of organ systems, and I knew then that I wanted to enter healthcare, specifically in a field where I could dive deeper into the biology of our physiological systems.
As a STEM major in college, I was lucky enough to take a human anatomy class with a live cadaver lab, deepening my interest in science and fascination with the human body. I became a class assistant for the course where I gained leadership skills as I engaged students with hands-on learning, and adapted to the needs of each student in order to teach them the intricacies of the human body. During my undergraduate years at Rutgers University, my ambition to have a career in healthcare evolved into my aspiration to become a PA. My leadership role as a CA developed my confidence which I hope to apply one day to influence other young professionals in adapting to the needs of each patient to care for them in the future.
One of the key deciding factors in my journey to become a physician assistant was the Pre-PA club where I discovered what the PA career path explicitly entailed. I was intrigued to discover that PAs can have a presence in various fields, work with their attending physicians, and still see their own patients. Depending on what I need my work-life balance to be at any given point, I will have the flexibility to change specialties as desired, evoking the decision that a career as a PA would be the best fit for me. The next semester, I became the secretary of the club where I imparted my knowledge of the PA field to other students while providing the resources to ensure that they could achieve their goals. My progression from a general club member to a board member paralleled the transition I had from an interest in healthcare to a defined career as a PA and established my goal for my future career.
Furthermore, my first encounter with hands-on patient care was as a clinical care technician at RWJ Hospital. During my time as a CCT, I worked closely with nurses and observed that though they deliver excellent care to patients, they do not have the same autonomy as providers do, which is something I look forward to in my future career. Additionally, my role truly taught me about the importance of connecting with patients, especially because I had a handful of long term and recurring patients on my floor. One recurring patient in particular wrote me a card stating he valued the effort I made to be by his side during the hardship he was facing, appreciating that I frequently visited him even on days he was not my patient. I hold on to this card as a reminder of how the significance of my efforts as a healthcare worker can impact a patient’s life, and I hope to continue to be able to provide for others in the same way in the future. Being a CCT reinforced my passion to be a PA because I know that I want to deliver high quality care to patients while also having autonomy as a provider.
Currently, I work as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic with various providers, from PAs to NPs to MDs. During the time that I was not working at the practice, I went into the office to shadow Kelly, the PA. She always tells me that the learning curve is steep if I want to practice in a specialty because I will be trained as a generalist first, as are all PAs. Kelly’s experience motivates me because whatever field I join, I will constantly be learning and challenging myself in a dynamic, ever-changing career and will likely never face a plateau. While working with Kelly, I witnessed her detect malignant skin cancers for many patients and every patient relays their gratitude to her for recognizing these cancerous lesions. One day, I hope to make an impact in patients’ lives by alleviating their pain, and handling sensitive situations with the same empathy and grace that Kelly has. Along with this, I observe Kelly bring the doctors in for consultations and work with them in a collaborative setting. I enjoyed this experience because even though I want to have autonomy as a provider, I have always had an affinity for working in groups with others as I believe it fosters creativity which allows for exposure to new ideas.
In essence, although I cannot pinpoint one definitive moment that made me say “this is why I want to be a PA”, my collective experiences led me to this decision. Every experience has taught me something valuable, whether it be the ability to lead others, deliver high quality care to all patients, or work gracefully under stressful situations. These experiences have not only prepared me to succeed as a PA, but have also strengthened my resolve to become a PA.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sammy,
I wish you good luck in your application process. Check out this blog on our site that gives great pointers on what to keep and/or rewrite when reapplying.
https://www.thepalife.com/reapplicant-essay/
Geselle Tablada says
This is my first draft. Thank you so much in advance!
I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to work in the medical field and help people. Being one of the oldest grandchildren in my tight knit family, I found myself taking care of others from a young age. I would treat my little cousin’s “boo-boos”, make food for the other cousins, and do anything I could to help out. While other kids might have hated doing things for others, I loved helping and making others feel better. I also loved learning and did very well in science during school. In high school I was privileged to be accepted into an advanced math and science program where I had many opportunities to explore STEM fields and was first introduced to the Physician Assistant field. It was alumni day at the math and science program and one of the alumni was telling us about her life as a physician assistant. I was very interested in her presentation because I knew that I wanted to work in the medical field, but it was not until I shadowed a physician’s assistant that the prospect of becoming one became more appealing.
Originally, I was shadowing my orthopedic surgeon however it felt like more of an opportunity to shadow both my orthopedic surgeon and the physician assistant. I was able to observe how both of them interact with patients and perform examinations individually as well as together in a clinical setting. I was also fortunate enough to shadow them in the operating room where I could see how they interact with patients prior to surgery and see how they work together during surgery. During this experience, I enjoyed seeing how the physician assistant could spend more time with the patient and make them feel heard. While this opportunity allowed me to see the difference in responsibilities between physicians and physician assistants, it also helped me decide that I did want to become a physician assistant. My work experiences have also helped solidify my decision to become a physician assistant.
Different volunteer experiences, internships, and job opportunities during my undergrad have all contributed to my motivation to become a physician assistant. Through my different experiences I have acquired and fine tuned my patient care skills, but my experience working at Pine Rest Mental Health contributed the most to my skill set. I worked in the highest acuity residential unit of Pine Rest; a fully locked facility where the residents lived for months to years. There were days where I thought about walking out or never coming back because of how physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing working there was. On top of watching over and caring for the residents, psych techs had to organize and facilitate group activities, pass medications, serve meals, chart the resident’s day, and, if a patient became violent or had an outburst, we rarely ever had immediate support. After working there for a few weeks, many of the patients had become comfortable with me, and some even started to open up to me about their concerns and mental health. Every resident had bad days and would test my patience, but the moments when they would stick up for me, ask me for one-on-one time, or even just ask me for a hug made all the difference in my day. Although working in that environment was challenging, the bonds I created with the residents made the stress worth it. It wasn’t a single instance; it was my overall experience working at Pine Rest really showed me that I am meant to work in the medical field.
I now work as a physical therapy technician. Although I adore the work, it has not satiated my need for a more hands on role. I would like to step out of the assisting position and work towards the ability to care for patients more directly. Throughout my years as a student and caregiver, I have learned that, while I have the proper skill set, I want to also have the proper medical knowledge to provide others with outstanding patient care. Becoming a PA opens up countless opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth, while also providing care for others. That is why becoming a PA is the right path for me and I look forward to the opportunity to begin the next chapter of my life.
Whitney Prosperi says
Geselle,
It is evident that you have a heart to help others.
I would share a patient care story from your time at Pine Rest. Show yourself in action connecting with a patient on a human level while providing care. You want to paint a picture of some of those traits that will make you an exceptional PA.
I would also elaborate on some of your work experience and medical knowledge.
Also, add more specifics about what about the PA profession appeals to you. (the ability to switch specialties, autonomy in treating patients, collaborative approach to care)
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you, Geselle.
Danielle D says
This is my first draft! Any advice would be appreciated 🙂
My father and I are sitting in the car at the bottom of the driveway while I wait for the bus to take me to school. “Okay, tell me what this bone is,” he says while he points to his forearm. “Ulna,” I reply. This was a daily occurrence. My dad and I would wait for the bus while he quizzes me on various bones or asks me about the different parts of the digestive tract. This is where my love for science and my interest in healthcare stemmed from. My father is a chiropractor and talked constantly about his healthcare experiences. His stories from work and his extensive knowledge fascinated me and led me to pursue a career in healthcare. Eventually I discovered the physician assistant profession. The PA profession is extremely appealing to me due to lateral mobility. I have a lot of interests, and being able to work in more than one specialty really appeals to me. After researching, I decided to become EMT and BLS certified so I could gain patient care experience and learn more about the PA profession by working side-by-side with PAs. While my research about the PA profession definitely piqued my interests, my experiences working in healthcare solidified my decision.
My experiences while volunteering as an EMT have given me the opportunity to help individuals that have a broad spectrum of medical problems. I investigate their condition and ask questions that can help provide a better understanding for their situation and communicate it to the receiving healthcare workers. The pre-hospital care that I provide to my patients is extremely important, but I always find myself wondering how the patient is doing and what the next step in their treatment is. This motivated me to find a job within the hospital to allow me to see more of the treatment process for my patients. As an emergency room technician (ERT), I find myself reading all of the notes, past medical history and medications in each patient’s chart and reviewing any imaging they have received. When presented with information that I do not understand, I always make sure to capitalize on it as a new learning experience. My curiosity within the medical field is one driving force that I have to attend PA school and further my education.
My first day as an emergency department technician was one I will never forget. I heard EMS over the radios announce an incoming cardiac arrest. While I was very nervous, I made sure to be prepared to perform CPR. All at once, doctors, PAs, and nurses crowded around to transfer the patient onto the hospital gurney. Immediately, I took over doing compressions, but my body was quickly exhausted. A PA student tapped me on the shoulder and told me she could take over. I stepped back while she continued compressions and was asked to get different equipment. I came back with the equipment and handed it off to the medical providers that were caring for this patient. While I was very nervous initially, an immediate comfort washed over me after observing how all of the healthcare workers worked together to help the patient. This scenario showed how important collaboration is in the healthcare field. As someone who has always been involved in sports teams and extracurricular organizations, collaboration is something I value a lot in my everyday life. The idea of being a PA and being able to collaborate with a doctor to provide the best care for my patients really appeals to me.
Furthermore, I have seen first-hand how personable PAs are with their patients. I have learned that being a PA is not only prescribing medications, generating treatment plans, ordering tests, etc. Being a PA is also being able to listen, understand, and provide comfort. In my position as an ERT, I am responsible for helping patients eat their meals, clean themselves, and do other daily activities. The interpersonal skills that I use daily when interacting with my patients will provide me with skills that are critical to becoming a good PA.
Working as an ERT and an EMT has taught me to work collaboratively with other healthcare workers including PAs, doctors, and nurses in high stress situations. I learned how to remain level headed in an adverse environment, while being able to provide care and act as a resource for other healthcare workers. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different people with a broad range of medical concerns. This has not only taught me to provide individualized care that benefits the patient, but I also learned to always be open-minded and non-judgemental. My experiences working in healthcare have provided me with qualities and skills that will help prepare me to be a well-rounded provider. While my dad taught me many things while waiting for the bus, my main takeaway was how passionate he is for his job. My passion to learn and care for others will fuel me to put in all of my effort academically so I am able to provide the best care as a future PA.
Whitney Prosperi says
Danielle,
You are off to a good start. I would include some details that show you in action connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to reveal some of the qualities you possess that will make you an effective PA.
Also, include some detail about your shadowing experience. What about this solidified your desire to pursue the PA profession?
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you want more help.
I wish you good luck, Danielle.
Brad says
The six inch scar along my knee stared back at me amongst the orange chloraprep as the staples reflected the overhead light of the outpatient room. The physician assistant (I’ll call him James) had just finished unwrapping my knee from the surgery a couple days prior. My heart dropped as my hopes of playing soccer again were dismal. Soccer had been a stable source of happiness throughout my life, but now I was unsure if I would ever play or run again. The PA could see the dread on my face. James looked me in the eyes as he seamlessly explained the surgery that he and the surgeon performed. He reassured me that I would play soccer again. I felt at ease for the first time that week. It was remarkable that a physician assistant could exude such calmness, intelligence, and empathy all while executing a complicated surgery. He had not only fixed my knee but restored my ability to participate in activities that I love. Amazed by the kind of impact a PA can have on another’s life, I committed to pursue medicine further by taking an EMT certification course.
The end of my EMT course concluded with a ride-along in an ambulance. Weaving through the rubble to reach the patient, I saw ‘Mary’ slumped awkwardly in her chair. Overweight and struggling to breath, she pointed to her chest, indicating chest pain. Looking into her anxious eyes, I took her hand and introduced myself. We loaded Mary into the ambulance, took her vitals and ran an EKG. The best we could do for her was to transport her to the hospital while keeping a close eye on her symptoms. As the stretcher wheeled into the hospital, the doors slowly closed as I watched Mary disappear into a cloud of scrubs. I stood looking at the closed doors with many questions left unanswered. My contact with Mary ceased just 15 minutes after meeting her. I wanted to know what her diagnosis was, how they were going to treat her, and how she would recover. I aspired to be on the other side of those doors, with the knowledge to treat Mary and to have an integral role in her treatment process. Through these experiences, I decided to embark on the path to becoming a physician assistant.
My sophomore year of college, I started to have an interest in research due to seeing many of my professors dedicated to advancing science and medicine. I joined a gastrointestinal lab focused on enteric glial cells and would be in the lab for the next four years. My meticulous dissection skills of the mouse intestinal tract was noticed by many principal investigators (PI). Throughout my years in research, I spent hundreds of hours training and presenting my work of a novel dissection protocol. However, something was missing. I longed for the feeling of helping a patient, like I had helped Mary during my EMT course. My desire for patient interaction led me to become a patient care technician.
The first few seconds of a patient interaction can be extremely informative. This was the case as I walked into ‘Jose’s’ room as his new PCT. I sat in the chair next to Jose to introduce myself at eye-level. He lifted his head, which revealed a softball-sized indent above his left ear. Jose had fallen through his roof while repairing his house and landed on his head. After his surgery, Jose had tried to kill himself, then a few days later broke a hospital window and tried to escape. I sat with Jose for the next 12 hours to make sure neither of those two things would happen again. Speaking with Jose, I quickly realized how much the traumatic brain injury had affected his overall IQ. Mid conversation, tears suddenly flowed from his worried eyes. He explained how scared he was that he was not going to be able to provide for his family and recover from the injury. I put my hand on his forearm, looked into his eyes and reassured him that his upcoming physical and mental therapy sessions would no doubt help him get stronger. Reflecting on this experience, it further reinforces my desire to become a physician assistant. In the future, I want to form a relationship with my patients, ensuring trust with one another and comforting them in times of need to create a solid foundation for a quality healing process.
At the start of each night as a PCT, I scroll through my patient’s files, looking at the medications, x-rays, MRI scans, and past medical history. While I try to understand the images, numbers, and medical terminology, I lack a deep understanding of a patient’s treatment process, only obtainable by physician assistant training and education. I look forward to a future where I not only care for patients, but also offer a chance for them to return to what makes their life worth living. My experiences have taught me the importance of holistically caring for a patient’s pain through careful observation and an empathetic approach. I am confident that I will one day use my knowledge, inquisitions, and empathetic approach to provide the best treatment and experience for my patients, because no one deserves any less.
Whitney Prosperi says
Brad,
Your introduction does a good job showing the impact that a provider can have on a patient.
I would include more details about what specifically draws you to the PA profession as opposed to another provider role. Is it the potential for more time/personal contact with patients? The ability to switch specialties or focus on collaboration?
I would also include a paragraph that describes any shadowing experience you have gained. Describe an interaction you witnessed (between PA/provider or PA/patient) that solidified your desire to pursue this path.
You may need to condense somewhat throughout your essay.
Lastly, in your conclusion you may want to tie back to your introduction in some way.
I wish you good luck, Brad!
Kemberline says
In sixth grade, I was diagnosed with cholera while I was living in Haiti. I was scared and terrified because so many people had lost their lives and loved ones through this illness and I thought my life was coming to an end. Laying down on the bed in a room full of people crying and hurting was the most frightening experience of my life. I was embedded with fear until the doctor approached me and talked to me about the extent of my illness to my level of understanding. I felt much better afterwards and I was able to focus more on recovery rather than death. My hospitalization gave me a glimpse of medicine as growing up in an underserved area, I did not have the developmental resources to explore career interest. But when I saw how the doctors were comforting and treating patients, it sparked my interest in medicine because of the ability to not only understand the underlying physiological aspect of the illness, but to provide a sense of comfort and hope to people while they are overwhelmed with fear.
I started college with the aspiration of becoming a doctor and have the ability to deliver the same level of care to my patients as I received when I was sick. At that time, I was not familiar with the physician assistant (PA) profession. I was introduced to the PA profession while I was supposed to shadow a trauma surgeon. During my shadowing, rather than observing the trauma surgeon, I was instead observing the PA. This was when I learned about the PA profession. I was informed about the team aspect of practicing medicine where there is a doctor, PA, and residents working together to take care of the patients. After my shadowing experience, I researched the PA profession further and enrolled in a PA course offered at my school. From this course, I learned about the history of the profession, their scope of practice, the relationship with the physician, and the prosperity of the profession. With all this knowledge, I realized that the role of the PA is more suitable to me because of my personal characteristics. First, I like the idea of having someone to consult with and gain additional input on care plans. To me, the collaborative relationship between the PA and the doctor will provide me a sense of security knowing that I have someone to discuss ideas with to deliver the best care to my patients. Ultimately, I was enthralled by the strong emphasis on patient-centered care which will allow me to devote my focus on caring for the patients rather than multitasking between patient care, administrative tasks, and research. These are some aspects of the PA profession that allure me to become a PA.
During college, I worked as a patient care assistant (PCA). My role as a pca involved helping patients on their daily living activities, as well as, some clinicals duties such as vitals signs, venipuncture, blood sugars, and EKGS. My role as a pca taught me the skills of working as a team since I worked with nurses, respiratory therapists, and dieticians. We all play an integral part in the well-being of the patients. Moreover, as a PCA, I have the opportunity to work with a diverse population of patients who are varied by both demographic background and psychological awareness. This provides me with the opportunity to enhance my communication skills and my patient interaction. While I was working on the neurology floor, most of my patients suffered from dementia and Alzheimer. The most challenging part of working with these patients was maintaining their safety to avoid exacerbating their condition. As a PCA, I have learned to be a great listener and to be compassionate by working with cognitive decline patients. One time I had a patient who thought she was at the airport on her way to New York. Every once a while, she would try to get out of bed in order to board the plane. I went to her room and talked to her about her trip and assured her I will update her on everything about her departure. Our interaction gave her the peace of mind to go to sleep knowing that someone is looking out for her. I believe my role as a PCA allows me to develop competent skills that will help me to be successful as a PA.
During my gap years, I shadowed PA in urgent care, emergency medicine, and hospitalist. My experience while shadowing reinforced my understanding of the PA profession. I became aware of the level of autonomy that PA possesses in their practice. I understood the partnership between the PA and the provider which was misconnotated by the word “assistant.”While shadowing a PA named Michele at the urgent care clinic, she illustrated the level of empathy that is pertinent to the PA profession. At the clinic, once a patient is assigned to a room, there is a timer that is counting to make sure that the providers are not spending too much time with one patient. But Michele was different, as soon as she entered the patient room, her focus and attention was on the patient. She does not remember that there is a clock ticking as she focuses on listening to the patient’s concerns and discussing the best course of treatment. She taught me to always put the patient’s health above everything else and to never treat the patient as a mere customer. By becoming a PA, I am eager to emulate the same level of compassion and understanding during my practice. While shadowing a PA in the emergency room, I had the opportunity to be around both the PA and his supervising physician. Although for the most part, the PA was working independently, there was time he had to consult with the physician. One thing that stood out to me as I was observing the conversation is that it was more a discussion about the best medication to prescribe to the patient rather than the physician just instructing the PA to prescribe a medication. This experience was impactful to me because of the safety net of having someone to bounce ideas with while also augmenting my medical knowledge. My experience while shadowing different PAs further solidifies my aspiration to pursue the PA path. It showed me that as a PA, I will have a repertoire of clinical skills, I will be an integral part of caring for the patient, and I will always have someone by my side to share the load with. As a PA, I will now have the opportunity to comfort patients while they are overflowing with fear.
Whitney Prosperi says
Kemberline,
I can sense your desire to help and comfort patients throughout your essay, and I trust that your childhood experience will make you a compassionate provider.
You do a good job describing what you admire about the PA profession and why you will be a good fit.
I suggest condensing where you can and then including a more formal conclusion that reiterates your desire to have more responsibility for patient care.
I’m not saying you need this but remember we are taking essay submissions for our revision service should you want like more help.
I wish you good luck.
Jessica Butler says
This is a very rough draft of my statement. Any feedback would be very appreciated!
The bright blue walls of her bathroom begin to turn dim and her fish-themed shower curtain transforms into a darkened blur. Sweat and chills simultaneously cover her frail body, leaving her sick and confused. After what feels like hours, she opens the door and tries to call for help. All that escapes is a few muffled breaths. A trip to the hospital and numerous blood tests later at the age of thirteen, I am diagnosed Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease.
My diagnosis was brief with little explanation, and at such a young age it left me puzzled about my own condition. I became completely unrelatable to my other teenage friends. My days shifted from playing soccer and shopping to visiting doctors and my local pharmacy. The repetitive phrase of, “At least you are skinny” and the peculiar jealousy of my condition made me feel isolated and felt like nobody understood what I was going through. That is when I pulled out my computer and typed in this new lifelong addition to my vocabulary. Reading peer-reviewed articles became a sense of comfort and ignited my passion for healthcare education and science. In doing so I discovered the role of a physician assistant and knew it was what I wanted to pursue as a career.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant furthered my love for healthcare. Lizzie was one patient in particular that stood out to me. She was rarely assigned to me, but she lived in the same room as a woman whom I cared for often. Before Covid, her family always visited her so it was quite traumatic when the doors of the nursing home closed. Lizzie could do quite a lot on her own, so her usual caretakers only briefly checked in on her, if not at all. One day a few hours before my shift ended, I had noticed she was in bed all day and was not her normal cheery self. I sat down on her bed and asked her what was wrong, and she told me she missed her mom.
She began telling me stories of how she cared for her siblings and she would always get excited when her mom would bring home bread and make her favorite cinnamon bread. I knew her mother had passed a long time ago, but we continued to share fond memories because Lizzie wore a beautiful smile on her face. Ever since that day, every time I had seen Lizzie she would always greet me with a cheerful smile and a “Hey little thing!” It pained be to hear her complain about her legs and back hurting knowing I could not help her, so I always made my stops at Miss Lizzie’s room. On my last day at that nursing home, I finished my rounds and went into Lizzie’s room to say my goodbyes. I told her that would be the last time I would see her. She was already an emotional person due to the isolation of Covid, but I saw tears filling her eyes. She said to me, “I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me. You are such a sweet little thing.” I went and sat on her bed and hugged her one last time, holding back my tears. I loved a lot of my residents, but Lizzie was a very special person to me. Even though I could not help her with her pain, my nightly conversations were my contribution to her health. Being a CNA helped me fulfill half my goa which was being a resource of comfort to people, but I longed for the ability to actually provide a medical difference for someone.
Shadowing helped me see the combination of these two in action. I observed in fields of neurology, cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgery, and orthopedics. For most of my life the endocrine system has always fascinated me, and I thought it would be a great specialty for me to pursue due to the experiences I have had. However, this experience exposed me to numerous fields of healthcare and I thought, why just stick with one? Bone spurs, plantar fascitis, ALS, and surgery were all unfamiliar. I felt the same hunger for knowledge as I did years ago, so I brought a notepad with me every day and researched about all the new things I had learned.
One physician assistant, Ben, was working in cardiothoracic surgery. While the doctors were performing surgeries all day and make infrequent stops at patient rooms, Ben was doing rounds and updating patient medications, checking EKGs, and just having conversations with the patients themselves. While he did help with certain aspects of the surgeries, he spent the bulk of his time on the floor. He would quiz me about EKGs and taught me the four medications patients are put on after a bypass surgery, which he called a cabbage.
Seeing his enthusiasm and observing the relationships he had with his patients, even though they would usually be discharged within a week, really solidified why I wanted to become a physician assistant. I wanted to be able to spend as much time with them as I would updating their charts and adjusting medications. I wanted that relationship with patients that I had loved so much while working as a CNA and above all, I wanted to be that person that I never had that patients would feel comfortable confiding in about their health problems.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jessica,
You are off to a good start. I can sense your desire to help patients in a personal way, and I trust that your own experience will make you a compassionate provider. This is also revealed in your story about Lizzie.
I would condense where you can throughout your essay so that you have room to add in more details about your clinical skills and medical experience.
You may want to change up your language about doctors making infrequent visits to patient rooms so that it doesn’t appear to be a slight here.
Lastly, in your conclusion you may want to tie back to your introduction in some way.
Good luck to you, Jessica!
Brittany says
Move closer, I thought to myself. A doctor walked in to talk to a patient I was overseeing. The doctor mumbles something. The patient looks at her and says, “I cannot hear you.” There is a sign behind the patient that reads “hard of hearing.” The doctor mumbles again in the same monotone, annoyed voice. The patient repeats, but the doctor angrily walks out. “Move closer,” I whisper to myself.
“1 2 3 4…” I said to myself as I pushed up and down on my grandfather’s chest. He was already cold from the heart attack. I had only come into his room to check on him. A few moments prior, I called his name but did not receive an answer. I headed up the stairs and opened the door; he was in bed as usual. I closed the door and started to head back down, but something told me to check again. I looked at him again and said, “Grandpa!” There is no answer, he did not even flinch. “Grandpa…” I moved closer and realized he was not breathing. I immediately started compressions, but it was too late. “1 2 3 4…”
In each scenario, I had an overwhelming sense of anger. I was angry that I did not have the power to change the outcome. Why couldn’t I tell that doctor to move closer or get to my grandfather in time? I was angry at myself for a long time. For each scenario, I thought, “What could I have done differently? What can I do in the future to ensure it never happens again?” A few months later, I finally got my answer.
While working as a patient care technician, a patient came in through the emergency room; he was actively seizing. Before anyone could react, a woman was running over to him. Swiftly and efficiently, she put the patient on his side and calmly raised his head. She then ordered a CT scan and rushed the patient to radiology. As she passed, I was able to get a glimpse of her ID: physician assistant. She was completely confident in everything she did. She never second-guessed herself and made quick, sound decisions. I knew I needed to be like her.
I began to work on becoming a physician assistant by improving upon weak points in my education. I graduated from Rider University with a Bachelor of Science in health science. However, due to severe anxiety and depression, I fell behind in some classes. I did not let that stop me from completing my degree; I got help from therapy and the support of my friends and family. In 2020 and post-baccalaureate, I persevered through retaking certain classes and by studying as much as possible to receive better grades. I am now taking additional classes that will further build my knowledge.
JFK Medical Center is where I currently work as a patient care technician. I aid dozens of patients daily while assisting medical professionals in care. I observe as they perform procedures and listen intently to their conversations to gain insightful knowledge. The physician assistants I encounter at my hospital are always precise in their work. From examinations to informing patients on their care, they are professional and secure in their work. These medical marvels handle many patients and are not afraid to be hands-on. During a shadowing experience, I witnessed physician assistants insert a chest tube, birth a baby, and suture a child’s forehead. In each scenario, they were steady with their hands showing great confidence in their work and extra care towards their patients.
Every day physician assistants prove that they are not powerless, a feeling I have had all too often in the past. They do not have to be told to move closer—they automatically do it. They catch the signs of a heart attack before it is too late. Being a physician assistant shows that you have the power to do the right thing. The power to be valuable to so many people and impact their lives. I am confident in my ability to be a physician assistant and I will solidify my journey to becoming one.
Whitney Prosperi says
Brittany,
You should be proud of yourself for your grit and determination. Good for you.
In your introduction, I would soften the language here to avoid looking like you are criticizing another provider.
I would also focus on more of the aspects of the PA profession that you are drawn to. Is that more time/contact with patients? Collaborating with a team? The ability to switch specialties?
I would also expand on some of your clinical skills and medical knowledge.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck, Brittany!
Brittany says
Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated I will take all of your advice.
Alexis L Griffey says
Thank you in advance!! I know I am not the best writer so any help that I could get would be amazing
In any good story, there is always a moment where the main character comes upon a realization that changes their life. Whatever that revelation may be, it alters the way they see their current self, their future, and their past. In that moment, they typically realize that they are meant to do something or be someone that they had not previously considered. It drastically alters the way the character holds themselves through the rest of the story, what they focus on, and what they consider to be important. This moment is a turning point that defines the story as a whole, and it doesn’t just happen in fantasy.
My moment came in the spring of 2019, just before I graduated high school. I took a medical relief trip with one of my friends to Mauritania, a country in the northwest corner of Africa. I had never left the country before, and this trip was no vacation. After several plane rides and four hours of sleep, we piled into two jeeps and headed into the Sahara Desert. We arrived in a small village just after sunrise and got to work. I was working with a team made up of a nurse, a pharmacist, a physician assistant, a translator, my friend and myself. I worked mostly on intake, trying to get names and reason for visit in a language I did not speak. Over the ten days we spent in the country, we saw nearly 500 patients. Through the hustle and bustle of all that was happening, I kept an eye on the physician assistant on the team. I watched as he diagnosed and treated patients, conveying calmness and comfort to them without knowing their language. It was then that I thought, “this is the moment I become who I am supposed to be”. I had known I wanted to help people and I was already interested in medicine, but it was then that I decided that I was meant to be a physician assistant. I ended up bombarding the man with questions on the way home, which he responded to with kindness and patience. As soon as that plane touched back down in Tennessee, I started down my path with a new purpose.
I started college that Fall, entering my freshman year with 35 college credits under my belt as I had started dual enrolling when I was 15. I switched my major from biology to biology with a pre-PA emphasis the following semester. I spent time researching the role of a physician assistant and what I would need to accomplish to achieve that goal. I started saving money so I could pay for a class to get my nursing assistant certification and began working as a CNA in 2021. I had hoped that I could have done it sooner, but I was working full time as I had been since the day turned 16, and I needed to do so in order to make ends meet. However, the experiences that I did gain while interacting with residents at the nursing home furthered my desire to work in healthcare. Learning about each one of their lives was deeply important to me. One of the residents I was closest with had been an RN when she was younger, but had had her sight, speech, and ability to walk taken from her by a stroke. She loved to hear music and to sing and I would often sit by her bed and sing Amazing Grace with her when she was upset. It was her favorite.
I spent as much time as I could my senior year shadowing physician assistants. This was made incredible difficult by the Covid-19 pandemic. The county in which I lived publicly refused to do any mask mandates or any forced protocols, even as covid cases increased exponentially. Shadowing, therefore, was almost impossible. As the pandemic began to slow down in 2021, I was able to convince a few clinics to allow me to come in. I spent time in orthopedics, oncology, and even got to shadow a pa who owned his own family practice clinic. The experiences that I had at each of these places pushed me further towards becoming a physician assistant. The work that these professionals were doing was exactly what I wanted to do.
All the people I have encountered in my life are the driving force behind my desire to be a physician assistant. The hundreds of people I met in Mauritania, the residents I connected with at work, and the hours I spent shadowing at a clinic were all a part of why I will continue down this path. I want the training and the education that will allow me to help people to the best of my abilities. I want to be able to be a light in someone’s life whether it is at home or across the oceans.
Whitney Prosperi says
Alexa,
Your desire to help patients shines throughout your essay.
I would include more details about what specifically draws you to the PA profession. (more time with patients? ability to connect on a personal level? ability to switch specialties?)
I would also expand some more in your patient care story. Provide some more details that show you in action caring for this patient on a personal level.
It would also be helpful if you described some more from your shadowing experience. Was there an interaction between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician that solidified your decision? If so, add some of those details.
I wish you good luck in the process, Alexa.
Disha Japa says
As we stood by the sink in the bathroom we played with the water dripping out. I splashed my younger cousin in the face and she threw some back as we both giggled. As she was laughing she tripped and hit the backside of her head against the wall and immediately her pupils shot up and she went unconscious. As a 7 year old, I didn’t know what else to do other than call out for my mom and aunt as I screamed something had happened to my cousin. They ran over and my mom immediately called 911 when she saw her motionless on the floor. I vividly remember seeing the fear and stress in my aunt’s eyes as she cried and held my cousin in her arms until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics immediately laid my cousin out on the stretcher and took her away with my aunt by her side. My mom and I followed closely behind as we made our way to the hospital and waited in the emergency room, anxious about my cousin’s well being. Eventually, a doctor came out and discussed the situation with my mom and aunt. As I stood next to them with a confused expression, the doctor noticed, kneeled down and explained that my cousin had experienced a seizure. He spoke to me in a way that I could understand and made me feel better as he stated that she would be okay. I remember being happy and saying “thank you” to him for giving such great news. From that day on, my interest in healthcare had sparked as I realized I wanted to become the provider that would ease someone’s stress and worry.
To start my medical career, I enrolled myself in a healthcare and medicine program that my high school had offered. This curriculum allowed me to take science courses at St. Francis and offered multiple opportunities to shadow different professions within the hospital. When entering this program, I hadn’t decided exactly what career I wanted to pursue, but to my luck I was able to observe a PA and my career path had been determined.
After realizing my desire to become a PA, I took every opportunity to work and volunteer in various healthcare settings during my undergraduate years. As a phlebotomist at CSL Plasma, I was trained to set up donors to the machine and ensure a safe donation while working efficiently in a fast paced environment. At Affordable Lab Tests, I had the ability to work one on one with patients as I would check their vitals, draw their blood, handle the specimen and then send the blood work off to be analyzed. I became an avid volunteer as I joined the STEP force team at Mayo clinic where I was responsible for transporting and escorting patients to their appointments. In addition to working with patients and staff, we performed tasks such as delivering prescriptions, medical supplies and specimens to numerous departments throughout the hospital. To become more involved with the community, I became a volunteer with the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic as I wanted to support an organization that aims to provide quality health care and advocate for individuals of low socioeconomic populations. I was able to contribute to the delivery of healthcare through communication as I would screen the patients and inform the doctors and nurses about their concerns.
I didn’t realize how influential the PA role is until I shadowed various departments. Fortunately, I was able to observe a PA that worked individually in the Urgent care. She would consult with the patients, create a treatment plan and address any other concerns by herself. Whereas, when I shadowed an Orthopedic PA at a clinic, he worked with a team consisting of a doctor and a medical assistant. I was able to observe his unique encounters with patients as he would conduct physical exams and construct his own diagnosis. After this, he would consult with the MD and MA to retrieve their input and create a treatment plan. From the various shadowing experiences I was able to see how a PA can work individually as well as collaborate with a team. Many people have questioned my decision in becoming a PA rather than another practitioner. As a PA, I would have the flexibility to work in different specialties which is important to an individual like me who is a dedicated life learner. Becoming a PA would give me the capabilities to see my own patients while also collaborating in a team to help give the patient the best treatment plan. Shadowing different PA’s in various departments only solidified my desire for this profession.
Throughout the different positions I’ve acquired and the various settings I’ve worked in, I’ve gained new perspectives towards the healthcare field and the numerous professions that contribute to it. Whether it was work or volunteer efforts, I found myself thriving on patient interaction and was able to understand the value of collaboration, teamwork, and compassion. I aspire to become a physician assistant that provides exemplary care and will one day ease my patients’ and their families’ stress and worry and in return, hear “thank you”.
Whitney Prosperi says
Disha,
Your introduction drew me in immediately.
You also do a good job describing what in your shadowing experiences confirmed your decision to pursue the PA profession.
I would add a patient care story to your essay. Show yourself connecting with a patient while offering care. You might describe drawing blood while comforting an anxious patient. Show some of the qualities you possess that will make you an effective PA and how you interact with your patients while providing exceptional care.
I wish you good luck in the process, Disha!
Disha Japa says
Thank you so much for the feedback Whitney! I greatly appreciate it and will revise my essay based on your suggestions!
Sonali Fernando says
I always find satisfaction in serving others, so I naturally gravitate to the profession of a Physician Assistant. This inner calling to serve others has been cultivated by my parents and community where I always see them find meaning in helping others. Thus, when I shadowed a Physician Assistant during my stint as an entry point screener at CancerCare Manitoba, I became inescapably drawn to it and decided to pursue it as a profession; hence is this application. I believe I possess the qualities to overcome the academic rigor of the program and succeed in the profession as I am genuinely interested in taking care of others.
My interest in serving others started at home. My family and community served as the mold that made me the person I am today – considerate, compassionate, resilient, hardworking, and charitable. I came from a religious household where charity is second nature. My mother is very religious, and I have always seen her help our local temple and people in need. When we were in Sri Lanka, she would always donate to temples and charitable institutions and even went as far as packing extra lunch for a homeless person in front of her office. Similarly, my father is in the service industry, working in the Airforce of Sri Lanka. He taught us resiliency and the value of serving others as a profession. The community I grew up with also helps each other in every way, from assisting newcomers to finding a job to working together for temple duties. These influences taught me the value of teamwork. It also taught me organizational and leadership skills.
I always strive to contribute to society wherever I am, believing it to be a duty and a vocation. I have been volunteering since my younger days, where I can recall my participation in soup kitchens as a kid in Sri Lanka. Since 2017, I have volunteered at the Victoria General Hospital as a food and water deliverer. I have also volunteered as a Standard First Aid volunteer at the St John’s Ambulance. During the pandemic, I contributed to the containment the Covid19 as I worked as an entry point screener at CancerCare Manitoba. My job serves as the first point of contact for the patients and their companions. The job is very stressful considering the overwhelming number of patients we have to attend to, but I was focused. There, I used my teamwork skills and sense of community to enjoin my peers and workmates to work together as a team. The job may be stressful and sometimes overwhelming but I enjoy making a difference in other people’s lives.
The service orientation of the role of a Physician Assistant draws me to the profession. I find the service-oriented profession attractive because of the influence of my parents and community, where they find satisfaction in serving others. I am always aware that Physician Assistants are an essential aspect of our healthcare system because they help deliver quality care that leads to favorable patient outcomes. They are also indispensable in easing the burden off the health care system, especially in rural areas such as Manitoba. The nature of the profession also makes it compelling to me as I see it as a vocation, not just a job. My interest in the profession was magnified when I had the opportunity to shadow a PA as an entry point screener at CancerCare Manitoba. I was deeply impressed by their knowledge, professionalism, and scope of practice. I also wanted to pursue the profession of a Physician Assistant because I want to give back to the community which has been kind to me. Should I become part of the industry, I could share my interpersonal and conflict management skills which are essential in relating to fellow workers and patients. I worked as a customer service professional at Tim Hortons for five years. I have learned how to effectively manage conflicts with clients patiently by using certain techniques to make them feel heard and valued. I could also share my sense of integrity and professionalism which helped me thrive in my endeavors before. I believe these skills and qualities are also needed in a clinical setting.
In addition to the difference they make in patients’ lives, I wanted to be a physician assistant because of their ability to work in multiple different specialties (horizontal movement within). The education and training that I will be receiving as a physician assistant will enable me to work in multiple clinical settings. The profession will also put me in a position to help bridge the gaps in the current health care system. I intend to pursue a Physician Assitant course at the University of Manitoba because I am an alumna, so I already have an idea of the quality of education and training I will receive. I particularly like the spiral curriculum of the university because learning is reinforced each time a student revisits the subject matter. Its supportive faculty makes the university conducive to learning which helps to motivate us to become the best we could be.
In conclusion, I always have the calling to serve others, and one of the best ways to respond to this calling is to pursue the profession of a Physician Assistant. I believe I have the qualities of a good Physician Assistant due to my upbringing where my parents taught me to be compassionate, resilient, hardworking, and charitable. I always strive to contribute to society wherever I am believing it to be a duty and a vocation. I have been volunteering since my childhood, so working as a Physician Assistant in the future will be a continuity. I find satisfaction in serving others and I genuinely care about other people making me an excellent candidate to become a Physician Assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sonali,
I can sense your passion for carrying on your family’s legacy of service.
I would suggest opening with a story that shows your commitment to serving and then work into the detail of your family’s dedication to helping others. Could you describe yourself in action providing clinical care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level? You want to reveal some of the qualities that will make you an effective PA.
I would also elaborate some on your shadowing experience. Describe an interaction that confirmed that this is the path for you.
Also, describe some of your clinical skills and medical knowledge along your journey to this point.
To include some of these elements you will need to condense where you can throughout your essay.
I wish you good luck in the process, Sonali.
Anna says
Hi! This is my very first draft of my personal statement so would appreciate any feedback you have. Thank you so much!
As a little girl, my dad would take me our local YMCA during the winter to go to the pool. I couldn’t help but marvel at how different the pool looked with a bubble over it. In the summer, this same pool seemed incredibly large, bright, and pristine. In the winter, the pool appeared much smaller, and dirtier. This pool makes me think of how the healthcare system is for people who are uninsured, or who don’t speak English. For some people, the pool is vast and beautiful. For others, the bubble over the pool is not only an obstacle to anyone who wants to see the pool, but it also makes the pool much smaller, lonelier, and grimy once you’re inside. The bubble is a strikingly similar picture of the obstacles that so many people in America face if they are uninsured or don’t speak English. I have been lucky to experience many scenarios in which clinics break down these barriers so people can have the adequate healthcare, and ultimately, these are the reasons that I feel called to go to PA school.
The first PA I met immediately gave me the impression that she loved her job. She was able to interact with patients far more than the physician was able to, and was able to make diagnoses in the way that nurses cannot. To me, it appeared to be the best of both worlds. Since that moment, I realized that this seemed like the field for me. From then, I began shadowing PAs in my area. While doing so, I noticed that there was a lack of PAs who were doing anything to breakdown the barriers that many people face in order to receive proper healthcare. This was incredibly disheartening to me, so I began to look for ways that I could expose myself to clinics that were aiding in eliminating these obstacles.
The first of these is the Maude Whatley clinic, a medical practice near my college campus whose patients are mostly uninsured. For a semester, I volunteered in this non-profit health clinic who sees high volumes of Hispanic patients. Being able to serve them as a Spanish interpreter was an incredibly worthwhile experience; not only exposing myself to people with different backgrounds than myself, but also being able to aid in receiving the healthcare that they need. So many clinics in Alabama don’t have translators for patients who speak another language, and because of this, there are many people in my state who don’t get the healthcare they need. This experience was my first, but certainly not my last,in exposing this dark realization of the lack of healthcare for non-English speaking populations.
Four days a week over the summer of 2021, I was in the NP Family Medicine Clinic. Dr. P is one of the few Spanish speaking physicians in the community so she had a high volume of Spanish speaking patients. While working with Dr. P as a medical assistant, I was able to interact with Spanish speaking patients who were incredibly grateful to be speaking to someone who could speak their language. One of the points that Dr. P brought to my attention was that Spanish speaking patients tend to not trust the healthcare system. They are often pushed aside or denied access to healthcare, so they don’t come to the clinic until it is absolutely necessary. This also means that they don’t understand preventative measures they should be taking to help themselves be healthier individuals. I would like to be a part of the change in them first trusting the healthcare system, and then later learning the importance of preventative medicine. Señor G. was one of said patients who didn’t understand preventative healthcare. He had an appointment each week because he consistently had very elevated blood pressure from not taking his medicine, nor watching his diet. Getting to see him each week was both a joy and a pain – he was incredibly kind and compassionate; he was very grateful to have people in healthcare who were able to speak Spanish, but it was difficult to see him because it meant that he was not taking care of himself seriously. He has since passed away, which was a shocking realization for myself. The severe knowledge gap within Hispanic populations about preventative medicine is something that needs to be addressed quickly.
I was also able to shadow at one of the clinic nights of EAB clinic. This clinic serves uninsured patients, breaking a barrier that many Americans face who are unable to have appropriate healthcare. Not only does this clinic see uninsured patients, but the patients receive medicine and all other medicinal needs free of charge, and are treated with the dignity they deserve.
It is clinics like these that made me realize how important is it so have people in the healthcare system who are able to breakdown obstacles for those who are unable to break down their own. Not only this, but the lack of PAs in healthcare that are breaking down these barriers is shocking. It would be my honor to aid in this, and to encourage other PAs to do the same. This is the reason that I want to be a part of the healthcare system as a PA – to help those who can’t help themselves.
Whitney Prosperi says
Anna,
Your desire to help patients comes through in each paragraph of your essay.
I suggest adding some more details about your clinical skills and work/medical experience. You want to show more of your journey up until this point. If you have a patient care story you can add, include that. (Maybe elaborate on an interaction with Senor G.) You want to show yourself in action providing clinical care while also connecting with a patient on a personal level. Show some of the qualities you possess that will make you a strong PA.
I would also describe some of your shadowing experience. Describe an interchange between PA/patient that solidified your decision to become a PA.
Adding these elements will mean you will need to condense where you can.
If you need more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Anna.
Jonah D Beer says
My mom suffered an ankle injury one night in Byron, Illinois when I was twelve years old, the oldest of four. I remember being unable to help her, unable to drive, powerless and offering nothing other than encouragement. I remember her crying as she drove us home. I remember my brother and I bolting out of the car, running to get our neighbors. I remember calling her boyfriend who lived an hour away, to take her to the nearest hospital, an additional forty minutes away. My mom endured a total of five hours before treatment.
When I was seventeen, and living in a much bigger town, my mom and I were getting ready for church. I heard her yell from the other room. She had slipped a disk in her back and needed medical attention. This time, I was able to drive her to a prompt care only a minute from our house. She was treated within the hour.
While these are just a few instances, I have experienced the hopelessness and desperation that comes from my own inability to help and not having access to adequate medical resources and providers. I have also been fortunate enough to experience the blessing of having access to adequate medical resources when I needed them. That night in Byron I decided I would pursue a career in healthcare to help people like my mom who couldn’t get the medical help they needed. The first time I interacted with a PA was after my mom’s ankle injury. Aside from the calming kindness, what I revered most about the PA was her thoroughness and attention to detail. It amazed me how someone could have so many questions about one part of the body, and furthermore, how every one of my mom’s answers meant something specific to the PA. After that, I explored optometry, nursing, and physical therapy, but the PA profession always stuck with me. Around my senior year of high school, I learned about lateral mobility, selling me on the idea of becoming a PA. The idea that I can learn as much about the human body as I want, while not being confined to practicing one specialty, excited me in a different way than the other careers I explored and I found myself eager to learn as much about becoming a PA as I could.
Since then, I always told people I was going to be a PA, but didn’t commit to it until college. Specifically, after my first (and worst) semester. I had no discipline, routinely skipped class, and didn’t prioritize studying which left me with a 2.7 GPA. After my first semester, I reevaluated my academic approach and set new, harder goals for myself, constantly pushing myself to be better than before, both in and outside of the classroom. My sophomore year, even amongst COVID, I obtained my CNA license an hour away at a community college, while still remaining full time at Illinois State University, making the spring Dean’s list. I also shadowed my first PA in emergency medicine three days a week. I learned a lot from her, witnessing suturings, I&D’s, and physical exams. She also taught me how to interact with patients and walked me through the steps she took to formulate a diagnosis and care plan. I began working in the ICU as a PCT a month later and still remember everything she taught me, some of which I still use daily. Later that summer, I created ISU’s first Pre-PA Club, garnering over fifty members in the first semester alone. I enjoyed all of it, but entering my junior year, I knew something was missing.
During Thanksgiving break of my junior year, I decided to take a mission trip to Detroit. The housing was a run down church in a desolate neighborhood. My bedroom, a classroom with ten bunk beds, dipped to a crisp fifty-five degrees every night. I was without a pillow, using rolled up sweatshirts and sweatpants and had only one blanket. We weren’t allowed to shower except the night we arrived and the day we left to go home, and every lunch was a ham and cheese sandwich with chips and a cookie, which was to be packed and taken with us to wherever we were serving. What I came to find, however, was the most difficult part of the trip for me was the mindset of not being able to do what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. Basic things like heat, water, and food were all in limited supply during the trip and not being able to shower or eat when I felt like it definitely made me take my own life into perspective. I remembered that people have to live every day with the conditions that I lived with for a few days. I felt convicted and couldn’t stop thinking about my mom that one night in Byron. It was clear to me after that trip that my purpose is to help those in underserved areas in any way I can.
I am not the same person I was three years ago. I understand where I need to be and what I need to do to get there. I’m the most motivated I have ever been and have an insatiable hunger for helping those in underserved areas. I believe I deserve a chance to continue my pursuit of becoming a PA and hope admissions will afford me the opportunity to continue to work towards my goal in any way I can.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jonah,
Your desire to elevate people shines throughout your essay.
I would elaborate on some of your shadowing experience. Recount an interaction you witnessed and how this solidified your decision.
I would also elaborate on your work in the ICU. Describe some of your duties that show you in action and how you connect with and care for patients.
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help during the process we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you, Jonah.
Jordan Garcia says
Hello! I came straight here from your PA Podcast and I hope you have the time to review my statement! Thank you for your time!
Familiar glossy eyes stare back at me as I sit across my 68 year old client, alert with mania coursing at full intensity coupled with a recent relapse of alcohol abuse. We sit on her sofa in heavy silence as we wait for a psychiatric response team to show up. I recall the hurt she experienced, not only from her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder II, but also from the failures of the medical and mental health system her life depended on. She breaks the silence to tell me, “You shouldn’t be here.” That though she appreciates my presence in this moment more than anyone else’s, it was just palliative for the real issues with her wellness. “Learn Jordan. Get back into school like you said you wanted. Do it so that you can continue to be the person I need right now, but for many others too. Help us not get to this point. I don’t know what I would have done without you here.” The despondent look in her eyes was plenteous to strike a chord in me to rehabilitate the most vulnerable populations.
These experiences validate my desires to pursue a career path in the medical field—a desire I have had since I was a child, to be just like my mother and father, both of whom have rewarding careers as a Registered Nurse and Psychiatric Technician. This exposure I had as a child flourished into a desire to be in a career where I could demonstrate my integrity, compassion, problem solving skills, and purposefulness that worked in symbiosis with my clients. These principles led me to study Clinical Psychology at UCSD, where I learned the fundamentals of the human mind, medications as treatment, and the various diagnoses and associated symptomology.
To my advantage, I was able to exercise my knowledge of the mental health field when I was accepted into the Pathmaker Internship at the Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, frequently using skills of open-ended questions to discuss needs and properly access resources at the hospital. The opportunity I had on the surgical floor was led to my fascination with medicine, observing surgeons perform procedures such as total knee replacements, hip replacements, and hysterectomies—I was even able to hold a knee cap post-knee replacement surgery. I especially cherish the PA’s that mentored me while in the Pathmaker Internship, observing how they collaborated services with supervising doctors, discussed preventative measures for symptoms, and efficiently assessed the needs of their patients during physical exams.
I was fortunate enough to work for a non-profit organization called Community Resource Foundation under the Senior IMPACT branch until present. This program specializes in mental and behavioral health treatment/case management for homeless seniors with co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and at often times a dual diagnosis of substance abuse disorders. It was here that I learned the skills to be a sharp, problem-solving clinician as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist.
As this type of clinician, I was provided a career space that unified my natural abilities and clinical skills. Although I felt the pressure of meeting the needs of my patients, I was able to be adaptable and take these moments in stride, rolling with the punches of supporting a client with mental health and physical health needs. I had the rewarding responsibility to create treatment plans for my clients, provide education and information about their diagnosis, use evidence-based practices, and assess clients for safety and symptoms, both verbal and non-verbal.
The versatility of my position proved essential to my clinical growth, as I was heavily involved in clinical conversations with the Psy. D., psychiatrist, and nurses of the treatment team to assist in complex symptomology and diagnosis of clients. I wore many hats as a PSR Specialist, at times I was a case manager helping my client complete a PCP appointment, to providing assessments for suicide. I learned how effective communication, radical acceptance, continuity of care, conflict resolution skills, and my oftentimes streetwise knowledge have helped me earn the trust of my patients and empower them to circumvent hardships.
My collective experiences throughout the healthcare services have allowed me to become the person I needed when I was younger. Who I am now fulfills the goals and aspirations I had as a child. Becoming a physician assistant will fulfill the dreams that I have now, as I continue to sit across my 68 year old client. These mental and physical health diagnoses are no longer just lists of diagnostic criteria in a text book for me—they personify names and faces, with tangible problems and symptoms. My devotion to rehabilitating, healing, and improving the quality of life of others is why I continue to pursue the physician assistant profession. I believe becoming a physician assistant will unite my natural skills of adaptability, resourcefulness, problem-solving, and compassion for others, and that I could be a valued member to a healthcare team.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jordan,
You do a good job of showing the path that has led you to this point.
If you have any shadowing experience, I would describe that. Was there an interchange that solidified your desire to pursue the PA path?
You may want to elaborate on some more aspects of the profession that appeal to you. (more time to build relationships with patients, ability to switch specialties)
One last thing, PAs is written as such. (not PA’s – unless it is possessive.) 🙂
I wish you good luck in the process, Jordan!
Katelyn Howe says
Thanks in advance!
Dust flew up as people limped out of the rows of corn. While making rounds throughout the stadium, my fellow ER nurses and I stumbled across two feet sticking out of the surrounding cornfield. I will refer to this patient as patient J. He was pale, and we did not know how long he had been unconscious. I immediately checked for breathing and a pulse – good, yes. After loading up patient J on a backboard, I obtained an EKG and gave it to the on-site providers. He was having a heart attack.
Allow me to explain. History was made in August of 2021, as the first Major League Baseball (MLB) game in Iowa was held at the 1989 Field of Dreams movie site. Growing up participating in athletics and watching the classic film, I was elated when presented with the opportunity to join my ER nurses and physician assistants (PAs) as an on-site emergency medical technician (EMT). One-hundred-degree weather is expected for a mid-western summer. However, the addition of a mile-long walk through the corn (as seen in the movie) stirred concern. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other illness spread through the crowd early. In proper Field of Dreams spirit, the stadium was surrounded by miles of cornfields. Patient J was not the only one suffering, as our medical tent was at a constant capacity with limited staff and supplies. Through the chaos, I watched in awe as the on-site PAs handled each situation with compassion and advanced medical knowledge beyond their specific specialty. I watched my capabilities as a caregiver extends beyond vital signs, as I considerately attended to every person I could. I began to understand that we were as much of a team as the MLB players out on the field – PA, nurse, or EMT, we all had a role to play. However, I am driven to do more. My experience of triaging patients, fast decision making, and a general ache to broaden my ability as a future health care provider strengthened my will to become a PA.
My interest in medicine was sparked early on, as I lost my older brother to his battle with brain health. Kyle was an avid baseball player, getting ready to go to college, and was loved by so many. No one saw his vulnerability and the consequence was his life. My family was devastated. Rather than placing blame on the world, we turned to God for guidance and while doing so, I found my passion for community service. Life started opening service doorways, as I joined my church on mission trips for three summers. As a team, we helped build homes for the homeless in downtown Detroit. We patched bullet holes in a small church on the streets of Houston. We hosted a soup kitchen in New Orleans for those that were hungry. Everyone we served had one thing in common; their vulnerability. After coming home, I wanted to do more. I obtained my nursing assistant, emergency medical responder, and EMT licenses as I began to serve the vulnerable in my own community as I have in others. I have grown as a passionate advocate for my patients through service, but that drive to do more continues. Becoming a PA student and eventually, a PA-C will provide me the opportunities to continue my lifelong passion of serving the vulnerable who do not get the representation that they deserve.
The fast-paced atmosphere of the MLB stadium, along with the drive to serve those in need in a team setting became parallel as I began shadowing PAs in orthopedic surgery and urgent care. I quickly grew to admire the compassion and versatility that the PAs demonstrated. I was able to see the rigors of six surgeries in one day and the quick turnaround of compassionate care for forty pre-and post-op clinic patients the next. Making the connections between patient diagnosis and my advanced biology courses I was enrolled in at the time was exhilarating. As we shuffled from room to room, time seemed to stop. Nothing else in the world mattered at that moment except the patient’s vulnerability and our willingness to do something about it.
These encounters are just a few of many that have impacted my drive to become a PA. I have seen my problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities develop through the fast decisions made in patient J’s case at the MLB stadium. I was a part of the team that helped him get to our cardiac catheterization lab in time. I witnessed the critical role the on-site PAs played as providers on that team. I was rooted with a drive for community service and helping the most vulnerable through their suffering after losing a brother. My passion for serving all members of the community through my mission and volunteer work was defining. Time and time again, I am reminded that becoming a PA is how I can do more. Being in that mid-level provider role would allow for me to be a critical part of the healthcare team that I have seen in and out of the hospital. When I become a PA, I will not only do more, I will do everything in my power to serve the community, the vulnerable, my future patients.
Whitney Prosperi says
Katelyn,
You are off to a great start! Your introduction grabbed my attention immediately. (I remember that event but had no idea that people experienced medical issues that day.)
You may want to add some detail about how you reassured Patient J as you cared for him that shows you connecting on a personal level.
I can sense your commitment to teamwork and service throughout your essay.
I would add a few details about an interaction you witnessed between patient/PA during your shadowing.
I wish you good luck, Katelyn.
Sabriya says
Thank you so much in advance!!!!! I will be using your service in the future
During my childhood, my favorite board game was ‘’Operation’’. The game consisted of an ‘’operating table’’ lithographed with a patient with a large red lightbulb for his nose and tweezers to remove particles from his body and organs. He was my very first patient. It was a very intense game for me because I wanted to save his life and understand the human body. This board game introduced me to the world of medicine at a young age. I always wanted to study medical illness, injuries, and human behavior. Now I’m 10yrs strong in the medical field as a certified medical assistant rendering direct patient care to patients with various medical and mental illness.
Lately in the clinic, I have notice an increase numbers of patients with not just physical illness but mental illness for example; today I had a middle age patient! Reason for visit was ‘Sore Throat’. As I begin to chart her chief complaint she said’’ I’m having really bad anxiety right now’’ As the patient expressed her feeling with tears in her eyes speaking of life stressful events. I became empathic and supportive to the patient moment. As the patient finished venting she told me “you’re here because you love your job’’ She said ‘’ you made me feel human and not just a patient’’. Moment’s like this gives me the motivation to become a physician assistant. I like to build strong interpersonal relationship with patients especially during stressful office visits. As a Medical Assistant I feel achieved and accomplished caring for patients with various disease and illness. I feel inspired everyday shadowing physicians assistants on their daily routine of examining, diagnosing and treating patients which lead to my inspiration of becoming a physician assistant. I have shadow physician assistants and Medical doctors during surgical procedures in an urgent care setting including suturing patient’s wounds, ingrown toenail removals and wound care treatment. I enjoyed learning how the PA’s and MD’s not only treat the patient illness but have a great interpersonal relationship with the patient. When I see patients walk-out with a smile I feel achieved and inspired to deliver the same great patient care as an inspired future physician assistant.
Yes, I love to volunteer! During my spear time I volunteer mostly at the boys and girls club mentoring kids in rural communities. I’m a huge supporter of Hosea Williams feed the hungry in Atlanta. I’m also a big blood donor for Life South and American Red Cross.
Why did I get a Bachelor’s in Psychology? My brother was diagnosed with paranormal schizophrenia and bipolar at the age of 15yrs old which lead to my interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I wanted to help people like my brother with various mental disorders. Mental health was a topic that wasn’t discussed in my family. Due to lack of education in my family and healthcare treatment for the mentally ill; my brother conditions worsen and were left untreated for many years. I worked in behavior health for 2yrs as a counselor caring for patients with bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders etc. Although I enjoyed working in behavior health my heart was beating for direct patient care working in urgent care, family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine etc. I eventually returned back to direct patient care where my true passion resides.
The Physician Assistant program is the next step for my healthcare career. This program will give me the education and knowledge to care for patients on another level such as diagnosing, examining, and treating patient’s illness. I’m inspired to reach out to millions of people through patient education, volunteer work and servicing underserved communities fulfilling my career goal and life purpose.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sabriya,
I can sense your passion for helping people throughout this essay.
You may consider moving the story about your brother to become your introduction.
I would also include some details that spotlight any clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained.
Also, I would expand on the details in your shadowing of PAs. What did you observe that confirmed your decision to become a PA? Describe some of the actions and words you witnessed between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician.
We will be happy to work with you when the time comes and look forward to working on your essay.
Good luck, Sabriya.
Sabriya says
Thank you so much Whitney for your time! I’m going to re-write my statement based on your suggestions.
Bernadette says
Our whole lives we are constantly asked what we want to be when we grow up, 5th grade me said a veterinarian. Instead upon graduating high school I went in the US Army. I didn’t have a desire to go to college and honestly, I had no way to pay for it. I enlisted because I could have a career and an education all at once, I left for basic training on September 7, 2001. I then went in the Army Reserve as a radiology specialist. I instantly fell in love with seeing inside the body, it was like a scavenger hunt of bones and organs. For most of my career I loved the fact that I did not have any patient responsibility.
I had a middle-aged female patient come in through the emergency room for a head injury from a golf cart roll-over accident to clear her c-collar. During the exam the patient stopped following verbal and visual instructions, which were to open her mouth. I immediately called the cat scan tech and said we need to get her on the table I think there is something wrong. While my coworkers transported her, I called the ER and the nurse was not very happy that an x-ray tech decided to move the patient but upon hearing how adamant I was in my experience, she had the doctor put an order for a STAT head CT. The patient had a massive brain bleed. This was the first time I ever wondered what happened to her next. I did end up seeing her again and she thanked me, and this is when I really acknowledged how much I love working as part of the care team.
I had just gotten off active duty and was living at home with my parents. October 30, 2008, is a day I will never forget. I had come home after forgetting paperwork I needed and found my father a bit flustered and slightly disoriented. I asked for a rundown of what happened from start to finish. He had his routine visit to include blood pressure, lab work and EKG, they were going to do a stress test due to his family history of heart disease, but they had to schedule it a few days later. After hearing this I asked my dad if his arms felt funny, he said they felt heavy and tingly, my fears were true he’s having a heart attack is my thought. While driving to the hospital I called my mom and just told her my dad wasn’t looking so great and I was bringing him to the hospital, and she could meet us there or I could call and update her. Until this day she still comments on how calm I was that she didn’t think it was serious but just went to the hospital so I wouldn’t have to stay with him. I went in the triage room with him and at this point he’s having difficulty speaking, thankfully I had a perfect timeline. I’ve never seen so many people in one small ER room ever, one person is doing an IV, another is attaching EKG leads, they call out medications they are giving, it was like a well-oiled machine, everyone working independently yet together. The doctor and PA came in right as the EKG was printing, he was having a massive heart attack and the PA looked me right in the eye and told me I had very likely saved his life.
My grown nephew had tripped and hit his shin on a rusty metal holder for a propane tank. I immediately grabbed paper towels and began to apply pressure. It ripped his skin clean open about 4 inches long and right down to bone. I applied a pressure dressing and got him in the car and drove him to the medical center 30 minutes away. After a long wait a PA came in and I explained what happened, the steps I had taken, and what it looked like to me. Upon uncovering the wound the PA looked up at me and complimented my dressing and went over the treatment plan. That PA was methodical in his sutures, they were perfect, and he was also quick and neat. I was extremely satisfied with how he treated my nephew and took the time to answer all my questions, I always like learning above my skill level if I can.
Between the last two experiences I was a distinguished graduate with a Bachelor of Science in health administration and ended right back in radiology as a technologist. I have worked in many different types of settings including urgent care, imaging centers and by far my favorite orthopedics. While working at the urgent care and in orthopedics I was able to work beside doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. I spent downtime talking to the PAs about school and how they chose to become a PA. My now husband kept telling me that I could and should go back to school for nursing, I did enroll in nursing school and withdrew only days before classes started, I knew it was not what I wanted to do. Then PA school started coming up in conversations and I knew he would be relentless but at the time it was not what I wanted.
I’m finally at a point where I know what I want and it’s to be a PA. I want to the person making diagnoses and treatment plans and working with ancillary teams. I feel my life experiences have led me here and I am ready to start a new path in my healthcare career with a larger role and a wide arrange of experiences to go with it.
Whitney Prosperi says
Bernadette,
Your desire to assist patients shines throughout your essay.
I would tighten up each paragraph where you can so you can add in a few more elements that clarify your journey.
You may want to expand on why specifically you chose the PA path. Is it so you can spend more time with patients? The ability to switch specialties? Collaboration with a healthcare team? Expanding access to underserved patients?
If you have any shadowing experience, I would include a description of that, including how this confirmed your decision to become a PA. Describe an interaction between PA/supervising physician or PA/patient in this section.
You may also want to expand on your military experience, describing leadership skills gained here. You could describe how your experience has equipped you with qualities that will make you a compassionate and effective PA.
I wish you good luck, Bernadette.
Manuela says
Out of my seventeen years on Earth, more than half of my life was spent existing in a world full of endless opportunities, and even though I was alive, I was merely living. Ever since I’ve been conscious, time seemed eternal and still – I was simply existing while everyone and everything around me was in flux. Sure, from a bird’s eye view my life seemed perfect, however, from the inside out my world was fragmenting into pieces. And just when you feel everything is pieced together in harmony, life takes an unexpected course. If you dwell on it, life seems like a snowglobe, at rest it’s calm, but once it’s shaken its contents change and if one is careless it can shatter.
Near the end of my freshman year of high school, I received news that my mom had been diagnosed with the illness that deviously invades the body by deteriorating it from inside out, and the one that sweeps thousands off the face of the Earth, cancer. Looking back, I was paralyzed with fear because I had only ever seen cancer steal loved ones from me. Therefore my train of thought resulted in viewing life through a cruel spectrum. Why us? Why cancer? What did we do to deserve this? Yet again, I was one more petrified soul staring into death’s piercing eyes, drowning in grief. Over time, I built the habit of pouring my grief into words, into writing. As I write this essay, I have a word document begging me to switch tabs and continue the poem of my grandmother who recently was bestowed the entry to heaven. I find a safe space in writing. Nevertheless, after excruciating long nights plagued with uncertainty and a frightening code blue, my mom is the epitome of second chances. In retrospect, I managed to digest the relativity of second chances; to live not just exist, to enjoy life outside of its barriers, and value its beauty which only a handful of living souls perceive in between the chaos. Instead of searching for some type of remedy that could cure this nightmare, I started chasing second opportunities and left behind the fear of failure.
Growing up all over the globe, second chances were always present in my environment, but I never fully understood their depth until I became an active character in my life by not letting external factors control the legend I was writing. By moving to Peru, Panama, the States, and Colombia, I have always been challenged to create new opportunities for myself. Out of all the times I experienced a new culture or language, I was able to start fresh. Given this, I opened my eyes to incorporating second chances everywhere I went from cultivating a new persona and leaving my comfort zone or trying new sports and hobbies.
Five months ago, after days filled with exhausting online classes, I found myself admiring twenty third-grade students whose determination shined through a zoom screen. Even though an online barrier separated us, they were still motivated to learn English as a foreign language despite the adversities from the healthcare crisis. As a community service volunteer, it was my responsibility to elaborate a lesson on basic geometric shapes and colors. During the end of the period and given the material, I randomly asked a few students to answer some questions. A young boy I called on was unsure of the answer. I immediately saw the fear in his eyes and understood that he was sacred to answer incorrectly. I spoke up and reassured him that sometimes the first attempt won’t be perfect but you have to keep on trying until you get it correct – take advantage of all second opportunities even in the simplest contexts. And as my dad told me at the beginning of my senior year, “never be afraid of conquering the world, even if it takes multiple tries.”
Whitney Prosperi says
Manuela,
I can sense your resilience and determination throughout your essay.
I would suggest condensing where you can so you can include some more elements that describe your journey.
Describe how you became interested in healthcare and specifically the PA profession.
Also, what appeals to you about the PA field specifically? Is it the ability to switch specialties? The collaboration? Opportunity to connect with patients on a more personal level?
If you have any shadowing experience, describe that. What about those interactions solidified your decision?
You will also want to explain your path in healthcare. What medical experience and clinical knowledge have you gained?
Lastly, for your conclusion I would recommend tying back to your introduction in some way.
If we can be of further help, remember that we are currently taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you!
Jasmyne says
Hi! I am in desperate need of advice and editing for my essay! Thank you in advance for feedback!
As a little girl in Mississippi, every weekend, I would visit my grandmother’s house. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer before I was born, but at the time, I did not know what cancer was. I would sit on her hospital bed that she had bought for her house, and I would constantly play with the remote control bringing the bed up and down. “What is this, grandma?” I would always ask, bothering her with a million questions about all of her medical equipment. “That’s my oxygen tank, don’t mess with that!” She would yell. As a curious little girl, I did not know what any of this medical equipment was or what it was for. All I know is that I loved her, and I wanted some part of it. I loved being with her, I would go to her room and play with all of what I thought were toys, such as her seven days of the week pill organizers, her oxygen facemasks, and even her fake breasts that were hidden in her drawer, she always thought that was hilarious. My grandmother would put all of her things away and promised me I would not have to worry about her having any of these things when I got older. As I grew older, my grandmother seemed to age faster and faster, becoming extremely weak, but she never let cancer get in the way of her funny, upbeat personality. Every time we thought she beat cancer, it would creep back. She was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer by the time I was sixteen years old. I still visited as she got sicker, but it hurt to see my grandma in that much pain. Instead of visiting her at her house, my family and I started visiting her at the hospital. I knew her death was coming soon, but I always hoped that she would just beat cancer again. Unfortunately, my best friend passed away shortly after being diagnosed at 1:00 a.m on April 6, 2015.
Life’s journey is unpredictable. You never know what will happen or what you will be diagnosed with. My grandmother did not know that she would lose this battle. I did not understand as a young girl what my future held. I realized I wanted to help people like my grandmother, so I strived to make good grades throughout high school to get into a good college and make it to PA school. On my first day of class at Mississippi State University, I cried in front of the chaplain. I wept because I remembered my grandmother and how she suffered at the end and because I knew she would be so proud of me. I pulled myself together and was excited to start class. It was a hard and long road, but I am finally here. It took countless all-nighters, a ton of caffeine, and more than enough tutors.
After gaining all of the knowledge I have now, I decided to work at a chiropractor clinic to get some experience. While working there, I learned that there are a variety of patients. Some patients are almost entirely independent, some dependent, and others depend entirely on you. I supervise my entire shift with the elderly. Our patients are usually in such severe pain that they cannot walk and sometimes cry when trying to get them to the next station. I put them on the advised therapies by the doctor, take them to get their treatment, give them exercises to do at home that assist with daily living, and more. As a rehab facility, we work as a team with our assistants and doctors to provide the best patient care outcome. Being an assistant, I feel as if the patients trust us the most. They rely on us consistently and sometimes tell us what not to say to the doctor (but of course, we cannot do that). Working as a team is critical as care plans must be updated for patients to be treated accurately and thoroughly. Whether it’s from trouble walking to balance issues to holding a spoon, residents should have their comfort and quality of life upheld.
In memory of my grandma and all of my patients who have affected my life daily, I endeavor to deliver the best care possible. As a physician assistant, I would strive to be the most caring, trustworthy, and hardworking healthcare professional likely. Every patient is someone loved one, and as a physician assistant, I will treat them as such. Working as part of a team and counsel patients on preventative care, diagnose and treat illnesses. Much more would provide me with much greater autonomy than I now have, allowing me to be an exceptional addition to their overall health. I know that my grandma would be so proud and happy of the person I’ve become and how, despite some setbacks, I’ve persevered and will work nonstop to meet my ultimate goal of being a physician assistant interested in the person as a whole, not just medicine.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jasmyne,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. I know you will honor her legacy through each kind gesture you share with your patients.
The story about your grandmother is powerful as it shares your motivation to care for patients. I would recommend condensing where you can throughout your essay to leave room to add in some other elements.
Add a paragraph about what appeals to you about the PA profession specifically. (why this and not NP, chiropractor, or MD) Are you attracted to the potential for more time/contact with patients? The ability to expand access to care? The collaborating nature of the profession?
You will also want to include any shadowing experience you have. What about interactions between the PA/patient or PA/supervising physician solidified your decision?
I’m not saying you need this, but should you want more help we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck, Jasmyne.