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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 (13th May 2024): Accepting New Submissions
(Photo: Me circa 1987, just thinking about my future PA School Essay)
- Are you struggling to write your physician assistant personal statement?
- Are you out of ideas, or just need a second opinion?
- Do you want an essay that expresses who you truly are and grabs the reader's attention in the required 5,000-character limit?
We are here to help perfect your PA school essay
I have written countless times on this blog about the importance of your personal statement in the PA school application process. Beyond the well-established metrics (GPA, HCE/PCE hours, requisite coursework, etc.), the personal statement is the most crucial aspect of your application.
This is your time to express yourself, show your creativity, skills, and background, and make a memorable impression in seconds. This will be your only chance, so you must get it right the first time.
For some time, I had been dreaming about starting a physician assistant personal statement collaborative.
A place where PA school applicants like yourself can post their PA school essays and receive honest, constructive feedback followed by an acceptance letter to the PA school of your choice!
I have been reviewing a ton of essays recently, so many in fact that I can no longer do this on my own.
To solve this problem, I have assembled a team of professional writers, editors, and PA school admissions specialists who worked to revise and perfect my PA school application essay.
Beth Eakman has taught college writing and worked as a professional writer and editor since the late 1990s. Her projects have involved a wide range of disciplines and media, from editing technical reports to scriptwriting for the PBS Kids show Super Why! Her writing has appeared in publications including Brain, Child Magazine, New York Family Magazine, and Austin Family Magazine. Beth lives with her family just outside Austin, Texas. She is driven to help each client tell the best version of their story and achieve their dream of becoming a physician assistant.
Deanna Matzen is an author with articles featured in Earth Letter, Health Beats, Northwest Science & Technology, and the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. With an early career in environmental science, she developed a solid foundation in technical writing. Her communication skills were further honed by producing and editing content for a non-profit website, blog, and quarterly journal. Inspired to extend her craft, she obtained a certificate in literary fiction, which she draws on to build vibrant scenes that bring stories to life. Deanna loves working with pre-PAs who are on the cusp of new beginnings to find their unique story and tell it confidently.
Carly Hallman is a professional writer and editor with a B.A. in English Writing and Rhetoric (summa cum laude) from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. She has worked as a curriculum developer, English teacher, and study abroad coordinator in Beijing, China, where she moved in 2011. In college, she was a Gilman Scholar and worked as a staff editor for her university's academic journal. Her first novel, Year of the Goose, was published in 2015, and her first memoir is forthcoming from Little A Books. Her essays and creative writing have appeared in The L.A. Review of Books, The Guardian, LitHub, and Identity Theory, among other publications.
Read more client testimonials or purchase a revision
We Work as a Team
Our team of professional editors is wonderful at cutting out the "fluff" that makes an essay lose focus and sets people over the 5,000-character limit. Their advice is always spot-on.
Sue, Sarah, and Carly are amazingly creative writers who will take your "ordinary" and turn it into entirely extraordinary.
I mean it when I say this service is one-of-a-kind! We have spent countless hours interviewing PA School admissions directors and faculty from across the country to find out exactly what it is they are looking for in your personal statement.
We even wrote a book about it.
To collaborate, we use Google Drive. Google Drive is free, has an intuitive interface with integrated live comments in the sidebar, the ability to have a real-time chat, to collaborate effortlessly, and to compare, revise, or restore revisions on the fly. Google Drive also has an excellent mobile app that will allow you to make edits on the go!
Our team has worked with hundreds of PA school applicants within the Google Drive environment, and we have had enormous success.
The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
I have set up two options that I hope will offer everyone a chance to participate:
- One-of-a-kind, confidential, paid personal statement review service
- A collaborative, free one (in the comments section)
Private, One-On-One Personal Statement Review Service
If you are interested in the paid service, you may choose your plan below.
The Personal Statement Review Service is:
- Behind closed doors within a private, secure network using Google Drive.
- It is completely interactive, meaning we will be able to provide real-time comments and corrections using the Google Drive interface.
- Telephone consultations are included with all edits above the single edit level. It’s often hard to communicate exactly what you want hundreds of miles away; for this reason, we offer the option to edit right along with us over the telephone while sharing in real-time over Google Drive. This is an option available to all our paid clients who purchase above the single edit level.
- We provide both revision and editing of all essays. What’s the difference? See below
- We will provide feedback, advice, and help with brainstorming and topic creation if you would like.
- We will help with a “final touch-up” before the big day, just in case your essay needs a few minor changes.
Why Choose Our Service?
- It’s not our opinion that matters. We have gone the extra step and personally interviewed PA school administrators from across the US to find out exactly what they think makes a personal statement exceptional.
- We are a team of PAs and professional writers, having worked over ten years with PA school applicants like yourself, providing countless hours of one-on-one editing and revision.
- Our clients receive interviews, and many go on to receive acceptance into their PA School of choice.
Because we always give 100%, we will open the essay collaborative for a limited number of applicants each month and then close this depending on the amount of editing that needs to be done and the time that is available.
Our goal is not quantity but quality. We want only serious applicants who are serious about getting into PA school.
Writing is not a tool like a piece of software but more like how a photograph can capture your mood. It’s more like art. The process of developing a unique, memorable personal statement is time-intensive, and it takes hours to compose, edit, finalize, and personalize an essay.
As Antoinette Bosco once said:
And this is why I am charging for this service. We love helping people find stories that define their lives, and we love helping individuals who have the passion to achieve their dreams. It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when an applicant writes back to tell me they were accepted into PA school.
There is no price tag I can place on this; it’s the feeling we get when we help another human being. It’s just like providing health care. But this takes time.
Interested? Choose your plan below.
Read more client testimonials.
Free Personal Statement Review
Post your essay in the comments section for a free critique
We want to make this opportunity available to everyone who would like help with their essay, and that is why we are offering free, limited feedback on the blog.
You post your essay in the comments section, and you will get our critique. It is that easy. We will try to give feedback to every single person who posts their COMPLETE essay here on this blog post in the comments section.
Also, by posting your comment, we reserve the right to use your essay.
We will provide feedback on essays that are complete and fit the CASPA requirements (View CASPA requirements here). We will not provide feedback on partial essays or review opening or closing statements. Your essay will be on a public platform, which has both its benefits and some obvious drawbacks. The feedback is limited, but we will try to help in any way we can.
Note: Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, I will delete your stuff. Otherwise, have fun, and thanks for adding to the conversation! And this should go without saying: if you feel the need to plagiarize someone else’s content, you do not deserve to go to PA school.
* Also, depending on the time of year, it may take me several weeks to reply!
We love working with PA school applicants, but don't just take our word for it!
How to submit your essay for the paid service
If you are serious and would like to have real, focused, and personalized help writing your personal statement, please choose your level of service and submit your payment below.
After you have submitted your payment, you will be redirected to the submissions page, where you can send us your essay as well as any special instructions. We will contact you immediately upon receipt of your payment and essay so we may begin work right away.
Pricing is as follows:
Choose your plan, then click "Buy Now" to submit your essay, and we will get started right away!
Every purchase includes a FREE digital copy of our new 100-page eBook, How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement, Our 101 PA School Admission Essays e-book, the expert panel audiobook, and companion workbook. This is a $65 value included for free with your purchase.
All credit card payments are processed via PayPal over a secure HTTPS server. Once your payment is processed, you will be immediately redirected back to the essay submission page. There, you will submit your essay along with some biographical info and all suggestions or comments you choose to provide. You will receive immediate confirmation that your essay has been securely transmitted as well as your personal copy of "How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement." Contact [email protected] if you have any questions, comments, or problems - I am available 24/7.
The hourly service includes your original edit and one-on-one time over Google Drive. It is simple to add more time if necessary, but you may be surprised at what a difference just a single edit can make. We find our four-hour service to be the most effective in terms of time for follow-up and full collaboration. We are open to reduced-rate add-ons to suit your individual needs.
Writing and Revision
All writing benefits from rewriting when done well.
When you are in the process of writing a draft of an essay, you should be thinking first about revision, not editing.
What’s the difference?
Revision refers to the substantial changing of text. For example, it may include re-organizing ideas and paragraphs, providing additional examples or information, and rewriting a conclusion for clarity.
Editing, on the other hand, refers to correcting mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
On all submissions, we perform both revision and editing.
How to submit your PA school essay for the FREE editing service
Follow the rules above and get to work below in the comments section. I look forward to reading all your essay submissions.
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C
View all posts in this series
- How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay
- The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
- Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?
- 7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, “A PA Changed My Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, “I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, “She Smiled, Said “Gracias!” and Gave me a Big Hug”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, “I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, “Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, “That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, “I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.”
- Physician Assistant Personal Statement Workshop: “To say I was an accident-prone child is an understatement”
- 9 Simple Steps to Avoid Silly Spelling and Grammar Goofs in Your PA School Personel Statement
- 5 Tips to Get you Started on Your Personal Essay (and why you should do it now)
- How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement The Book!
- How to Write “Physician Assistant” The Definitive PA Grammar Guide
- 101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book!
- 5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle
- 7 Tips for Addressing Shortcomings in Your PA School Personal Statement
- The #1 Mistake PRE-PAs Make on Their Personal Statement
- The Ultimate PA School Personal Statement Starter Kit
- The Ultimate Guide to CASPA Character and Space Limits
- 10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer
- 5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School
- 7 Questions to Ask Yourself While Writing Your PA School Personal Statement
- 101 PA School Applicants Answer: What’s Your Greatest Strength?
- 12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement
- 7 Rules You Must Follow While Writing Your PA School Essay
- You Have 625 Words and 2.5 Minutes to Get Into PA School: Use Them Wisely
- What’s Your #1 Personal Statement Struggle?
- 31 (NEW) CASPA PA School Personal Statement Examples
- How to Prepare for Your PA School Interview Day Essay
- Should You Write Physician Associate or Physician Assistant on Your PA School Essay?
- Meet the World’s Sexiest PA School Applicants
- PA School Reapplicants: How to Rewrite Your PA School Essay for Guaranteed Success
- How to Write a Personal Statement Intro that Readers Want to Read
- PA School Reapplicant Personal Statement Checklist
- How to Deal with Bad News in Your Personal Statement
- Inside Out: How to use Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling to Improve your PA Personal Statement
- Ratatouille: A Pixar Recipe for PA School Personal Statement Success
- Personal Statement Panel Review (Replay)
- Mind Mapping: A Tool for Personal Statements, Supplemental Essays, and Interviews
- Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
- Elevate Your Personal Statement: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy for Impactful Writing
Chris L. says
While outside, I crane my neck up at the tree branches above me, and I notice how they look like the bronchi of your lungs. I inhale deeply, smile, and think that trees are the lungs of our world, and they resemble the lungs within me and within all of us. It makes me feel connected to everyone around me. My enchantment with the interconnectedness of the body and our world has been a lifelong companion of mine. Science is the one subject that I enjoyed learning about and have a true fascination for. Due to my devotion, I attended Pennsylvania State University and met Professor Stepan, who encouraged me to explore my passion for sciences and individuals around me. She wrote me a letter of recommendation to Mount Nittany Medical Center; it was through this volunteer experience that I fell in love with the role of a physician assistant (PA).
At Mount Nittany, I shadowed the hospital staff and was in charge of bringing blood samples to the lab, discharging patients, and restocking rooms. My interest in medicine grew the more I was able to observe the hospital’s workflow– everyone working towards a common goal. After my shift, I would do my own research on what I saw that day. The more I saw in the hospital, the more I saw the interconnectedness of the human body and our larger world. After a few months, I noticed I gravitated toward shadowing the PAs. Their ability to work with a physician and still have the autonomy to make decisions that impact a patient’s treatment drew me into their unique role. The compassion, empathy, and knowledge that the PAs actively practiced with each of their patients taught me the positive influence that talking to a patient can have on their outcome. These traits and practices encompass the ideals that I aspire to embody as a future PA.
After graduating, I worked as a residential counselor at Telecare, a facility for people with behavioral health issues. Many of my patients had delusions and paranoia, and I would consistently work with them to establish their safety in the environment and my care. I led group sessions, taught healthy coping skills, dispensed medication, and monitored goal planning. These responsibilities cultivated my skills in leadership, problem-solving, and organization. One patient stands out to me – L, a man living with schizoaffective disorder. L was oftentimes disruptive, but he had made great progress on sleeping habits, emotional control, and personal hygiene. L demanded to leave the facility one night in a rage. Keeping my composure and relying on the relationship we had built, I calmed him enough to remind him of the progress we had made. Thankfully I was able to convince L to stay by modeling the empathy and patience that was demonstrated by the PAs I had previously shadowed. This was the first time I felt I made a real difference to a patient through our connection, and the interaction reaffirmed my desire to learn how the human body works, how it fails, and how to fix it as a PA.
The communication skills, attentiveness, and medical knowledge I gained as a residential counselor and a hospital volunteer helped me when I transitioned to Bay Medic as an EMT. In this role, I can seamlessly integrate myself into a healthcare team, further develop my leadership skills, and demonstrate critical thinking. I learned how to de-escalate potentially hostile situations while still providing comprehensive care, and I strive to keep clear communication with my patients to help alleviate the stress of being in an ambulance, inspired by the PAs I had shadowed. My confidence in treating patients continues to grow, and I feel a sense of pride in my work and the people I help treat. This fuels my desire to continue my education as a PA and learn more ways to treat patients.
Now when I walk into a hospital, I feel a sense of interconnectedness similar to the way I feel when I look skyward at the treetops above me. Through my experiences at Mount Nittany, Telecare, and Bay Medic, I gained a passion for medicine and a deeper understanding of the hospital system that comes with these experiences. My dedication to medicine and treating patients continues to expand the more I work and learn. Becoming a PA will showcase my compassion, unique knowledge, and patience in a way that serves the betterment of my community. Acceptance into this program would allow me to expand my understanding of medicine, create a long-term impact on patients’ lives, and form strong and supportive connections with a healthcare team.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. You do a nice job demonstrating your passion for medicine and patient care through sharing key experiences that have shaped your journey. I have a few suggestions to help strengthen your essay:
Opening:
Body:
Conclusion:
Other:
Overall, your essay shows great potential and your dedication shines through. Making the examples and language a bit more specific and vivid in places will help it stand out.
If you’d like more detailed feedback and guidance as you revise, I encourage you to check out our personal statement editing services. Our team of experienced editors would be happy to work with you one-on-one to refine your essay.
Best of luck with your application!
Stephen
Ashlynn says
My journey into medicine began in middle school when, at the age of 11, I was diagnosed with having a ruptured disc in my lower spine. It took several visits with different providers before we were able to receive an exact diagnosis. This was a challenging time for me, and one that was marked by both pain and confusion. Amidst the uncertainty, I felt unexpectedly comfortable alongside the healthcare workers I had come to know, as they led me away from my parents and toward the operating room. This feeling of solace that I found in a hospital setting would follow me all throughout my life, marking the healthcare environment as a beacon of hope and healing, with the healthcare team serving as its heroes. Little did I know, this pivotal moment in my childhood would ignite a lifelong passion for healthcare and medical science.
As I grew older, I became increasingly captivated by science and its role as the foundation for both medicine and healing. While volunteering in an emergency department, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of medical intervention in the life of a patient who had been admitted with uremia. This patient, who I will call Mary, appeared to be very confused and distressed. She could hardly keep her eyes open, as I watched the nurses and clinicians rush to her side. Almost no time had passed before a dialysis line was placed and the machine began to filter the toxins from Mary’s blood. I watched in awe at the ability of this manmade product to act as a synthetic kidney, offering a lifeline to someone who may otherwise have no means for survival. After expressing this to a nearby clinician, her response was “We can be anything that anyone needs—whether that be a kidney, a heart, or a lung.” These words would fan the flames of my growing fervency for medicine.
Later, while shadowing a PA in oncology, I met a patient who I will call Carmen, a frail and somber woman who suffered from ovarian cancer and had recently relocated from Mexico City. Because Carmen only spoke Spanish, a remote interpreter was required for the PA to speak with her. Although the need for an interpreter made for a timely visit, and the clinic was bustling with other patients, I observed as the PA settled into a conversation with Carmen. By the end of their visit, Carmen was a different person. I was astonished at her change in demeanor, now grinning from ear to ear and the touch of life on her cheeks. Although they did not speak the same language, the PA gripped Carmen’s hand and assured her that she was not in this fight alone. Her dedication to her patients was transformative to me, as I recognized that becoming a PA would allow me to provide others with the same exceptional care and support that I had received as a patient.
Currently, I am gaining valuable experience as a research coordinator in pulmonology, where I work daily with patients suffering from severe asthma and COPD. My position has demanded that I give my best each day—prepared to think critically, communicate efficiently, and contribute to my team. Countless patients enter our clinic for participation in clinical trials and, oftentimes, they are seeking out means to affordable medical care. Many individuals have confessed to me that they have not seen a doctor in years, suffering from uncontrolled hypertension, untreated diabetes, and other chronic diseases. I want to be a PA so that I can utilize my role as a clinician to advocate and provide medical care for underserved populations, regardless of their situation. Patient advocacy and health education are essential to preventing disease and will ultimately help to save lives.
My time working on clinical trials has brought me invaluable patient experiences, strengthened my clinical skills, and furthered my understanding of the importance of research in practicing medicine. As a research coordinator, I am responsible for overseeing a large NIH study with upwards of 250 COPD patients. This position has taught me empathy and patience, while also gifting me with clinical skills, such as phlebotomy and medication administration. My exposure to research has allowed me to witness its power to advance medical knowledge and improve human outcomes by enabling healthcare professionals to deliver the most current and effective treatments, thereby instilling in me a deep appreciation for evidence-based medicine and our need for continued learning.
Choosing the PA profession is a decision rooted in a passion for healthcare built on diverse and meaningful experiences. As I reflect on my journey and the experiences that have led me to this point, I am confident in my decision to pursue a career as a PA. Each moment of my life, both personal and professional, has contributed to the person that I am today and the resolve that I have to enter this profession. I am committed and eager to embark on this fulfilling path to serving patients and contributing to the medical field as a physician assistant.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Ashlynn,
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. Your essay does an excellent job conveying your passion for medicine and illustrating key experiences that have shaped your journey to becoming a PA. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
Opening:
– Your childhood experience with a ruptured disc is a powerful way to start the essay. It immediately draws the reader in and sets the stage for your interest in medicine. Well done.
Body:
– The examples you provide, like witnessing the impact of dialysis on a patient and observing the PA’s compassionate care with Carmen, are very compelling. They showcase your understanding of the PA role and the power of patient-provider relationships.
– Your current experience as a research coordinator is also highly relevant. Consider elaborating a bit more on a specific patient interaction or two that exemplify the clinical skills you’ve gained and your drive to help underserved patients. Vivid details and dialogue can really make these moments come alive.
– Look for opportunities to connect your experiences and learnings even more directly to the specific attributes that will make you a great PA. You touch on important qualities like empathy, teamwork, and appreciating evidence-based medicine – expand on these a bit more if you can.
Conclusion:
– You do a nice job tying everything together and reiterating your commitment to the PA path. To make it even stronger, you could add a forward-looking element. What kind of PA do you hope to be? What impact do you want to have on patients’ lives? Ending with a vision for the future can leave the reader inspired.
Other:
– Overall, your writing is very clear and you have a great command of language. There are just a few spots where small edits could strengthen the flow. For example, varying sentence structure a bit in the 4th paragraph.
– If you need to tighten the essay to meet the word limit, look for any extraneous details that could be trimmed to let the most essential points shine.
In summary, this is a strong, heartfelt piece of writing that makes a compelling case for your fit with a PA program. With a little refining, it will serve you very well in the application process.
Wishing you all the best with your PA journey!
Sincerely,
Stephen
Shelby says
There was no single moment that inspired me to become a physician assistant. It was rather a combination of life experiences and people I met along the way that solidified my decision. During my childhood, my parents both worked as paramedics. Conversations at the dinner table were unusual compared to most. We talked about the calls they ran on their last shift- car accidents, shootings, heart attacks, and sometimes tooth aches. My jaw would drop over some of these stories, and other times I would laugh. I knew at a young age I wanted to be a part of this world, but I wasn’t sure where I would fit into it. I would learn in the coming years about the role of a physician assistant (PA), and that it was meant for me.
I met a PA for the first time when my father had a major spine surgery. My parents had divorced by this time, and I was an only child. Because of this, I was the only one available to care for him after his procedure. The PA introduced herself to me, and discussed the details of his surgery. She provided me with reassurance that everything went well, which I desperately needed because they were running an hour behind schedule. I was also nervous about being responsible for his care- it felt like the roles had swapped. But she spent time with me and made sure I understood what the coming days would look like and how to help my father avoid injury and infection. I was intrigued by her position as a healthcare provider and began researching what a physician assistant was and how to become one.
A few years later, I began my undergraduate journey as a first-generation college student. I jumped at the opportunity to intern with an orthopedic surgeon and his nurse practitioner, knowing that this would give me more insight into the profession I was pursuing. I was weak in the knees on my first day in the OR. Over time, I grew a stronger stomach for the procedures: knee replacements, bullet removals, bone realignments, and more. Over the course of observing these procedures, I began to understand the level of teamwork and autonomy expected from a PA. Other surgeons and physician assistants would rotate in for specific cases, sometimes with all hands involved. Afterwards, I would eat lunch quickly in my car, and then join the same team for appointments in the clinic. Here is where I saw the same kind of compassion afforded to me years prior. I remember an aspiring college athlete in tears, worried that his torn ACL would be the end of his career that hadn’t even started. I also remember a military service member with the same concern after sustaining two broken femurs in a skiing incident. I wanted to cry with them, but I knew that the surgeon and nurse practitioner along with their team would do everything in their power to help these patients. Sometimes, standing behind these providers in the rooms, I would imagine these patients were talking to me. It deeply motivated me to become the one they would place their trust in.
After graduation, I applied to PA school. My attempt was unsuccessful, as I did not have enough experience. This rejection was quite a blow to my confidence, however, looking in hindsight, it happened exactly the way it was supposed to. A series of events led me to move to California, and I began working as a physical therapy aide. The opportunity to work directly with patients and physical therapists created a full-circle experience combined with my previous internship. I needed to work with patients and not just watch patients be worked with. I assisted patients of all backgrounds and ages, and reflected on the fact that everyone deserves equal care and understanding. A number of the patients I worked with did not speak English, which made me realize the importance of learning another language in healthcare. Working in San Diego exposed me to many cultures, which I most likely wouldn’t have experienced back in my small southern hometown. But regardless of differences, it was rewarding to see any patient recover, and bittersweet to see them discharged.
The events leading up to now have fueled my confidence and motivation to become a physician assistant. If afforded the opportunity, I plan to emulate the types of providers I have not only learned from as a student and employee, but also those that have given me comfort in my own personal experiences.
Whitney Prosperi says
Shelby,
You effectively reveal how your path led you to the PA role.
I suggest condensing your essay so you can include some more information about why you are drawn to this profession. Include any other details about what exactly appeals to you about the PA role. (the ability to switch specialties, the opportunity to work independently as well as with a supervising physician, and collaboration with other providers?)
I would also include a patient care story from your time in CA that shows you in action connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to reveal some of the qualities that will make you a compassionate and effective PA.
Additionally, include any clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained through your different roles.
Lastly, if you have shadowed any PAs, describe that.
I wish you good luck, Shelby. Should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Tala says
There was a time in my adolescent life when I believed I could be the first Filipino player in the WNBA. My days consisted of waking up at 6:00 am to practice shooting in the park, rushing to school that started at 7:30 am, practicing with my club team for two hours after school, and finally, devouring my dinner so I could watch NBA and WNBA games. Growing up, my mother emphasized education and was strict about me performing well in school, hoping I would follow in her footsteps as a nurse, but my passion was always for the game. My work ethic and dedication helped me make my high school varsity team as a freshman. My sights on playing collegiate-level basketball were set until one fateful summer league game going into my senior year.
The cracks in my knee were deafening, and it felt like the entire arena went silent as I lay on the floor crying. I sustained a grade 3 anterior-cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and a partially torn meniscus. Although the blow was heartbreaking, my injury sparked my interest in the human body, and I began my journey to a career in medicine.
As a Filipino-American female, it is unsurprising that most of my family work in healthcare, particularly nursing. However, my athletic background and ability to communicate and engage well with others compelled me to seek a career emphasizing patient-provider relationships. My interest was fulfilled the day of my first orthopedic consult. When I first met PA Thai, I mistakenly addressed him as Dr. Thai. His knowledge to diagnose my injury and thoughtful treatment planning for my surgery and recovery time had me believe that he was the surgeon. After an understanding laugh, he corrected me and explained his role as a physician assistant (PA). With Thai’s commitment to my health and well-being, I persevered through my injury and witnessed firsthand how impactful a PA could be in a patient’s life. I sincerely appreciated his personable care and was inspired to pursue the PA profession to help others similarly.
When I started learning more about the profession, I admired how PAs provide supportive services to all communities, especially underrepresented communities. From a young age, I have been rooted in my Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) culture. For the past decade, I have volunteered with multiple organizations to address health disparities that many AANHPI populations suffer from. I have contributed to the cultural preservation of Polynesian people through community engagement and live educational performances, such as providing first aid at the annual Hoʻolauʻlea festival. I also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Los Angeles Foodbank with my hula hālau, packaging and distributing produce for the underprivileged. I have helped organize communal events for populations with disabilities and have participated in annual Thanksgiving food basket drives for the City of Stanton, CA, with my Japanese-American community service organization, Orange Coast Optimists Club (OCO). Through my involvement, I have established beautiful relationships and addressed healthcare inequalities, preparing me for the culturally diverse environments where a PA can provide service.
To gain medical experience and fully understand the role of a PA, I obtained my phlebotomy and medical assistant certifications and began working as a primary care medical assistant. As a medical assistant, I recognized the importance of empathy and understanding. Blood draws for many patients were incredibly nerve-racking, and I made it a point to display compassionate bedside manners to ease those with apparent stress. Despite their fear of needles, many appreciated my patience, gentle touch, and encouraging smile. Additionally, I was exposed to a broad range of conditions while shadowing PA Matt at Long Beach Urgent Care. As the sole medical provider, he emphasized adaptability and patient education to devise effective treatment plans and build rapport with patients while exemplifying expert, autonomous care.
Completing my undergraduate degree in Hawai’i sounds exciting; however, I did face personal challenges coupled with inexperience living so far away from home that hindered my grade performance. Going into my fourth application, I recognized my low GPA and took substantial measures to prepare myself for the academic rigor of PA school. I recently completed a Master’s degree in Medical Nutrition with exceptional grades, demonstrating an upward GPA trend and reaffirming my passion for science curriculum.
Although I won’t become the first pinay WNBA player, I am grateful for where my journey has taken me to pursue a fulfilling career as a PA. My experience with the disadvantaged deepened my sense of community. My healthcare exposure demonstrated how a PA can inspire care that simply says, “I see you, and I hear you.” With acceptance into your PA program, I can channel my passion for wellness and have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Whitney Prosperi says
Tala,
Your essay does a great job of communicating your journey to the PA path. You effectively convey how you discovered the role and how your commitment to your heritage and service makes this a perfect fit. You also skillfully address your GPA and its upward trend, as well as effectively placing that paragraph.
I suggest including any other clinical skills you have gained along the way. Additionally, I would include a short patient interaction story that shows you in action comforting an anxious patient before a blood draw.
Also, I would make the shadowing remarks into their own paragraph and elaborate here some more.
I wish you good luck, Tala. Should you want more help, remember that we are taking essay submissions for our revision service.
Tala says
Thank you so much for your insight! I greatly appreciate it.
Danielle Mason says
“Ethan? Ethan?! Someone call 911!” my mother yelled frantically as my younger brother appeared unresponsive and cyanotic. While waiting for additional support, my mother’s instincts as a pediatrician influenced her to remove my brother from the shopping cart in front of us, lay him on his back, and begin to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation all while I remained stagnant, fearful, and helpless. Between witnessing my mother’s heroic actions and experiencing this sense of helplessness, I knew I wanted a career path in medicine.
Unsure of my specific role in healthcare, I began a position as a medical laboratory technician in the surgical pathology department where I played an integral role in providing intraoperative diagnosis to patients undergoing surgical care. While working as part of a team of pathologists and surgeons, I have experienced countless heartbreaking surgical cases. In one particular case, we were presented with a tracheal resection from a woman who believed in natural medicine as a cure for her tumor. Due to her lack of confidence in current medicine, the tumor grew exponentially resulting in a blockage of the lumen of her trachea. Upon receiving the tracheal resection, we removed a section of the tumor and prepared histology slides to determine a diagnosis based on the microscopic anatomy of the tissue. After viewing the slides under a microscope, a diagnosis of malignancy was determined and communicated back to the surgeon either confirming or altering his course of action. For this case and many others, it was important that we worked accurately and efficiently as a team to provide a correct diagnosis to ensure the best patient care possible. My role as a medical laboratory technician has further enhanced my ability and sparked my interest in working as a member of a team in the healthcare setting.
Continuing to explore my role in healthcare, I created opportunities to shadow a variety of occupations and specialties. Among these opportunities, I was fortunate to gain beneficial insight from shadowing a physician in family medicine. This physician exemplified the rewarding aspects of a collaborative working relationship that a PA and medical doctor possess. When presented with a particular patient, the physician’s colleague approached him looking for advice on the best treatment plan for plantar fasciitis. He recommended a variety of different stretches and steroid injections if there was no improvement. The presence of two medical professionals working together to optimize the health of the patient was admirable. This interaction between the physician and his colleague proved to me that a collaborative working environment would be most beneficial for me in my professional career.
In addition to an interprofessional collaborative relationship, as a future medical provider, I aim to build a trustworthy collaborative relationship with my patients where I can connect with them on a personal level. This goal of mine was inspired by an opportunity I had to shadow a PA in family medicine. As an extension of care of the physician, the PA demonstrated the advantage of having more time allotted to each patient. An increase in time gave him the opportunity to learn about each patient’s personal life and tailor his treatment plan to the lifestyle of the patient. When visiting with a middle-aged female who presented with significant weight loss and low blood pressure, the PA inquired about her personal life. He had prescribed her medication to treat her anxiety; however, she was also using smoking as a coping mechanism to deal with her recent father’s passing. After much discourse, the PA helped the patient come to the decision to quit smoking. Instead, he increased the dosage of her medication to treat the anxiety. Due to showing interest in her lifestyle, he was able to build a trustworthy two-way relationship with the patient. The difference that this approach created in patient care was unwavering.
Influenced by my previous involvement as a member of a team, the collaborative working environment that a PA possesses initially drew me to the role of a PA. However, shadowing ultimately confirmed my desire to become one. Shadowing a variety of roles allowed me to see the difference in creating a personal relationship with the patient that PAs are often awarded. As a future PA, I aspire to provide the best patient care possible where I can connect with the patient personally while utilizing a collaborative interprofessional relationship. I cannot wait to look back at the little girl sitting on her mother’s lap in the ambulance and tell her, “Soon you will no longer feel helpless or stagnant.”
Danielle mason says
“Ethan? Ethan?! Someone call 911!” my mother yelled frantically as my younger brother appeared unresponsive and cyanotic. While waiting for additional support, my mother’s instincts as a pediatrician influenced her to remove my brother from the shopping cart in front of us, lay him on his back, and begin to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation all while I remained stagnant, fearful, and helpless. Between witnessing my mother’s heroic actions and experiencing this sense of helplessness, I knew I wanted a career path in medicine.
Unsure of my specific role in healthcare, I began a position as a medical laboratory technician in the surgical pathology department where I played an integral role in providing intraoperative diagnosis to patients undergoing surgical care. While working as part of a team of pathologists and surgeons, I have experienced countless heartbreaking surgical cases. In one particular case, we were presented with a tracheal resection from a woman who believed in natural medicine as a cure for her tumor. Due to her lack of confidence in current medicine, the tumor grew exponentially resulting in a blockage of the lumen of her trachea. Upon receiving the tracheal resection, we removed a section of the tumor and prepared histology slides to determine a diagnosis based on the microscopic anatomy of the tissue. After viewing the slides under a microscope, a diagnosis of malignancy was determined and communicated back to the surgeon either confirming or altering his course of action. For this case and many others, it was important that we worked accurately and efficiently as a team to provide a correct diagnosis to ensure the best patient care possible. My role as a medical laboratory technician has further enhanced my ability and sparked my interest in working as a member of a team in the healthcare setting.
Continuing to explore my role in healthcare, I created opportunities to shadow a variety of occupations and specialties. Among these opportunities, I was fortunate to gain beneficial insight from shadowing a physician in family medicine. This physician exemplified the rewarding aspects of a collaborative working relationship that a PA and medical doctor possess. When presented with a particular patient, the physician’s colleague approached him looking for advice on the best treatment plan for plantar fasciitis. He recommended a variety of different stretches and steroid injections if there was no improvement. The presence of two medical professionals working together to optimize the health of the patient was admirable. This interaction between the physician and his colleague proved to me that a collaborative working environment would be most beneficial for me in my professional career.
In addition to an interprofessional collaborative relationship, as a future medical provider, I aim to build a trustworthy collaborative relationship with my patients where I can connect with them on a personal level. This goal of mine was inspired by an opportunity I had to shadow a PA in family medicine. As an extension of care of the physician, the PA demonstrated the advantage of having more time allotted to each patient. An increase in time gave him the opportunity to learn about each patient’s personal life and tailor his treatment plan to the lifestyle of the patient. When visiting with a middle-aged female who presented with significant weight loss and low blood pressure, the PA inquired about her personal life. He had prescribed her medication to treat her anxiety; however, she was also using smoking as a coping mechanism to deal with her recent father’s passing. After much discourse, the PA helped the patient come to the decision to quit smoking. Instead, he increased the dosage of her medication to treat the anxiety. Due to showing interest in her lifestyle, he was able to build a trustworthy two-way relationship with the patient. The difference that this approach created in patient care was undeniably evident.
Influenced by my previous involvement as a member of a team, the collaborative working environment that a PA possesses initially drew me to the role of a PA. However, shadowing ultimately confirmed my desire to become one. Shadowing a variety of roles allowed me to see the difference in creating a personal relationship with the patient that PAs are often awarded. As a future PA, I aspire to provide the best patient care possible where I can connect with the patient personally while utilizing a collaborative interprofessional relationship. I cannot wait to look back at the little girl sitting on her mother’s lap in the ambulance and tell her, “Soon you will no longer feel helpless or stagnant.”
Whitney Prosperi says
Danielle,
You do a great job describing how your shadowing experience influenced your decision to pursue the PA route and what specifically appeals to you about the profession. Also, great job in your conclusion tying back to your introductory story.
I suggest including any clinical skills you have gained throughout your different roles. Additionally, I would include a patient care story that shows you in action providing care of some kind while connecting with a patient on a personal level. You want to show what qualities you possess that will make you an effective PA.
Should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Danielle.
Scott says
It was the day of my second-grade Christmas party and instead of participating in my class’s holiday gift exchange I was in this all too bright and cold room, waiting to have my tonsils removed. I was mad at my parents that day. I was thinking in my head, “why in the world would they make me get surgery today out of all the days in the year?” Just when I thought my morning could not get worse I found out I have received a pencil kit for my gift, I was certainly not thrilled. Looking back now fifteen years later, I was certainly being over-dramatic, but that day left a lasting impact on me in a unique way. I was so scared to have these doctors I just met remove my tonsils. I had no idea what a tonsil was and why did it need to be removed. My nervousness must have been evident to my medical team, and a lady approached me and introduced herself as my physician assistant and gave me a coloring book. She sat down next to me and flipped through the pages with me until I found the page I liked and colored with me for the next ten minutes. During that time, she asked me about myself, what I looking forward to during the upcoming holiday, and she helped me get over my uneasiness about my upcoming surgery and reassured me that my medical team would take great care of me. As I was being wheeled into surgery, she held my hand and told me that I was strong and would handle the surgery fine. I will be forever grateful to that physician assistant who took the time to sit with me and answer all my questions so I could feel comfortable with my surgery. This unprecedented compassion for a stranger in what first piqued my interest in pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
In my journey to find a career path, I frequently remembered his experience from second grade, and with my love for science, I felt drawn to the medical field. During my junior year in high school, I became a youth volunteer for The Crozer-Keystone Health System. It was in this role I had another unforgettable experience, but this time it was a patent leaving an impact on me. During one of my rounds of checking in on patients to see if they needed any snacks, water, blankets, or a book to read, I had a patient ask if I could just sit with him and talk. I pulled up a chair and we talked about our families, what his passions were and what I would like to do in the future. At the end of our conversation, he told me I helped him more than I could ever understand. I asked him how as I did not help his condition. His response was that I took the time to learn who he was a person.
With these experiences in mind, I wanted to find a career that would allow me to help patients in this patient-centered way. This is how I found the profession of a physician assistant. One of the most crucial aspects that drew me to the profession is the way physician assistants genuinely care about their patients as individuals, not merely as a collection of symptoms or injuries. They listen attentively to their patients, provide a listening gear, and emotional support, recognizing that healing goes beyond physical ailments.
During my junior year in college I had the opportunity to volunteer in Guatemala with The Global Medical Brigades. I saw a lot of patients during my time in Guatemala. During that time I was able to work with many different healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and physician assistants. We had patients (some that had never seen a doctor in their life) coming in that were: overweight, underweight, high blood pressure, cuts to their bodies, and all kinds of dental problems. The physician assistants were the ones who were with the patients the entire time. I was able to watch and see how they talked and created a safe and caring environment for them. With the help of the physician assistants I was able to show the families how to properly brush and floss their teeth, use soap and shampoo to wash themselves, how to properly clean any cuts, and apply bandages to keep the cuts from getting infected. I was able to prepare a bag with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and bandages so they could use in the future at the end of their appointment.
More recently I have been working as a medical assistant at a primary care office with a group of doctors and physician assistants. I gained hands-on expense assisting in procedures including conducting vital checks, run EKGs, etc. I also took the opportunity to shadow our physician assistants during our clinics, where I saw how the PAs conducted their examinations, diagnosed the medical condition, and prescribed the required medication or treatment. I was able to see a different side of the medical field, one in which the medical assistant, PAs, and physicians work as a team to help the patient. What stood out to me is how much independence the physician assistants have, while still having the support of the physicians, and the ability to spend more time with patients allowing them to build a connection with each patient that will help the PA diagnose, treat, and educate.
As a physician assistant, I would be involved in their entire healthcare journey from diagnosis, discussing treatment options, and following up on their progress. The human connection forged between a physician assistant and their patient’s fosters trust and empowers individuals to actively participate in their treatment, leading to better overall well-being. These are skills I will take with me to in my career as a physician assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Scott,
Your introduction effectively reveals your first exposure to the PA field.
I suggest expanding on any other clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained throughout your different roles. Additionally, include any other facets of what appeals to you about the PA profession specifically. (the ability to switch specialties, working independently as well as with a supervising physician, and collaborating with other providers)
Lastly, make sure you thoroughly read your essay for grammar, etc. I noticed the word patent instead of patient in the second paragraph.
Should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Scott.
Abbey says
Barbie, zebras, Taylor Swift, Disney. Everyone was turning 13, and the birthday party themes of my neighborhood friends were abundant. When my mother asked if and how I wanted to celebrate I knew my answer: yes, and with a medical theme. I proudly prepared a C-section game station with bowls of jell-o and a buried sour patch kid, and a neurosurgery station with bowls of macaroni noodles plus an invading Skittle. At 14, I hurried home from a swim meet to unbox my suture kit I had ordered online so that I could teach myself the skill off of YouTube. My initial lens for medicine was full of excitement, for there was so much to learn. Little did I know that this early fascination with medicine would evolve into a profound journey, marked by moments of joy, challenges, and personal losses.
My view of medicine swifty matured with the harsh realities of personal losses. Actively caring for both my grandmother, who battled Alzheimer’s, and my grandfather, who suffered from brain cancer, laid bare the profound challenges of supporting and comforting individuals grappling with debilitating illnesses. Navigating the complexities of their care not only deepened my empathy but also solidified my passion for becoming a Physician Assistant. Witnessing firsthand the impact healthcare providers can have in alleviating suffering and providing compassionate support became a driving force. Medicine, once a source of joy, transformed into a complex tapestry of human suffering and resilience, compelling me to discover my place within the healthcare realm.
I began volunteering in downtown Indianapolis at a level-one trauma center, which again redefined what I knew about medicine. Room-to-room, I asked patients in the acuity adaptable unit if there was anything I could do or get for them. Most asked for water, and that was an easy request to fill. My feet stopped, however, when I reached the room with a uniformed police officer and the conspicuous orange sign that read “Warning, do not enter without direct supervision.” I asked the officer if I was allowed to enter, and he nodded yes. Fearful of the unknown but committed to my responsibilities as a patient volunteer, I entered the room. Before I even asked the woman if I could bring her anything, a smile beamed across her entire face. I realized it wasn’t the easy request of water or a snack that she needed, but human compassion. This was the moment I realized medicine was so much more than textbook science. It wasn’t just about medical procedures and diagnoses; it was about understanding the human experience, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and offering compassion. In the heart of the city, surrounded by diverse individuals, I gained a new awareness and appreciation for the cultural complexities and differences within healthcare.
I found a passion to expand my understanding of culture as it relates to medicine. Minoring in Global and Cultural Perspectives has provided me with a unique lens that has prepared me to be a culturally educated provider, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Navigating the move from urban Indianapolis to rural Alabama has been a large part of my character development and growing confidence in my ability to become a PA. Learning about the cultural past of the state of Alabama, including the syphilis studies and the introduction of opioids due to educational disparities, opened my eyes to the systemic challenges within healthcare. As my academic journey unfolded, life continued to intertwine with my pursuit of becoming a PA.
Shadowing a PA in an orthopedic urgent care deepened my understanding of the multifaceted role. Coinciding with my desire for new experiences and knowledge, I most appreciated the diverse first-hand experiences he shared with me about his time working as a provider in multiple different specialties. PA Arie demonstrated confidence in his ability to critically think, while delivering patient care with a warmth that seemed to calm patients. He let his humanity shine through, embodying genuine empathy while delivering critical patient education.
I was reminded of the officer-guarded patient I had encountered who yearned only for kindness. The impact of genuine human interaction meant so much more than the act of providing a helpful service. Ever since that interaction, I have intentionally made choices to develop the qualities crucial for a PA- sociability, emotional and mental strength, and self-aware leadership. Observing the autonomy PA Arie possessed in his interactions with his patients while also having the resource of a team was a memorable realization that clarified my passion. This career encompasses a perfect combination of my passions for patient care, collaboration, and the ability to educate.
Life’s lessons have guided me to intertwine learning and gratitude in the pursuit of medicine. My time as a wellness clinic assistant provided the opportunity to connect with people from so many walks of life. Taking vitals and providing care to patients who wanted to focus on more preventative health measures, to patients who were suffering from cancer and trying to optimize their overall health. I am grateful for the position I am currently in. I am grateful for the real life experiences and unique academic background that have readily equipped me to become a compassionate PA who values patient advocacy. In the intersection of cultures and medicine, I am not just aspiring to be a Physician Assistant; I am eager to build a bridge that spans compassion across every divide, ensuring that in the world of healthcare, no one is left on the other side of understanding.
Whitney Prosperi says
Abbey,
You effectively reveal your journey toward the physician assistant role. (By the way, this is not capitalized unless beginning a sentence.) 🙂
I would include more description of the clinical skills and medical knowledge you have gained throughout your different roles. You want to show how each of these jobs has prepared you to take the next step into a rigorous PA program.
Should you need more help, remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Abbey.
Bre says
I’ve always had a zeal for helping others. No singular moment compelled me to become a physician assistant, but the culmination of these events throughout my life has led me to aspire to be a PA.
My mom has always been my inspiration, as she suffers with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 Diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and a herniated disc causing pain. Growing up, I did not always have my mom present due to her health struggles, causing her to miss out on milestones. While on family vacation at the age of seven, my mom’s blood sugar dropped low enough to cause her to seize, waking up our family with her body hitting the condo floor. I remember thinking this incident was a nightmare. Most children at this age do not even know what glucose levels are, let alone how to administer a glucagon pen or watch for signs of low/high blood sugar. However, I had to learn this information at a young age to ensure my mom’s safety in the future. Because of my mom, every patient I care for I picture it being her and provide the utmost care.
Another defining moment transpired at the age of eight, when during recess my friend’s pant leg got tangled on a foothold on the climbing wall and I rushed to get help to rescue her. Due to this incident, I have always prepared for the unexpected and to respond in an urgent manner when needed. As a PA, I know I will need to be able to respond to my patients’ needs with this same preparedness and urgency.
At the age of ten years old, I learned that my cousin, Harley, was diagnosed with Autism, and would need special care throughout his lifetime. Being an only child at the time, I felt it was my role to be his protector, thus I do respite care and volunteer for those with disabilities. Seeing my cousin talk, write, or even play sports has shown me to never underestimate someone due to their disability or difference. These experiences with my cousin have helped shape the care I provide my patients, allowing me to connect to them on a deeper level and understand how best to provide care.
While away at summer camp, I received the news that my grandpa was in a coma and unlikely to recover. Seeing my grandpa in a hospital bed intubated and unconscious taught me the importance of patient education and that health is a blessing not a guarantee. If he had only known the symptoms he was experiencing were a sign of kidney failure, then this may have been prevented. This experience with my grandpa taught me to never take one’s health for granted, and the importance of educating patients on symptoms of common diseases to help identify when something is wrong with themselves.
As a sixteen year old lifeguard, I rescued a drowning child and performed compressions on his tiny frail body. At this moment, It was up to me to resuscitate this child and keep him alive until EMS arrived. Watching a child who swam too deep and couldn’t save himself or be saved by his parents left an unsettling feeling. Sometimes circumstances are out of our control, but the way we respond is entirely up to us.
Previously, my professor assigned my class to present a research paper on any topic. Without hesitation, I chose to research and present the topic “Why Healthcare Should be Accessible for All People”, which revealed my passion for advocating for others. I will serve as an advocate for my patient’s needs and concerns as a PA. At the minimum, even if I cannot find a solution, my patients will know that I care about them and will continue to advocate for them.
Working in the ED, I experience many emotions and situations that are unimaginable. But one that stuck was seeing the relief on a family’s face being notified their child was stable after being involved in a fatal crash. Providing patients and their families with support, hope, and closure is something I will do daily as a PA. Recognizing the mere effect I had on the patient’s life being part of the care team is something that I never forget and why I keep doing what I do.
Recently, my own health deteriorated from depression, anxiety, and ADHD, leaving me to experience the importance of a positive patient-provider relationship. Anne Parrish PA-C is a provider that helps care for patients in more ways than meets the eye. From being a shoulder to cry on or sharing her cell number to me, this relationship has inspired me to treat my patients likewise helping both their physical and mental health.
All these experiences have contributed to fuel my passion for my future as a PA. Caring for others is something that’s come natural for me, and I always find myself choosing others’ needs over my own. I strive to be the voice for someone unheard. I want to be the motion for someone neglected or dismissed. The answer for something unknown and to be determined. I hope to be a provider that intends to do more than give medical care to patients but to build a relationship and support them. I may not be able to save all the world’s problems, find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, or save every patient but I hope to make an impact, contribute to change, understand, and empathize with each person I care for.
Whitney Prosperi says
Bre,
Your empathy and compassion shine throughout your stories. With that said, I suggest condensing where you can throughout your essay so that you can include some crucial elements to your journey. I would open with one strong story and then touch on the others briefly. This will leave room for you to expand on the reasons you are pursuing the PA profession.
Next, I would include a paragraph that describes why you are choosing the PA role over another type of provider. Is it more time/contact with patients? The ability to switch specialties or the chance to work autonomously as well as with a provider?
Also, include any clinical experience and medical knowledge you have gained that has prepared you to take the next step toward a rigorous PA program.
You will also want to describe any shadowing experience you have had. Was there an interaction between PA/patient or PA/supervising physician that solidified your decision?
Lastly, while it is unfortunate, some ill-informed people do hold bias toward the mention of depression and anxiety. While I applaud your candor, I think in this case I would hold back those comments.
I wish you good luck, Bre. Should you want more help, we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Claudia Guerrero says
After working as a CNA for over a year, it may surprise you that one of my favorite memories is because of a wedding. I remember Jamie, a 58-year-old facing a colostomy due to diverticulitis, who eagerly anticipated her discharge to prepare for her daughter’s wedding. As I took her vitals and drew morning labs, we discussed dress options, shared laughter amidst her worries, and exchanged wedding stories, as my cousin had gotten married just weeks prior. Above all, seeing Jamie leave and beaming about the upcoming wedding reinforced my desire to connect with patients, which is a cornerstone of my aspiration to become a physician assistant.
Observing PAs has further fueled my passion. In preparing to reapply this cycle, I seized every learning opportunity I could during my CNA shifts – assisting with dressing changes, talking to surgical PAs during rounds, and closely observing PA assessments. One memorable encounter was with Brandon, a 60-year-old recovering from a tracheostomy, and his bubbly, charismatic wife, a loved couple on the unit. One night, she peered her head into the hallway to tell me that he had fallen out of bed, immediately instigating all nurses and care partners to run into the room and help. We found him kneeling at the bedside and getting an earful from his wife, both to chide him for getting out of bed alone and to tease him about the “perfect prayer position” he had fallen into. Once Bri, the thoracic team PA, arrived, I watched her effortlessly calm Brandon and his wife with a combination of expert assessment and gentle conversation. Bri’s ability to create a safe space by listening to their worries while delivering efficient, compassionate care inspired me. Shadowing Kayla, a weight loss clinic PA, further highlighted this approach. On my first day shadowing her, Kayla described herself as her ‘patients’ cheerleader’. Every day, she celebrates their weight loss, goes through their 5-page lab report, and asks what they did over the weekend, all within a 15-minute appointment. Seeing the positive impact of her empathetic energy on patients demonstrated to me the importance of compassionate care. Furthermore, she allowed me to experience being a part of a patient’s overall treatment journey. Before and after appointments, she would explain to me how and why she decided on certain treatment plans, as well as what led her to conclude diagnoses. Witnessing the diagnosis-to-treatment process ignited a deeper fulfillment beyond my CNA role. This strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a PA, as it would allow me to provide compassionate care throughout the entire healing process.
Beyond direct patient interaction, I honed my collaborative spirit as a peer facilitator. Envision dynamic classrooms transformed into hospital wards, with professors assuming the roles of seasoned physicians and peer facilitators (PFs) like me as their trusted physician assistants. I and other PFs actively collaborated with professors to find the best outcomes for students, sharing insights about where we believed students would struggle on the tutorial worksheets and how to help them overcome that. In these sessions, we would advocate for our students as if they were our patients, calling out any unclear wording in questions or missing information that could trip them up. Moreover, the PFs would collaborate on weekly PowerPoints and Kahoots to present to students that week, discussing how to make the tutorials more engaging and entertaining. Or, as Kayla would put it, we would plan on how to become our students’ cheerleaders. This experience instilled in me the value of open communication, trust, and teamwork – tenets I will contribute as a future PA and member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Furthermore, my insatiable curiosity drives me to explore complex medical cases during night shifts as a CNA. I have encountered a variety of medical conditions, from a laparoscopic hysterectomy that complicated to Necrotizing fasciitis to a severe brain hemorrhage that led to a lobectomy. From intricate surgeries to rare diagnoses, each patient’s journey expands my knowledge and fuels my desire to learn continuously. The ability to move specialties as a PA excites me, knowing I can then leverage newfound knowledge to better treat future patients.
I believe my drive to become a physician assistant stems from the fact that the profession embodies the perfect alignment of my passions for patient care, collaborative teamwork, and pursuit of knowledge. Inspired by the incredible PAs I have observed, I envision myself as a PA who is both a skilled clinician and active participant in diagnoses on a healthcare team; who provides compassionate, personalized care and continuously expands her medical knowledge. Above all, I hope to be a PA for patients like Jamie and follow them from the beginning of treatment to seeing photos of them attending their daughter’s weddings.
Whitney Prosperi says
Claudia,
Your passion to assist and elevate patients shines throughout your essay.
I suggest including more details about your work history and clinical experience. You want to show how each of those roles has prepared you to take the next step toward a rigorous PA program. Should you need more help remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Claudia.
Nadia Shibly says
Life is unpredictable. One day you are a well-known Cardiologist and the next you are diagnosed with encephalitis. This was the reality for my uncle. Umar was diagnosed when I began high school and initially why I was drawn to medicine. Desperate to offer him some relief, my family transferred him from a hospital in Indonesia, to another in Singapore and then again to Swedish in Seattle when I first saw his frail, helpless, body. Unable to walk on his own, feed himself or perform any daily activities without the assistance of medical staff or his family. I witnessed firsthand the collective efforts of PAs, Physicians and staff to provide care for him. The lack of skills and education to help him saddened me. But I dreamt that one day I would be the one to find a cure for him.
Fast forward to obtaining my bachelor’s through covid and quarantining, it led me to become an Admissions Service Coordinator at Seattle Childrens Emergency Department. As an ASC, I calmly registered patients who arrived by ambulance and by foot into our EPIC system, scheduled them for Xray’s and Urgent Care follow ups. I provided pediatric patients snacks and blankets to make their stay as comforting as possible. As happy as I was to have a foot in the door, I knew I wanted to provide the patients with more help than calling for the PA or Charge nurse to help them.
Working as an ASC felt like I was at the bottom of the totem pole. I obtained the chief complaint but lacked the skills to triage and provide care for the patient. This was when I left and became a Medical Assistant. I learned to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment rooming 15- 20 patients a day obtaining their chief complaints, blood pressure and other vitals to prepare them for the provider. On more interesting days, I draw blood for the providers Platelet Rich Plasma procedures, test A1cs or run flu/covid tests. Being an MA allowed me to meet patients who I made genuine connections with.
One patient came in reporting tingling in their legs. They were worried that this might be a problem as he and his wife were expecting their first child. Upon multiple opinions from past providers, the provider I worked for suggested an MRI. Unfortunately, the MRI was denied but he advocated for the patient’s sake and overturned the decision. Rightfully so, as they discovered a tumor in the cervical spine. The provider advocating for the patient and ensuring that they get their MRI is something I hope to do for my patients in my future practice as well.
After working as a Medical Assistant in primary care and through exposure at Seattle Childrens E.D, I wanted to become a Physician Assistant myself. To me becoming a Physician Assistant interests me as it allows me the knowledge and autonomy to diagnose and treat my own panel of patients but also the ability to work alongside a team.
As a PA, I would be able to develop a meaningful relationship with my patients. Thus, creating a sense of job satisfaction. Personally, understanding the patient’s story, their background and making them feel welcomed in the office is important when finding a diagnosis and treatment plan for them.
Whitney Prosperi says
Nadia,
Your desire to help patients such as your uncle shines throughout your essay.
I suggest condensing where you can to allow room for more elements that show how you are suited to the PA profession. You may want to reveal how you first discovered the PA role. Also, I suggest describing any shadowing experience you have had and how it confirmed your decision.
I would include a patient care story that shows you in action providing care of some kind while connecting on a personal level.
In your conclusion, I would tie back to the story in your introduction in some way.
I wish you good luck. Should you need more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Nadia says
My journey toward becoming a Physician Assistant was profoundly shaped by my uncle Umar. His sudden diagnosis of encephalitis during my high school years led my family to transfer him from Indonesia to Singapore and finally to Seattle. Witnessing his frail helpless state, I observed the collective efforts of doctors, nurses and PAs as they administered medications and monitored his vitals throughout the course of his treatment.
Although I lacked the skills at the time to assist my uncle, which saddened me, the experience fueled my desire to acquire the knowledge to understand his diagnosis and provide compassionate care to individuals facing similar challenges.
During my college years, I encountered various challenges. As a first-generation immigrant and an out- of- state student with severe testing anxiety, I navigated obstacles that impacted my grades. Working late nights at the school dining hall to cover expenses resulted in some of the lower grades. Despite these setbacks, I attended office hours, formed study groups and gradually overcame my testing anxiety. Through my unwavering determination and drive to become a PA, I persevered. My grades improved and I gained the confidence I needed to pursue my dream of entering the healthcare field.
During the Covid-19 pandemic I transitioned to the role of Admissions Service Coordinator at Seattle Children’s Emergency Department. In this position, I registered pediatric patients arriving by ambulance or by foot into the EPIC system, coordinated X-rays and scheduled urgent care follow ups and I also ensured the comfort of young patients and their families by providing snacks, blankets and anything that made their stay comfortable.
While I was grateful for the exposure to the healthcare world, I wanted to provide more direct care to patients beyond paging the PA or charge nurses to assist them. Recognizing the need for a role which provided more direct patient care and the skill to triage patients led me to become a Medical Assistant.
Through my time as an MA in both Primary Care and in Sports and Spine specialty I had the pleasure of meeting patient A, an 81 year old female who presented to the clinic with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. A sweet lady who desperately needed relief. During the year I have seen her, I took her vitals, drew up her medications, and sanitized the areas to be injected during her visits. However, her insurance consistently denied the next treatment plan, hyaluronic acid injection. For the last couple of months, I have submitted authorization after authorization and spoke with specialty pharmacy after pharmacy answering the same medical questions over and over in order to obtain a yes, when it came to her injections. Through this experience, I have experienced what it is like to advocate for patients and their care.
After working as a Medical Assistant in primary care and in Sports Medicine as well as through exposure at Seattle Children’s E.D, I want to become a Physician Assistant myself. Becoming a Physician Assistant interests me as it allows me the knowledge and autonomy to diagnose and treat my own panel of patients but also the ability to work alongside a team. Thus, creating a sense of job satisfaction. Not only would I be able to help people in one specialty, but it allows me the freedom and versatility to expand my knowledge and experience in different specialties as well. I have been fascinated by Neurology ever since my uncle was diagnosed. I learned about psychological disorders which could have led to his onset of encephalitis like post-traumatic stress disorder after his mother passed away from her fourth stroke. Understanding the patient’s story, their background and making them feel welcomed in the office is important when finding a diagnosis and treatment plan for them.
Ashlynn says
Since a young age, I have been driven by a deep-rooted passion for healthcare and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Having undergone my first neurosurgery at the age of 11, I became familiar with the role of medical professionals in a way that was very personal, and impactful, in my development. Through my own journey to health, a compassionate and knowledgeable Physician Assistant (PA) played a pivotal role in acting as my guide and companion. Not only did she provide exceptional care, but she also took the time to explain each step of the process, helping me to understand and navigate the complexities of an unusual childhood condition. Witnessing her dedication was transformative to me and ignited a desire within me to become a PA myself.
I was always fascinated by the intricacies of the human body and its potential for healing. This fascination, combined with an innate empathy and desire to help others, has propelled me toward a career in medicine. Throughout my academic journey, I meticulously planned my coursework to yield a strong foundation in the sciences and my experiences to reflect on my acquired skills. Though the curriculum was rigorous, and I experienced unforeseen challenges along the way, my trials only drove me deeper into my commitment to a career in medicine. My reward was a solid understanding of the human body, and the discipline and resilience necessary to excel in demanding academic environments.
My time in college allowed me to take advantage of opportunities to provide further insight into the career of a PA. Months after a second neurosurgery that occurred during my junior year of college, I was given the opportunity to witness firsthand the crucial role that the PA plays in direct patient care. I sought the opportunity to shadow a PA working in cardiology and spent my summer alongside him. The ability that he had to connect with his patients, understand their concerns, and provide comprehensive support resonated with me deeply. I recognized that becoming a PA would allow me to provide others with the same exceptional care and support that I received as a patient.
In addition to my drive for excellent patient care, I hold medical research in high regard. This conviction began as an undergraduate student, and was strengthened during my time in graduate school, where I continued to investigate my love for research. I was privileged to work in a translational medicine lab that focused on studying obesity in monkeys to better understand how to address the obesity epidemic that is prevalent in human health. My time in research allowed me to witness its power to advance medical knowledge and improve human outcomes, instilling in me a deep appreciation for evidence-based medicine and our need for continued learning.
It is my belief that integrating research into clinical practice enables healthcare professionals to deliver the most current and effective treatments. As a future PA, I aspire to bridge the gap between research and patient care, leveraging scientific knowledge to optimize treatment plans and broaden the options of all patients. Currently, I am gaining valuable experience as a research coordinator in pulmonology, where I work daily with patients suffering from severe asthma and COPD. This position has allowed me to witness the positive impact of clinical trials on patients’ lives. It is an honor to be able to see how research can lead to optimized treatment plans that enhance the quality of life for individuals with debilitating respiratory conditions. I believe that becoming a PA who values the role of research in innovative patient care will enable me to make a difference as a provider.
Choosing the PA profession is rooted in my passion for healthcare and research, as well as my understanding of the unique balance that it offers. I have seen that it is a career that demands ambition and dedication while emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries. This balance will allow me to provide the highest standard of care to my patients while also ensuring my own well-being, enabling me to be fully present in both my professional and personal life. As I reflect on my journey and the experiences that have led me to this point, I am confident in my decision to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. It encompasses my unwavering passion for healthcare and my dedication to advancing medical options through research. I am committed and eager to embark on this fulfilling path to serving patients and contributing to the medical field as a Physician Assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Ashlynn,
You do a good job of revealing your introduction to the PA role.
I suggest including more details about your work experience and any clinical skills gained within those different roles. Also, I would include a patient interaction so that we see some of the qualities you possess that will make you an effective PA. There is no need to capitalize physician assistant throughout your essay. 🙂 Also, you may want to lessen language referring to balance as that sometimes can come across as a bit self-serving. Should you need more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Ashlynn.
Takuma Izumi says
The summer before my freshman year of high school, I injured my right hip during a basketball game. After days of increasing pain, my mother decided to take me to a doctor. I went to my appointment hoping that, at best, the doctor could help me with a quick recovery. Little did I know this would mark the beginning of my obsession with the medical field. From my first visit, I was fascinated with the methods the doctor used to test my physical condition and pinpoint my injury — the diagnosis: a partially torn right hip flexor. The doctor advised me to stay away from any intense physical activity for six weeks. This was a tough pill to swallow, but my enthrallment for the experience overpowered it. Intrigued by the complexity of the human body, I signed up for several advanced science courses throughout high school. Before I could realize, I was committed to pursuing a career in the medical field.
As soon as I started college, I was eager to get a grasp on what it was like to work in the field. Following the COVID outbreak, I started a slow-paced job as a caregiver, which gave me flexibility with school. I learned to assist seniors with ADLs and, more importantly, communicate with them. Simultaneously, I was able to get lab research experience at school. I learned the importance of organizing data and information and taking detailed notes. Although I was not directly working with patients, I was intrigued by the idea that the research had implications on human health. After college, I worked as a medical assistant, which introduced me to the experience of working on a team in a fast-paced environment in the medical field. While working, I got the opportunity to shadow an orthopedic PA. I was fascinated by the observation of non-invasive procedures like hyaluronic acid injections and casting, as well as invasive procedures like hand surgery. My diverse experiences have become the foundation for my desire to become a PA.
The experience that impacted me the most was working as an EMT. I started on an IFT ambulance. Although these patients were considered to be stable, it was not guaranteed that they would remain stable throughout the transport. In one case, I picked up a patient who seemed deeply asleep. Upon receiving the report, I noticed several inconsistencies. Obvious signs of neglect were present. The patient would not awake, but my partner confirmed her vitals were stable enough to be transported. Although reluctant, I agreed to it. Halfway through the transport, I noticed a concerning drop in vitals. I repositioned the patient to a semi-sitting position to ensure an open airway and monitored her condition until arrival at the hospital. Once we arrived, the patient was immediately transported into the care of nurses and doctors. The curtains closed and our job was finished. This was when I began second-guessing my course of action. Did I take the right interventions? Bothered by the questions, I knew what I had to address.
Although I gained confidence in my patient assessments while working in an IFT ambulance, I was unable to develop my hands-on skills. In order to address this, I switched over to a local 911 ambulance company. Right off the bat, it was a completely different ball game. My first call was an overdose patient at a Burger King. As my partners and I walked into the store, we noticed a man lying unconscious on the floor. We rushed to the patient and began taking interventions. The patient was moved to the gurney and into the ambulance before I could process what was happening. At this moment, I learned I had to be sharp and efficient to excel in the field. Over time, I encountered a variety of scenarios and developed a myriad of skills, boosting my confidence. The moment I realized my growth was on a call for an overdose patient seven months later. While my partner and I prepared the patient for transport, the paramedic, who was an intern, performed his assessments. Everything went smoothly until we got to the back of the ambulance. The intern paramedic struggled to take initiative resulting in the lead paramedic having his hands full. All my skills were put to the test with the patient’s life in danger. While I prepared the 12-lead EKG with one hand, I obtained a blood sugar reading using a glucometer with the other. The lead paramedic acknowledged my efforts throughout the transport as we arrived at the hospital. The patient was moved to the bed, and this time I had no doubts in my mind.
I have taken the time to learn more about the PA profession to ensure it is the best career for me. The profession appeals to me specifically due to its lateral mobility. As a quick learner constantly seeking new stimulation, I am interested in working in multiple specialties, allowing me to serve a more diverse demographic of patients. Over the past few years, I have worked in several medical offices all providing me a different perspective on the medical field. This has shed light on the realities of the medical field that no one talks about. Nonetheless, I want to be a part of it and, more importantly, introduce and educate others about the fascinating world of medicine.
Whitney Prosperi says
Takuma,
You do a good job of revealing how your journey has progressed. I suggest including some of the skills that you mention you have gained in your different roles. You want to show how these positions have prepared you to take the next step into a rigorous PA program. Additionally, I would elaborate on your shadowing experience. Was there an interaction between the patient/PA or the supervising physician/PA that solidified your decision? If so, describe that. Lastly, for your conclusion, tie back to your introduction in some way. Should you need more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Takuma.
Elaine says
The bay doors slammed open, stretchers flew past me and into the trauma rooms. Two traumas at once, both falls, unrelated to each other. A young man, just 18, wore a thin red sweatshirt. His face was grey, obscured by intubation, and his head was bandaged but bleeding profusely. He had slipped on the 2-steps outside his front door and had yet to wake back up. In the second trauma room an older man, in his 40s, his face flushed. He tried to speak but it was incomprehensible. He was in his pajamas, a simple white t-shirt dirtied with mud and soaked grey sweats. He fell down a whole flight of stairs while intoxicated and briefly lost consciousness.
That night, the first night I shadowed in the emergency department as a college intern, I watched their families be contacted. The man in his 40s walked out of the ED, one arm slung over his husband’s shoulder, giggling with embarrassment at his drunken accident. The 18-year-old’s family was told of their son’s sudden death. I will never forget their shock and despair. That experience changed the course of my life. Ever since I have focused more on what makes my life meaningful and pushed myself to pursue that with everything I have.
In the three years since that experience, I have grown both personally and professionally more than I had ever previously thought possible. Due to economic pressure, my interest in exploring healthcare had to pause briefly in favor of immediate employment after graduating. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before I was offered the opportunity to lead the internship program that I had participated in. I have since delved into patient care at every chance available to me, during research tasks, as an EMT part-time, and in shadowing an array of healthcare professionals. I learned that the PA role spends time with the patient independently and makes care decisions with the advice of an attending where needed. I knew right away that establishing a connection with the patient and determining the best way to meet that patient’s needs was where I belonged.
As an emergency medicine research assistant, and as an EMT, one of my main responsibilities is to assess a patient’s history. In these roles, I have learned how best to do so for people in our hospital’s underserved community. For patients who struggle with opioid use disorder, I realized the importance of speaking with recognition of cultural factors, societal barriers, and without accusation. Seeing the change in their face as they begin to see me as an ally in their care rather than a hurdle assures me that I can help. I have found that these moments fill me with a sense of purpose and meaning. Finding that purpose means I have to pursue advancing my ability to care for people with everything I have.
During my undergraduate education I faced my own setbacks. My education was constantly challenged by struggling to take control of my Crohn’s disease and working 2 part-time jobs to maintain housing. I was able to rise to the challenge after a change in my medication and study habits. Then during my sophomore year my mother had a near-deadly experience with her own addiction and abusive environment. Facing a new level of crisis I was not giving my academics the attention I should have.
Through that semester I learned to be flexible and resilient, and recovered my grades where possible. In my last academic hours I fought to show what I am capable of, and improved my foundational knowledge by re-taking courses post-graduation. Looking back, I always found meaning in caring for those in need. Now I see that my own challenges have given me the ability to empathize with others in crisis. While I love the work that I do now I know that I am capable of offering more. I will pursue becoming a PA with everything I have and challenge myself to be more for those in need.
Whitney Prosperi says
Elaine,
Your tenacity and compassion come through every paragraph of your essay. Additionally, you do a great job telling your story and describing what appeals to you about the PA role. I suggest including a brief patient care story that shows you in action. You may want to describe an interaction with a patient you alluded to who is struggling with opioid addiction. Good luck to you on your journey, Elaine.
pranjal patel says
सत्त्व (Sattva): a quality that represents balance, harmony, and goodness. Throughout our scriptures this word represents the lifestyle that humans were meant to live. In the ideal lifestyle, work and personal life go hand in hand to build off of each other instead of having to sacrifice. Growing up with immigrant parents, however, this word never came to fruition. My parents worked endlessly to set up a stable lifestyle for my brother and I in a country they had no family in, constantly making sacrifices in both their work and personal life. As a result, I have always yearned for a career in which I could achieve सत्त्व.
Let me know what you think thank you
At seven, I was sent to Piplag, a small rural village in India, to live with my grandparents. During this time, I became inseparable from my grandfather who was the sole doctor in the village. I followed him around his clinic and assisted with simple tasks like opening doors for patients and organizing medication. I eagerly absorbed every aspect of healthcare he shared with me, from using a stethoscope to counting respirations. My grandfather, a beacon of knowledge and compassion, treated patients with care and instilled hope in their hearts. Despite the long hours that he put into the clinic, he always stressed the importance of being home in time for family dinner, no matter the circumstance. This experience transformed my perception of what a career is. I realized that a career is not just a job where you work to put food on the table, but rather a lifestyle that involves continuously learning and adapting to your environment all while being at the dinner table. To me, it meant to embody सत्त्व.
Upon returning to the US, I was determined to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and pursue a career in healthcare. I spent years immersing myself in medical knowledge, volunteering in the nurse’s office, and assisting at a local speech pathology center where I connected with children facing speech impediments similar to my own. In the summer of 2018, I revisited Piplag after a seven-year absence. However this time things were different. The clinic was significantly smaller than I once remembered and an air of stillness pervaded the atmosphere. Now that I was older, I was able to see the other side of what it is like being a doctor. I watched my grandfather work constantly at the age of 67, being the sole doctor in the village. Whether it be seeing patients or doing paperwork, he was drowning in a profession he once loved. What once used to be a smile that inspired a sense of hope turned into a deadpan expression fueled by long-term burnout. I watched my grandmother beg for him to take time off, but he never would. I watched my grandfather lose love for a craft he once loved. His job had become his life and it completely engulfed him. सत्त्व had completely disappeared from his life, leaving a mere shell of the person he once was.
I was left clueless and searching for a path that would allow me to live up to “सत्त्व” without sacrificing my love for medicine and my family on the way. It was during this search that I stumbled upon a blog by a Vascular Surgery PA named Ashley Kay. Her insight about highs and lows of PA school alongside her ability to balance work and personal life captivated me. The versatility, community impact, and work-life balance of the PA profession resonated with me deeply. I could once again envision a future where I could achieve सत्त्व. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to preparing for a future as a PA. I volunteered and worked in multiple different positions, each giving me new insight and exposure into the highs and lows of healthcare as well as the profound impact PAs have on their patients. One experience especially helped solidify PA as the right profession for me. During my time as a CNA on Unit 52 of Shands Hospital, I watched a PA deliver unfortunate news of a patient passing to their family. This being my first experience with death within the medical field, I was heartbroken. As a result I inquired with the PA about how exactly she dealt with difficult situations such as this one. Throughout this conversation she emphasizes how spending time with her loved ones and finding joy outside of healthcare has been beneficial for both her mental health and career. This conversation further hardened my belief that being a PA is the right choice for me.
As a future PA, I know that this career path involves a rigorous academic path, however, I also acknowledge that to be a great PA one needs to be able to balance academic knowledge with mental resistance. I have not only been able to strengthen these skills but have also been lucky enough to be able to put them into action through my experiences in the healthcare world so far. I knew from early on that being a PA would not get rid of difficulties that doctors or any healthcare workers face within their career. However, I know that it will give me the opportunity to be present for my loved ones while also sharpening my knowledge of medicine, ultimately being the first in my family to achieve सत्त्व.
Whitney Prosperi says
Pranjal,
You tell the story of arriving at the PA decision beautifully. With that said, I suggest condensing significantly to add more detail about your own story. I recommend including your clinical experience gained. You want to show how your different roles have prepared you to take the next step. Additionally, if you have a patient care story that shows you in action, include that. Additionally, while work/life balance is a benefit to the PA profession, it is best to avoid spotlighting that as the biggest draw. Make sure you mention some of the other reasons you are drawn to the PA role. (more time/contact with patients, the ability to expand care to underserved patients, the opportunity to switch specialties)
Should you want more help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Pranjal.
Queenie says
From my childhood through my youth, I have discovered that nothing else mattered more to me than embracing my own individuality. Being raised in a traditional asian household that prioritizes exceptional achievements creates a great pressure to excel. My family dismissed my dreams of becoming a superstar, baker, and teacher, and discouraged any career outside of medicine, law, or engineering. Extracurricular accomplishments were often undervalued compared to academic successes like best science project or honor roll. As a result, rather than spending my childhood going to dance classes or attending birthday parties, I hit the books. This long-term desire to find acceptance not only from my family, but also within myself, guided me through a transformative journey that has taught me adaptability, resilience, empathy, and humility.
I was first introduced to the PA profession 10 years ago while accompanying my mom to her doctor’s appointment when there was no available babysitter. As I observed the PA engage with my mom in such a gentle, attentive manner, I could not help but admire the reassurance she brought. My mother who was previously stressed about her visit, now felt understood and cared for. The PA was not just diagnosing, she was connecting. From then on, I sought to replicate the skill and empathy I had seen in the PA. My ambition did not just revolve around becoming a PA; it was about being the kind of healthcare professional who leaves a profound impact, much like the PA had on my family.
However, a career as a PA back then seemed so unattainable as no one in my family had even attended college. Nevertheless, I continued to dedicate my spare time during high school to volunteer at local clinics and aimed to gain further insights about the responsibilities of a PA. Since then, I have had the opportunity to network and sharpen my clinical skills alongside others who also hope to become a PA. Over the past decade, I have carefully considered the position of a PA and aspire to succeed as one. I appreciate the role this profession has in advocating for patients’ needs and concerns, as well as improving their access to care. Its lateral mobility with diverse opportunities to specialize aligns with my goals to broaden my expertise and versatility, allowing me to adopt a more holistic treatment approach. Foremost, I am especially drawn to a PA’s focus on patient education by providing more personal, attentive care that complements those provided by supervising physicians.
Having witnessed my late grandmother’s lymphoma prognosis firsthand, my family and I greatly appreciated the compassion, patience, and dedicated time offered by physicians who actively listened to our concerns. Their extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to help others are qualities I am committed to embodying as a PA. My experience as a caregiver for my grandma combined with my childhood struggle with the fear of failure has fueled my determination to be a PA, and I am thankful to receive encouragement from my coworkers, peers, and family to pursue this profession. I am confident that I am able to succeed in PA school as I have learned academic and personal resilience against setbacks and adapted to confront future challenges with greater resolve. I have developed a refined work ethic and balanced approach to academia and personal commitments. Moreover, I have emerged from adversity with wisdom and renewed perspective. While I juggled tasks as a private tutor and an ophthalmologic technician assisting patients with visual impairments, I have learned that patience and empathy are essential in order to build deeper, meaningful connections with others in need. Furthermore, my background in serving the community through environmental clean-ups as well as volunteering at shelters and food banks has not only cultivated gratitude, but also deepened my compassion and enhanced my desire to make a positive difference.
As a PA, I am devoted to improving the lives of patients and their families through preventative and benevolent care. I will bring forth my resourcefulness, my optimism, my compassion to teach, and my situational awareness to alleviate my patient’s concerns and foster a deeper sense of comfort in their care. Although my path diverged from childhood dreams, I have discovered my passion that embodies comparable qualities to a rockstar’s influence, a baker’s creativity, and a teacher’s guidance. As a PA, I will be able to use my skills as a provider to inspire my patients to care for their health. I will infuse innovation, meticulousness, and expertise into the care I provide, and I will be able to diagnose and treat medical issues to empower my patients. I have journeyed far from the young girl who sought acceptance for mere accomplishments or skills. Instead, I have come to embrace my individuality as a source of strength and purpose as I embark on a fulfilling path dedicated to improving lives.
Whitney Prosperi says
Queenie,
Your desire to elevate others shines throughout your essay. I suggest including a patient care story that highlights some of the qualities that will make you an exceptional PA. Also, if you have any shadowing experience, describe how that strengthened your decision. You may need to condense throughout your essay to add these additional elements into your essay. Should you need further help, remember that we are taking submissions for our essay revision service. I wish you good luck, Queenie!
Katie says
“I know you’re hiding your boyfriend in there,” whispered my favorite patient of the day, a particularly mobile Sundowner, as I tried to convince her that we should not go into “the closet” that was actually another patient’s room. Unbeknownst to her, we were in fact on the orthopedic floor of the hospital and I am in fact a lesbian. Emotionally draining as it was, my job as a patient care assistant taught me the importance of connecting with patients and ensuring they feel heard. I’ll never forget the first hints of a smile on the face of a patient who had been with us for months when I left my phone playing her favorite Elvis songs on her bedside table. Nor will I forget the shaking hands of a Parkinson’s patient holding mine as he told me how grateful he was that I care. In those moments, I saw how essential it is to show compassion when providing care for patients and it is something that I will continue to emphasize during my career as a physician assistant.
As a PCA I was also able to witness and compare the duties of nurses and PAs, solidifying my desire to assess, diagnose and treat patients while serving as the approachable link between physician and patient as PAs do. I had also previously witnessed the combination of independence and teamwork utilized by PAs at a primary care practice where I completed an internship. There, the PAs seemed to be the most personable of the providers at the practice – effortlessly able to put everyone at ease. They treated their own patients but when faced with something they were unsure of, they compiled the best treatment plan using a combination of each others’ knowledge and that of the physicians. Though I had considered a career as a physician, this aspect of teamwork – the fact that there will always be someone I can put my head together with to brainstorm solutions – is for me one of the most alluring aspects of becoming a PA.
The internship was the conclusion of my B.S. in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. Though not required for my major nor most PA schools, I challenged myself with all of the science I could handle and at the start of my last semester of courses, my GPA was .02 short of graduating with highest honors. My advisor told me that it would be difficult – I needed to earn a 4.0 for a semester that would include biomechanics, physics, and an advanced exercise physiology course. I knew that if I put my mind to it, I could do it. I graduated, having written a thesis, Summa Cum Laude. I bring this work ethic in everything I do and will continue to do so throughout PA school and after.
“I’m not doing enough” is the answer I want to give when asked about my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda. I remember visiting a mother in her twenties known to be malnourished. My coworker and I found her at home so thin I could see the effort that went into every breath she took, the paper-thin skin of her neck and upper chest sucking in against her bones with every inhale. She was convinced that her neighbors had poisoned her – she hadn’t been able to eat without throwing up since the birth of her 6 month-old who was now suffering from wasting. She told us she didn’t have the money nor the strength to get herself and her daughter to the hospital and stared at me with tears in her eyes as my coworker told her to keep trying to eat and “fight against death”. I remember flies crawling over her face and her not seeming to care as if she was already dead. There seemed to be nothing we could do for her. The helplessness and unfairness of it I felt then has stayed with me as I continue to witness the lack of access to quality healthcare defeat even the most resilient of people.
My service in Rwanda has tested all of my limits – from the constant attention (kids are especially fascinated by my toe hair) to conquering my fear of public speaking (in another language, no less) to forgiving myself for atrocious cultural blunders (I once mistakenly called a woman a corpse “inghumbi” instead of a young woman “inghumi”) to taking on multiple leadership positions (the Peer Support Network and Service Improvement Committee) to facing the utter lack of decent cheese. It has strengthened my sense that I can accomplish anything while showing me what I want to accomplish – providing compassionate health care to the underserved both nationally and abroad.
My decision to become a PA stems from an array of jobs and experiences that have combined to form one feeling of purpose. I am inspired by the extremely competent and personable PAs I’ve met, grannies who told me that I made the difference in their hospital experience, and by Rwandans who have experienced so much trauma and have very little, especially when it comes to health care, but continue to be the most helpful, generous, and warm people I’ve met. I am determined that the next time I am face-to-face with someone experiencing suffering like I have witnessed, I will be able to do something to help.
Whitney Prosperi says
Katie,
Your desire to elevate and assist patients weaves throughout your essay.
I suggest condensing where you can so you can add more information that reveals different aspects of your journey.
I would include more details of your clinical experience and medical knowledge gained within your different roles. You want to show how these jobs and volunteer positions have prepared you to take the next step toward a rigorous PA program.
Also, if you have any shadowing experience, describe that. Was there an interaction that solidified your decision?
Lastly, in your conclusion, tie back to your introduction in some way.
I wish you good luck, Katie.
Sydney Scragg says
“I picked up the large vase next to me on the floor. I was so upset; I wasn’t thinking. I threw it out of anger. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I didn’t mean to kill my dog.” The woman sobbed, hands covering her face in shame as she retold the story of what led to her Baker Act. As a medical scribe, I could only stand there and convey my sympathy through my eyes, my face half hidden under a mask. I wanted to do more, I wanted to talk to her and let her know she was more than just a 7-digit number on the census. Wanted to let her know she was more than her diagnosis, more than just a patient who needed to increase her medication dosage. As a PA, I could have talked to her, let her feel heard, and assured her that I would work alongside her throughout her stay. As a scribe, all I could do was record notes about the encounter.
I recall a moment during my childhood when my brother fell and a gaping wound appeared on his eyebrow. In those moments, I froze. I didn’t know what the best course of action would be. I can still see the way he clutched his head, shouting “I’m dying! I’m dying!” I could only stand to the side holding back tears as my dad ushered us into the car to the hospital. I remember watching with poorly concealed awe as the PA stitched him up, and I wondered if I could ever do something like that. I didn’t know it at the time, but this would be a defining memory – one that set me on the path to a future in healthcare.
I knew I wanted to enter the field of medicine, but I was unsure which path was right for me. When I joined my school’s AMWA club (American Medical Woman Association), my mentor explained to me how she wanted to become a PA. When I first heard about it, I couldn’t stop researching the PA profession. I wanted to learn more, and I decided to immerse myself in experiencing patient care. It was then I became a medical scribe.
Working as a medical scribe at an inpatient psychiatric facility has given me a unique outlook on patient care. Working closely with the physicians there has taught me compassion, empathy, and patience. I have seen how physicians assess symptoms and manage treatment plans. I observed the thought process behind prescribing the appropriate medications, and how providing care for a patient is not just one person’s job but a team effort.
While employed as a medical assistant at a hormone therapy clinic, I have worked alongside nurse practitioners during consults with patients, pellet insertions, administering injections, EKGs, and preparing IVs. This position has allowed me to take on a higher responsibility for patient care. Even through just taking blood pressure and giving injections, I was able to connect with patients by hearing their progress. One moment that stands out to me is a patient looking at me wide-eyed after receiving his intramuscular injection, saying “I’ve been getting injections for a while, and that was the most painless injection I have received.” Knowing that I was able to make a simple procedure painless for him warmed my heart. I couldn’t help but think what else I could do for patients as a PA.
After shadowing a cardiovascular surgeon PA, I was able to learn how physicians and PAs work together. Learning how a PA can be independent and autonomous, while also working closely together with a physician was intriguing, and I couldn’t help but imagine myself in that position. Being able to use my knowledge of anatomy and physiology in a real-life setting was thrilling. I examined X-rays, observed heart valve replacements, vein harvesting, and studied quick decision-making when a patient recovering from surgery was experiencing an issue. I knew this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have been challenged and have grown as a result. I learned effective time management skills through being a full-time student, working a part-time job, and being heavily involved in leadership, volunteer, and other club opportunities through AMWA. Being involved in multiple activities caused me to withdraw from a class during my junior year. However, I have learned how to efficiently give a part of myself to each organization, and strived to give my best at each puzzle piece that made up my life.
Having a family one day is very important to me, so I cherish the idea of having the flexibility of providing patient care and also providing for my family. The ability to switch specialties is also crucial as I value expanding my knowledge in different areas of medicine, and want to have an extended clinical background to better provide service to patients.
As a PA, I would learn how to think quickly and work in fast-paced situations. I wouldn’t be frozen in shock at the sight of an injury or stand wordlessly off to the side. I would be able to give the care and compassion that I strive to give to patients. I am heavily motivated to do whatever it takes to become a PA, and I know I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives.
Whitney Prosperi says
Sydney,
You do a great job explaining what appeals to you about the PA profession and describing your journey up until this point. One consideration: I suggest removing the sentence about having a family/work-life balance as this can often come across as self-seeking. I wish you good luck, Sydney.
Melissa says
A one-way ticket and an 18-hour journey from Tehran to Minneapolis was my first link to the chain towards becoming a PA. Thrust into a foreign environment, I not only was forced to learn a new language but also learn unspoken customs and cultural values within the first few years of living in the States. With the help and patience of peers and teachers, I was able to find friends and learn to communicate with my classmates within months. For many people healthcare is a foreign world entirely with its own language and unspoken rules, giving potential to make it incredibly difficult to navigate for patients. As I envision myself as a PA, I reflect on my upbringing and subsequent resilience as an immigrant child, and my desire to integrate this experience into my career. Although my journey towards pursuing a PA career was seldom linear, working in healthcare as a scribe and EMT has offered me the greatest insight and clarity into my future.
The intricacies of human physiology first attracted me to working in healthcare. In undergrad, learning about the functionings of specific systems and their relation and malfunction to the development of pathophysiologies interested me the most. Eager to learn more following the downturn of the pandemic, I started working as a medical scribe at urgent care clinics. There, I met a multitude of PAs who first gave me insight into the PA profession. I was quickly in awe of medical scribing as I was thrust into the world of medical terminology, pharmacology, diagnostics, health insurance, and patient care. As a scribe, I not only honed my listening skills to carefully document every patient-provider visit but was also able to closely watch hundreds of patients being diagnosed by providers. I was attracted to the differential process the PAs went through with every patient, from the first glance at the HPI to asking the patient imperative questions that eliminate the worst of diagnoses. I found that my favorite providers were PAs from a variety of different backgrounds, who integrated their experiences from different specialties into navigating a patient’s symptoms. Furthermore, I was inspired by Dana Payne, a PA who started her journey as an EMT. Utilizing my inspiration, I coupled my desire to gain more patient contact experience and started pursuing an EMT certification.
Through this arduous journey, I keep patience and empathy close in mind with every patient interaction. Using my EMT certification, I started working in the emergency department of a level-one hospital. As I watch every trauma, sepsis, stroke, and GAP (geriatric/ anti-coagulant patient) case, I recognize the collaboration between doctors, PAs, NPs, nurses, RTs (respiratory technicians), pharmacists, and EMTs. Seamless integration, collaboration, communication, and common goals are what unite a great department together in the interest of the patient. At the ED, I see the role of the PA as they collaborate with their peers and fill in the gaps in patient care. Furthermore, I recognize that health literacy, education, and patience can help a patient navigate what is often the worst day of their lives. Often, simply introducing myself, verbalizing what I am doing, and why I am performing tasks help lessen the anxiety and ambiguity of their hospital visit.
As I hone my skills as an EMT and pursue the PA track, I reflect on my upbringing when introducing patients to the foreign environment of healthcare. I often reflect on tender moments shared with patients and loved ones when pursuing a PA career, wanting to emulate a compassionate and fulfilling role as a provider. In the place of day-to-day life, these moments fuel me to become the best person and provider I can be. Keeping my patient interactions close in mind with different job roles, I desire to integrate health literacy, transparency, and patient-collaboration into my career as a PA.
Whitney Prosperi says
Melissa,
You do a beautiful job of describing your journey and what appeals to you about the PA role. You may want to describe an interaction with a patient that shows you in action while connecting on a personal level. I wish you good luck, Melissa.
Rasheda says
From scaling poles to navigating the intricacies of the human body, my career has been a lesson in mastering unexpected turns and uncovering hidden possibilities. My current profession as a surgical technologist at Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital became the first link in a chain of events that led me to discover the path I want to pursue. How I began that journey defies expectations. For about ten years, I was an AT&T technician, climbing poles, installing services, and troubleshooting issues in people’s homes. A fall from a ladder led to my layoff and plunged me into a period of despair, clouded by personal and professional setbacks. When it seemed like every door had closed, a flyer recruiting students for a surgical technology program appeared as if guided by an unseen hand. I had never heard of this career, but I knew it was in medicine—a field I had once dreamed of entering but had long given up due to early motherhood and life choices. This unexpected opportunity felt like a lifeline, a sign that I could rebuild and, importantly, that I had worth. Consequently, I began working alongside the medical professionals I aspired to become.
Transitioning from classroom knowledge to the surgical theater was anything but smooth. I remember one grueling experience where I mismatched a 10mm laparoscopic tenaculum with a 5mm sheath during a laparoscopic hysterectomy. The feeling of humiliation was overpowering, but it also ignited a fire within me. I became a student of my errors, focusing on surgical instrument sequences and fine details of various procedures like abdominal myomectomies. Now, when I train newcomers, I make sure they grasp what to expect at each stage of surgery. The joy of effectively contributing to a team that heals is beyond measure.
While I was building a rapport within my surgical team, another pivotal moment was approaching. Initially, gynecology was my favorite specialty. The prospect of advocating for women and learning more about my own physiology was alluring. However, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital’s specialty focus also encompasses breast and plastic surgeries, areas I had to engage with, albeit reluctantly. During a particularly busy breast surgery case, I was thrust into the role of first assistant. With a surgeon and only one resident, I took the opportunity to demonstrate my skills. This experience solidified my aspirations.
What followed was a newfound understanding of the depth and breadth of roles within the surgical team. Witnessing a PA practically leading a surgical segment was transformative. The level of trust and responsibility surgeons gave them was an eye-opener. It wasn’t long before a PA offered to write a recommendation letter for me, and I took it as the ultimate sign. Having recently completed my bachelor’s program, I’m now focused on taking definitive steps toward becoming a PA.
I’ve come a long way from climbing poles to contemplating sutures, and every step has been a stairway toward a more fulfilling, purposeful life. My tapestry of experiences—from the heights of utility poles to the surgical theater at Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital—makes me uniquely positioned to serve as a PA, both technically and empathetically.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Wow! What a beautiful and inspiring story! I think this essay is just about perfect as is. The way you stepped us through your journey makes sense and, at the same time, demonstrates your knowledge of the profession and the reasoning behind your decisions to pursue this path. It demonstrates your humility and ability to adapt in high-stress situations. You have shown that you work well as part of a team. So much great stuff here! Very good. 👍