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(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 scientific research and technical reports to scriptwriting for television. Her writing has appeared in academic, professional, and popular publications. Beth lives with her family just outside Austin, Texas. She enjoys the unique opportunity that The PA Life offers to combine her training as a writer and editor with her experience teaching in order to support PAs and aspiring PAs in achieving their professional goals.
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 in the comments section of this blog post.
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.
We perform both revision and editing on all submissions.
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
Jordan says
As a three-year-old, I found myself thrust into a role I was far too young to comprehend — the role of an emergency responder. My mother, the epitome of strength and resilience, suddenly clutched her chest, sliding ever so slowly to the floor. The responsibility to call my father, already racing to take my sister to school, weighed heavily on my tiny shoulders. As I picked up the phone, I uttered the words, “Mommy fell down,” a phrase etched into my memory like a scar, followed by the duty of holding the cold towel to her forehead while racing to the emergency room.
The lingering recollection of my mother’s heart attack became the compass directing me toward a career in medicine. The multitude of healthcare staff surrounding us as we reached the emergency room captivated me. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that the field of physician assistants (PAs) was unveiled to me by a compassionate guidance counselor. The idea of being a medical professional with the autonomy to provide care while collaborating with a diverse healthcare team resonated deeply with my desire to make a tangible impact on individuals facing health challenges. From that moment, I made it my mission to embark on the journey towards becoming a PA.
During my time as an instructor at Mathnasium, I had the chance to work with students of varying mathematical abilities. Creating a supportive learning environment was my priority, allowing students to build confidence and understand mathematical concepts in ways that suited them best. This experience not only honed my communication skills but also taught me the importance of customizing my approach to meet each student’s unique needs, a skill I believe is vital for effectively educating and interacting with patients in my future role as a physician assistant. As a medical assistant, my responsibilities included providing essential support for patients throughout their medical journeys. I found joy in simplifying medical jargon, making patients feel more in control of their situations. This role deepened my understanding of the complexities of patient care and highlighted the significance of empathy, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to instill confidence in patients about their health and overall well-being. The combined experiences from these roles have equipped me with invaluable interpersonal skills, an unwavering sense of patience, and a compassionate approach that I believe are imperative for delivering exceptional care.
In my orthopedic surgery experiences, I had the privilege of working closely with an experienced Physician Assistant, James Fisher. His guidance and expertise served as a source of inspiration for me. Witnessing his compassionate interactions with patients and seamless teamwork with the sports medicine surgeon highlighted PA’s crucial role in delivering comprehensive care. One particularly impactful moment was when a 7-year-old patient presented with elbow pain. During the appointment, I observed the PA’s remarkable ability to attentively listen to the patient, address their medical and emotional needs, and alleviate the concerns of the patient’s mother. During this consultation, we learned of the diagnosis of Little League elbow. What fascinated me was how, after devising a treatment plan, we left the room to print the physical therapy instructions, and, during this time, he initiated a call to the collaborating doctor across town. He presented the patient’s history, examination findings, and the proposed treatment plan to seek the doctor’s input. Observing this seamless and thorough collaborative effort between James and the supervising physician left a truly lasting impression on me.
In conclusion, the heart attack that touched my life taught me the significance of empathy and resilience and inspired the effort to make a difference during moments of crisis. As I continue on the path to becoming a PA, I acknowledge that my experiences thus far have been building blocks for success. The lessons learned from my diverse encounters and unyielding determination will propel me through the rigorous demands of PA education. I yearn to bring comfort and healing to patients in their most challenging times, just as I wished for someone to do for my mother. I envision my career as a PA extending beyond clinical settings by providing medical care and compassionate support to those navigating health challenges. As a person of color, I understand the impact of underrepresented individuals in healthcare and aim to foster trust and understanding with patients from diverse backgrounds. I believe my presence can bridge the gap, allowing patients to feel seen, heard, and understood. Lastly, my commitment to continuous learning and patient-centered care aligns seamlessly with the profession’s core values, ensuring a smooth transition from past performance to future excellence.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. Your essay is compelling and engaging. Here’s how you could further strengthen your essay. I will go section by section:
Opening:
– Your opening paragraph is powerful and emotionally engaging. The vivid description of your childhood experience with your mother’s heart attack immediately draws the reader in and establishes a strong personal connection to medicine.
– Consider tightening this section slightly to allow more space for your more recent, directly relevant experiences.
Body paragraphs:
– Your explanation of discovering the PA profession is clear and shows a thoughtful decision-making process.
– The section on your experience as a Mathnasium instructor effectively demonstrates transferable skills. However, consider condensing this slightly to focus more on your medical experiences.
– Your medical assistant experience is highly relevant. You could expand on this section, providing a specific patient interaction that illustrates your skills and passion for patient care.
– The orthopedic surgery experience and your interaction with PA James Fisher is a strong section. The specific example of the 7-year-old patient and the collaboration with the supervising physician effectively illustrates the PA role.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion ties together your personal motivation, diverse experiences, and future goals well.
– The mention of your perspective as a person of color adds an important dimension to your application. Consider expanding on this slightly if space allows.
Other suggestions:
– Your writing is clear and engaging. Be mindful of sentence length in a few places to improve readability.
– If possible, provide more specific examples of your patient interactions as a medical assistant to further demonstrate your readiness for the PA role.
– Consider mentioning any relevant volunteer experiences or community involvement if you have them.
Overall, your essay presents a compelling narrative of your journey to the PA profession. It effectively combines personal motivation, relevant experiences, and a clear understanding of the PA role. With some minor refinements, you’ll have a very strong personal statement.
Keep up the excellent work, Jordan!
Best regards,
Stephen
Micalina says
For as long as I can remember I have always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine. I was introduced to the world of healthcare very early on as a nurse for a mother. She would come home from work and I was fascinated by the details of her exciting shifts. I noted the many frustrations she had as an RN, one of which was that she wished for more autonomy in the medical decision-making process for the patients she greatly cared for. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare like my mother, but I wanted to be more involved in my patient’s care and treatment. This led me to pursue the pre-medicine path when I started my undergraduate studies. During the first couple years of college, I had only known of two paths in healthcare, nurse or MD. A friend of mine told me about the physician assistant pathway and I knew that this is what I was looking for all along. I did my research about the PA role and discovered that pursuing a career as a physician assistant would allow me to serve independently and have the ability to manage a patient’s care.
After I graduated college I knew that I needed to gain patient care experience. I started my healthcare journey as a medical scribe and then obtained my nursing assistant license to provide more hands-on patient care. However, I developed my best understanding of the role of a PA through shadowing a physician assistant in the pediatric oncology unit where I work. From the first observation, what stood out to me was how she had her own patients that she managed independently ranging from an eight-month-old with aplastic anemia to a sixteen-year-old with leukemia. She started her mornings by reviewing each patient’s chart and noting any updates in lab results, medication changes, and diagnostic imaging. This physician assistant then rounded on each of her patients and performed a physical exam and assessment. She then interpreted all of the information regarding the patient she had gathered and coordinated the patient’s care with the other healthcare professionals. She would discuss altering a patient’s parenteral nutrition orders with the dietician. This PA coordinated with physical therapists and occupational therapists regarding a patient’s level of mobility and abilities in completing activities of daily living. She talked with the case manager and transition nurses about possible barriers to discharge and how to best transition the patient to outpatient care. After coordinating with all members of the patient’s care team she discussed the plan with the patient and their family, answering all questions and concerns. She then updated the patient’s nurse on any changes and what the plan for the day was. This physician assistant saw her patients daily, from admission to discharge. As I observed her throughout the day, I saw myself in that role.
As a reapplicant, I realized areas of my application I could improve on. Since the end of the last cycle, I have accumulated an additional 2,000 hours of patient care experience. I transferred to the oncology unit of the pediatric hospital where I work, where I enhanced and honed my skills as a nursing assistant. I continued to volunteer and shadow PAs gaining experience observing in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I know I am a much more competitive applicant this cycle.
Through my experience as a medical scribe, I became skilled in recording a patient’s history, documenting physical exam findings, placing orders, and preparing follow-up plans. As a nursing assistant, my skills were enhanced as I aided patients by assisting with their ADLs, bathroom hygiene, ambulation, feeding assistance, and repositioning. I obtained and recorded each patient’s vital signs and reported any abnormalities to the RN. My myriad of patient care experiences have reinforced why I am pursuing a career in healthcare. However, my role as a CNA and a scribe have both shown me how limited I am in my current position. When patients and their families ask questions regarding a patient’s symptoms I cannot answer them as it is beyond my scope of practice. I am unable to offer any medical advice. Every day I observe the responsibility PAs have for their patient’s care, and I want that same responsibility.
Early on I knew that I wanted my role in healthcare to be one where I played a role in the medical decision-making process. From listening to my mom express her frustration for her lack of decision-making as a RN I knew I wanted more autonomy as a healthcare professional. In my current role as a nursing assistant, I know I have a greater capacity for providing patient care. As a CNA my scope of practice is narrow. I want to provide in-depth patient care and guide each patient to better outcomes. This is why I want to be a physician assistant.
Allie says
This is just a draft, I just need some revising guidance!
Fidgeting in the waiting room was an unnerving feeling I had never experienced. Time slowed as I anxiously awaited an update. Aimlessly, I wondered how our family plans had shifted so abruptly. Just 2 hours earlier, my father had slipped on a slick metal grate, lacerating his scalp. The ringing in my ears drowned out my mom’s urgent tone. “Call 911, grab the blanket in the trunk, apply pressure here.” Despite each word, I was paralyzed by the sight of his wounded head, his eyes fighting to stay open, and his skin growing pale. At this moment, I felt helpless. As I sat in that waiting room, a sense of regret washed over me. Why did I not react quickly? What if my hesitations jeopardized the outcome of this accident?
In such vulnerability, a face appeared that mimicked a sunny day. A physician assistant approached us with a smile and demonstrated patience as we asked what felt like a million questions regarding his status. She effortlessly validated our emotions with empathy, assessed our concerns, and assured us everything would be okay. I was inspired by the fact that she acted as if nothing else was on her mind, as if this was the only thing that mattered at that moment. As I witnessed her expertise, dedication, and compassionate care, I understood the valuable role that a PA plays in providing individualized care to her patients. I had always known I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare due to my mom being in radiologic imaging. However, this transformative encounter shaped my desire to return the favor as a physician assistant and provide that same level of compassion when others are in need.
This memory resonates deeply with me as I continue to take opportunities in patient care as an undergraduate student. My employment as a CNA is a testament to the loyalty and empathy expressed toward my residents, which felt natural to provide. Moments like taking a walk with Ted to the park across the street, having a glass of orange juice with Jerry at 2 in the afternoon, playing Uno with Milton (even though he cheated every time), and planning imaginary tea parties with Deloris are memories that left these residents feeling as loved as they deserved. I ensured I was always in their corner when emotions felt heavy, offering timeless comfort and dabbing their tears dry. No matter the circumstance, I showed up daily with dignity and confidence as I experienced such vulnerability in those I learned to care so deeply for.
For years, the impression that PA from my dad’s accidents remained mindful. After countless hours researching the PA profession, my knowledge grew more profound, and my desire to pursue this path grew stronger. From that point forward, I knew this was my profession, and there was nothing I desired more. When I had the chance to shadow a PA for the first time, I felt her eagerness and drive to be as knowledgeable in her career as possible. Witnessing her quick assessments and understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacology made me idolize her as a healthcare professional and the content she has learned from PA school. I find the field of science fascinating, as there is unlimited potential to open doors to new discoveries every day. Over time, I have proven to myself that I am resilient through adversity. Prioritizing a variety of extracurriculars, such as president of the Pre-Health Professions Association, working as a rehab aide, serving as Tutor Coordinator for my sorority, and continuing to excel in my academics, I have shown beyond doubt what I am capable of as a future physician assistant and that I will continue that motivation and work ethic to earn my degree and support the healthcare profession as a whole.
A statistic shows that PAs spend an average of 20 minutes with each patient, approximately 2.6 minutes more than physicians. Given the collaborative relationship between the two professions and the strong desire for quality patient care, this extra time will allow me more opportunities to contribute to transforming the healthcare system into a more proactive environment. Having a provider that patients feel they are heard and fought for is important, and by participating in more patient-focused care, I can improve patient satisfaction, retention rates, and success stories daily.
My experiences in memory care, volunteering at the hospital, and shadowing admirable PAs have shifted my desire to become a PA to the fact that someday, I will be a PA, and I am capable of tackling this rewarding yet demanding profession. That 17-year-old girl who regretted reacting quicker during an urgent time has shifted me into the person who was the first to jump in when a resident slipped and fell, being the first to call when a patient complained of chest pain in the front atrium of the hospital, first hand to hold when I witnessed a resident of mine pass for the first time. These experiences taught me versatility, patience, and confidence in my decisions when thinking on my feet. I have learned that it is not exactly what I knew from the moment I decided I wanted to be a PA. It is the person I have grown to become that confidently proves my ability to become a compassionate and knowledgeable addition to the physician assistant profession.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Allie,
Thank you for sharing your draft of the personal statement. Here’s some feedback to help you strengthen your essay:
Opening:
– Your personal story about your father’s accident is a compelling introduction that effectively sets the stage for your essay and introduces the theme of personal growth. Consider tightening this section slightly to allow more space for discussing your more recent, directly relevant experiences.
Body paragraphs:
– The encounter with the PA during your father’s accident is a strong pivotal moment. It clearly illustrates what drew you to the profession.
– Your experience as a CNA is highly relevant. The specific examples of interactions with residents (Ted, Jerry, Milton, Deloris) effectively demonstrate your compassion and patient care skills.
– The paragraph about your research into the PA profession and shadowing experience could be expanded. Consider providing more specific insights you gained from these experiences.
– Your involvement in extracurricular activities is a clear demonstration of your leadership and time management skills. However, it’s important to connect these experiences more directly to how they’ve prepared you for a PA career, as it will strengthen your narrative.
Conclusion:
– The statistic about PA-patient interaction time is indeed interesting and adds an important dimension to your narrative. However, it could be integrated more smoothly into your story, enhancing its impact.
– Your final paragraph effectively ties your experiences together and shows your growth. The contrast between your initial hesitation and later confidence is compelling.
Other suggestions:
– Your writing is engaging and personal. However, be mindful of sentence length and structure in some areas to improve readability.
– Consider elaborating on your experiences as a rehab aide, as this is directly relevant to healthcare.
– If possible, provide a specific example from your hospital volunteering experience to illustrate your skills and commitment to patient care.
– Be careful with phrases like “beyond doubt what I am capable of” – try to maintain a confident but humble tone throughout.
Overall, your essay presents a compelling narrative of your journey to the PA profession. With some refinements to balance your personal story with your professional experiences and skills, you’ll have a very compelling personal statement.
Keep up the excellent work, Allie!
Best regards,
Stephen
Ian says
Aside from a brief childhood dream of being a sno-cone man, every career I’ve considered was in public service, chiefly in healthcare. Whether due to growing up impoverished or having a mother who went to nursing school when I was young, I always wanted to make a difference. After graduating high school, I worked as a hospital housekeeper and attended EMT school at night, initially aiming for the fire service. Late nights in the emergency department deepened my appreciation for patient care. One night, a man was brought in who had jumped 20 feet onto train tracks creating chaos in our small ER. To an outsider, it looked like pandemonium with people running around yelling. Upon closer inspection, however, one would realize that what initially seemed tumultuous, actually played out like a carefully choreographed dance number, with each player doing their part. The organized effort of every member of the team–from the doctors down to the housekeeper–resulted in the patient being stabilized and transported via helicopter to the nearest trauma center where he made a full recovery. This would not have been possible without the PAs who jumped in and managed the lower acuity patients, keeping the ER functioning smoothly. This experience marked the beginning of my appreciation for the PA profession.
My time as an EMT cemented my desire to be a provider. One hot summer day, my medic and I were dispatched to a patient with difficulty breathing. Our ambulance was one of six covering a 1,000+ square-mile response area, and the patient lived over an hour away. Through dispatch, we arranged to meet halfway. Upon arrival, the patient talked with us very briefly before collapsing and going into full cardiac arrest. My partner and I loaded her into the ambulance and began working through ACLS protocols. Due to the distance and the lack of medical assistance, we enlisted the local highway patrol officer to drive the ambulance back to town. En route, we regained pulses briefly on three occasions before finally obtaining ROSC as we arrived at the hospital. Despite our efforts, I couldn’t dismiss the feeling that there was more that I could do for her, igniting the realization that I would not be content remaining an EMT.
As an EMT, I interacted regularly with a battalion chief for the local fire department who became a PA and worked in the ER on his days away from the fire house. Through these conversations, I gained tremendous insights into the profession, particularly what that work looks like in the emergency department. Later, working as a medical assistant, I collaborated daily with PAs, fascinated by their versatility. Unlike doctors who must undergo new residencies to change specialties, PAs can more easily switch fields. This addressed a significant concern I had of finding long-term satisfaction in my future medical career.
My commitment to my patients is what drives my success. As an EMT on 24-hour shifts in such a large response area, I learned self-reliance and dedication to patient care, both of which are vital skills for a PA. Working in surgical oncology, I often work extra hours to ensure my patients receive quality care, regardless of the work schedule and hours. Additionally, I make personal connections with patients, using a feature of the EMR to keep notes for myself about the patient. Whether it is asking Mrs. Lee about her grandson who was getting ready to play in the basketball state championship, or mentioning Mr. Cruz’s granddaughter who is going to school for theater in New York, building these connections is vital to fostering trust and stronger provider-patient relationships.
Growing up in rural Arizona, stigmas surrounding mental health were a serious problem. Unrecognized ADHD and depression affected me personally and academically, and I did not have the foundation to recognize these problems for what they were, and subsequently did not seek treatment. After moving to Oregon, balancing full-time work and an 18-credit course load led to a breaking point; I withdrew from all my classes, and felt lost. I found a therapist, and started to turn things around. Therapy taught me coping strategies, and a later ADHD diagnosis provided a treatment plan drastically improving my academic performance. This journey revealed my resilience and deepened my empathy, as well as taught me the importance of self-advocacy, all of which are crucial qualities for a PA.
My journey from housekeeper to EMT to medical assistant and my personal experiences have honed my resilience, empathy, and dedication to patient care. These qualities, coupled with my passion for making a difference, drive my aspiration to become a PA. I am committed to advancing my skills and knowledge in order to provide comprehensive, yet compassionate care as well as to build meaningful connections with my patients. I am confident that PA school will equip me with the tools to fulfill this ambition and to serve my community effectively.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Ian,
Your personal statement is a compelling narrative that showcases your journey from a hospital housekeeper to an aspiring PA. Your diverse experiences in healthcare, coupled with your personal challenges and growth, demonstrate your resilience, empathy, and dedication to patient care.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen your essay further:
Opening:
– Your opening paragraph effectively sets the stage for your interest in healthcare and public service. The anecdote about the patient who jumped onto the train tracks is a vivid example of the teamwork and impact of PAs in the ER.
– Consider condensing some of the details about the specific roles of each team member to focus more on your key realization about the PA profession.
Body paragraphs:
– Your experience as an EMT is a powerful example of your commitment to patient care, even in challenging circumstances. The story of the patient going into cardiac arrest during the long-distance transport showcases your quick thinking, teamwork, and dedication.
– However, the details of the ACLS protocols and obtaining ROSC could be trimmed to allow more room for reflection on what this experience taught you about your own goals and limitations as an EMT.
– Your discussions with the PA who worked in the ER and your experiences as a medical assistant provide good insight into what draws you to the PA profession, particularly the versatility and ability to switch specialties.
– Consider elaborating on a specific interaction or patient case that exemplifies the PA role and how it aligns with your own values and goals.
– Your personal story about struggling with unrecognized ADHD and depression is honest and vulnerable. It shows your resilience and growth, as well as your empathy for others facing similar challenges.
– However, be careful not to let this section overshadow your more direct healthcare experiences. Consider condensing it slightly to maintain a balance.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion effectively ties together your diverse experiences and personal qualities, emphasizing your commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care and building meaningful patient connections.
– To make the ending even more impactful, consider adding a forward-looking statement about your vision for your future as a PA. What specific impact do you hope to have on your patients and community?
Other suggestions:
– Your writing is engaging and easy to follow. There are a few minor grammatical errors (e.g., “resulted in the patient being stabilized” instead of “resulted in the patient’s stabilization”) that can be cleaned up with careful proofreading.
– If space allows, you could briefly mention any specific clinical skills or academic achievements that demonstrate your preparation for the rigors of PA school.
Keep up the great work, Ian! Your dedication to making a difference and your wealth of healthcare experiences will serve you well as a future PA.
Best,
Stephen
Chris B says
I was volunteering with We Care, a local non-profit mental health organization, at my first Pride festival seven years ago when my friend Autumn grabbed my hand. I could feel hers trembling—she was having a panic attack. I stayed by her side not saying a word for the next ten minutes. I was calm and focused on my friend, masking my feeling of helplessness without the knowledge to help her. Although I did not know it then, this event sparked my desire to become a physician assistant (PA), equipped with the knowledge and skills to help my community, including my friends, in times of distress.
A few months after the Pride festival, I landed my first healthcare job as a receptionist at Northlake Children’s Associates. Still quite new on the job, I spoke with Mrs. Johnson over the phone, concerning her son’s symptoms. I was able to schedule an appointment for later in the week and the distress in her voice soothed as we talked before I transferred to the triage nurse. Though I enjoyed these interactions, I was limited in what I could provide for patients and lacked the medical knowledge to provide extensive patient education. I wanted to be directly involved in the patient’s care and treatment, with the ability to practice medicine and educate my patients at one of the highest levels possible. My resolve to provide a higher level of care strengthened and further inspired my pursuit of a career in medicine. I decided to return to school as a post baccalaureate (post-bacc) student and take the prerequisites required for PA school.
I continued volunteering with We Care as an intake coordinator during my post-bacc. Here, the majority of the patients suffered from mental health conditions. Jason was a college baseball player who had been struggling with diminished performance in both his games and practices. He shared his anxiety surrounding his identity as a bisexual athlete and how his relationships with his teammates and his credibility as an athlete might change if they knew. I understood what he was going through and could empathize as I didn’t officially come out to my family and friends until I was 21. I helped him recognize he was in a safe space and each person’s journey to self-acceptance is different. Briefly sharing my story, I sensed him becoming more comfortable with me during his intake as his legs stopped shaking and the conversation turned more casual. I only saw Jason once more after that, excited to learn he had opened up to his teammates and was being considered for co-captain of his team. I want to become a PA to be in a position to follow my patients in their journey, to make them comfortable and safe any time they have a visit with me.
I was hired as a medical assistant (MA) at MEDIQ Urgent Care three years ago and witnessed a PAs role on a healthcare team for the first time. I worked closely with several PAs, inspired by their confidence to work autonomously and educate their patients. They recognize when to collaborate with other healthcare team members to provide optimal care. The collaborative and curious nature of the PA profession strongly aligned with how I am as an MA. I want to use my curiosity to maximize my empathy, always being in a position to understand, diagnose, and treat those different from myself. My desire to become a PA was solidified. I have strengthened that desire in the past year working as an MA in pediatrics and women’s health, shadowing more PAs, and re-taking genetics for more academic growth.
I was a strong student while earning my bachelor’s in psychology, graduating with honors, but taking on a post-bacc came with challenges. The biology and chemistry courses were my first experience with those subjects at a college level. This, combined with working full time, led to me getting D’s and multiple C’s for the first time, but I worked to improve my study habits. I persevered through more challenging subjects and saw how valuable it was to connect with my peers to learn new strategies. One of my favorite strategies was teaching concepts to my classmates and them helping to fill in gaps in my knowledge. This helped them to strengthen their understanding of concepts as well as my own. I am excited to share my experiences with my PA cohort, confident that teaching and learning from them will lead to strong success as a PA student.
I celebrate Pride every year, but the pride in my accomplishments feels different. Even when not directly involved with a patient’s care, I use my compassion, empathy, and desire to connect with them to provide comfort. I will take these qualities even further in my role on a healthcare team as a PA, diagnosing, educating, and treating my community with confidence. Having the opportunity to collaborate with other PA students working towards the same goal will help me be the PA I know I am capable of becoming. I am proud of my resilience and I am confident my experiences have laid the foundation for a successful career as a PA.
Iliana says
When asked, “Why do you want to be a physician assistant?,” the simple answer that crosses everyone’s mind is, “to help sick people get better.” Although helping people with illnesses is definitely a reason as to why I want to work in healthcare, it goes much deeper than that for me. During my childhood, I noticed that I was interested in the human body and healthcare at a very young age. “Playing medicine” was my favorite game to force my brother to play with me. I was always the medical professional, and my brother was the patient with a crazy disease that I would diagnose and treat. I was around eight years old when I decided to play a game with my brother that involved me chasing him around the house. I suddenly tripped over a basket and my head went straight into a corner of a table. Initially I was in shock, and could not feel a thing. I got up, walked to my parents, and said “I feel weird,” and then I noticed the blood coming down my cheeks to my shoulders. My parents rushed me to the hospital, and the entire way there I read my book, with no tears and no fear although I had an open wound on my forehead. I remember sitting in the emergency department with the medical staff surrounding me. I wasn’t scared, I was weirdly calm and fascinated. Every person on the medical staff reassured me that I will be okay, but I did not need the reassurance, because I knew and trusted that they could “fix” me. I was told to close my eyes because I was getting stitches, but I kept opening them because I wanted to see what they were doing to me; not out of fear, but out of pure curiosity. The feeling I had that night was a feeling that has never left me to this present day. The nurses, doctors, and physician assistants that night gave me a feeling of security knowing that no matter what was wrong with me, they would take care of me. I became fascinated with the fact that although I was a complete stranger to them, they put in their best efforts to make sure I was properly cared for and comfortable at the same time. Most medical visits I have had since I was a child to now, I have been treated by physician assistants, and every single one has given me their undivided attention, listened to my issues medically and emotionally, and gave me the sense of trust and hope. I have worked in the healthcare setting for many years now, and each experience has enhanced my knowledge and solidified my reasoning on why I want to be a physician assistant. In college, I worked as a patient care technician at an urgent care. I learned how to communicate with children, adults, and elders in their most vulnerable state. I was exposed to a variety of medical conditions everyday, and most patients were scared and nervous. As the first person they saw in triage, I made sure to communicate with the patients in an empathetic tone, acknowledge their concerns, and perform my tasks with confidence, so that they felt comfortable and safe. After completing my undergraduate degree, I started a position as a patient care assistant in the emergency department of a hospital. This position has been the most exciting and eye-opening experience for me. The emergency department is a very fast-paced environment, and can get very chaotic and overwhelming. I was intimidated when I first started, but my patient care experience from my previous position helped me with making connections with the patients because of my strong communication and listening skills. In my role as a patient care assistant in the emergency department, I spend 12 hours a day with patients and it is very important to me to make them feel as comfortable as they can in such a chaotic and frightful environment. My second day of working in the emergency department I witnessed a patient coding. I was in pure shock and slightly scared because I was going to do chest compressions on a real human for the first time in my life. When I entered the code room, it was very chaotic but as I was waiting in line to do chest compressions, I noticed all the medical professionals in the room doing their job as quickly and efficiently. It was a blessing to be able to watch doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and patient care assistants do everything in their power to try to save a life. The patient unfortunately passed away, and my coworkers kept asking me if I was okay. Weirdly enough, I was okay. It was definitely hard to watch someone’s life end but it made me realize that this is what comes with this profession. It will not always be healing and treating patients, there will be death and difficult conversations with patients and their families. The next day, my third shift on the job, I was called up to a medical floor to participate in an honor walk. Someone donating their organs is a bittersweet moment. I watched the family members and medical staff with tears in their eyes as someone lost their life, but another one gets a chance for more life; it was a very vulnerable moment for me. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, but it helped me realize that becoming a physician assistant is the right fit for me because of the strong desire I have to treat and diagnose patients, and the empathy and resilience I would share with the patients and their families.
Pamela Marquez says
The seconds on the clock count down as I focus on the hoop. My intense stare breaks as the ball bounces off the rim in my direction. Before I knew it, I jumped higher than I ever thought was possible. After what seemed like minutes in the air, I landed on the ground and was pushed on one knee by opposing players. I fought to get the ball to my teammates while stuck on the ground; unbeknownst to me, the real struggle was getting back up. With the ball out of my hands, I was left alone long enough to get up. Step, step, step…. Wait a minute, is my knee supposed to wobble like that? The coach swapped me out of the game, and a bag of ice was slapped on my swollen kneecap. Unknowingly, I hung up my jersey for the last time when I left the auditorium, my burning passion for basketball suffocated by the coming financial struggles with healthcare, leaving ashes in its place.
As a low-income family, health insurance was a luxury we could not afford, leaving us vulnerable to costly medical bills. When the size of my knee remained the all-too-familiar sight of a basketball, my mother brought me to a walk-in clinic, only for me to be dismissed with instructions to rest for two weeks. While my ability to walk healed with rest, it only took bending my knee further than 90 degrees to lose the ability all over again. After multiple visits to the clinic with the same advice, my mother decided to quit her job so I would qualify for free state health insurance. Three months and an MRI later, I was diagnosed with a torn ACL and lateral meniscus and scheduled for surgery. While it seemed my knee bore the brunt of my injury, the financial repercussions weighed heavily on my family for the years to come, affecting our family dynamics and my mental health. My experience at the hands of the healthcare system became a flickering ember amongst the ashes that ignited my passion to serve as a physician assistant to bridge the gap between my community and quality healthcare.
My interest in healthcare first manifested as anger against the system that almost brought my family to interpersonal ruin. Reflecting on my experiences, I became interested in the PA profession due to its founding history and its emphasis on collaboration. Just as the PA profession was designed to expand access to healthcare amidst a physician shortage, my initial interest in the healthcare industry was ensuring equitable access to people in my community who were an accident away from financial ruin. It was my personal experience that exemplified the complicated relationship that low-income communities have with healthcare, with many individuals often forgoing doctor’s visits to put food on the table, leading to sicker outcomes and higher medical bills. My desire to serve my community led me to volunteer for Southwest Lending Closet (SWLC), a non-profit organization that lends out medical equipment free of charge, to all people, regardless of income; consequently, SWLC personifies many of the qualities that the PA profession aims to foster in the healthcare industry.
The first time I picked up a basketball was when my mother forced me to try out for the basketball team in third grade. Although I could barely dribble the ball without kicking it off my foot, my six-inch height advantage over my peers made me part of a team for the first time. While the point guard was better at dribbling the ball, I was better at getting rebounds; consequently, I learned that the value of being on a team was playing to our strengths for a common purpose. As a physician assistant, working under a physician not only increases access to healthcare during a physician shortage, but it also means collaborating for the common goal of diagnosing and treating the ailments of our patients. As a certified nursing assistant, I am the person providing the most direct and personal patient care; therefore, I am responsible for reporting any changes in mental status and changes in skin coloration that could indicate the start of a pressure ulcer. Separate roles are critical for accountability in the healthcare field; a CNA is more likely than a nurse to notice changes in skin conditions during personal care, and early reporting could increase patient health outcomes and save the patient from unnecessary pain.
I remained trapped in the auditorium of ashes. Every argument had, every bill discussed, shook the ashes down from the ceiling until they were neck high, I struggled to breathe. My anger, a flickering ember, searched for purpose and direction. My passion for preventing my experience from repeating itself in low-income communities became the lit match that allowed me to burn down my auditorium of ashes and rise as a future physician assistant.
Erin Cremer says
Sinus infection after sinus infection, I wondered, “When would this end?” My entire childhood and adolescence was strewn with various upper respiratory infections every couple of months. As a child and teenager, dealing with illness meant missing school, not hanging out with friends, and skipping soccer practice due to overwhelming fatigue. Receiving dismissive remarks about my symptoms merely being a common cold added to the frustration. Many failed surgeries and medications later, I knew it was time to take a different approach to my health. The next recommended option was rheumatology. After countless years of infections and fatigue, my newfound rheumatology physician assistant (PA) discovered my autoimmune disease, selective IgA deficiency. I had found my answer after countless years of infections and fatigue. Experiencing the diagnosing of my autoimmune disease marked my first encounter with a PA. They approached my case holistically and communicated with empathy, making me feel recognized as a person instead of a list of symptoms. I planned to uphold these methods as I entered healthcare.
My experience as a phlebotomist was my first glimpse of the medical field and being able to put my empathy into action. I vividly remember my first day as my colleague guided me through the halls. Though hospitals might seem daunting to some, I was filled with anticipation. Every sight and sound was absorbed eagerly. At last, I wasn’t the one in need of care, but the one providing it. Employed as an inpatient phlebotomist at a level II trauma center offered a unique and rewarding experience. Aside from the routine blood draws, I was able to participate in critical care events involving cardiac or respiratory arrest, assisting with drawing labs as needed. These scenarios involved efficient collaboration with colleagues, along with clear communication and attention to detail.
As a phlebotomist, I directly interacted with patients in the hospital in their most vulnerable moments, especially as they were getting their blood drawn. I would converse with patients not only about their medical concerns, but their feelings and experiences as they were in the hospital bed. I remember drawing blood on a patient who had been in the hospital for weeks. I made sure to greet him whenever I was on the floor, and we unexpectedly bonded over our shared interest in skiing. He always looked happy to see me and this made me feel proud about the impact I have on patients. On slower days, my colleague and I would sometimes go into rooms together to perform blood draws. I recall a time where we had to draw blood cultures on a patient, needing two separate pokes. Understandably, the patient was unhappy, having already poked them earlier that day. However, my colleague and I tried to work quickly to complete the blood draws while distracting the patient from any discomfort. At the end of the blood draw, my colleague and I were making the patient smile and laugh. These experiences made me realize how genuine conversations with patients can build trust, making them feel more at ease during their hospital stay.
As I worked in this hospital, I was surrounded by PAs of all different specialties. I approached PAs outside of patient rooms, in the cafeteria, and the elevator until I found one to shadow. Shadowing a PA within the hospital’s trauma team solidified my feelings of choosing this career path. Once a month I joined a PA on her shift. In one particular instance of a shooting accident, I remember joining the PA in the trauma bay and being taken aback by the stressful situation. While the doctor attempted to locate a femoral vein to access, the PA assisted with keeping the site clean while also communicating with the healthcare staff in the bay. While I was watching from afar, she motioned over to me to get a closer look. Although I was only observing, I felt a part of the action. After the patient was stable, they were taken to the CT scanner where she interpreted the images for me. Witnessing the PA’s ability to remain calm in stressful situations inspired me and showed me the significant impact a PA can have on their patient’s outcome. It has made me not only choose the PA career path, but also inspired me to pursue trauma/emergency medicine.
My journey from being the patient to caring for patients and having the opportunity to observe physician assistants care has been transformative. In each role, I have witnessed and demonstrated empathy towards patients and collaborative relationships with their healthcare team. My personal experiences as a patient gave me a large appreciation for the impact that PAs have on individuals’ lives. Through these experiences, I witnessed how PAs form meaningful relationships with their patients, including myself. These perspectives have driven me far in my journey to becoming a PA and I aspire to maintain my passion and drive for helping others, just as I was helped when I was younger.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Erin,
Your personal statement is a compelling narrative that highlights your journey from being a patient with a chronic illness to a compassionate healthcare provider. Your experiences have given you a unique perspective on the impact of empathetic, patient-centered care, and your commitment to pursuing a career as a PA shines through in your writing.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen your essay further:
Opening:
– Starting with your personal health struggles is a strong way to introduce your journey and motivation for pursuing a PA career. It immediately establishes your connection to the field and your appreciation for the holistic, empathetic care you received from a PA.
Body paragraphs:
– Your experience as a phlebotomist is highly relevant and gives you valuable exposure to the hospital setting. The specific examples of interacting with patients and building trust through genuine conversations are effective in demonstrating your patient care skills.
– However, the details of the blood draw procedures could be condensed to allow more room for reflection on what you learned from these interactions and how they relate to your PA goals.
– Your shadowing experience with the trauma team PA is a powerful example of what drew you to the profession. The story of the shooting accident and the PA’s calm, competent handling of the situation is engaging. Consider elaborating a bit more on what specific qualities you admired in the PA’s approach and how this experience confirmed your career choice.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion effectively ties together your experiences as a patient, a phlebotomist, and a PA shadow. It highlights the key themes of empathy, collaboration, and the meaningful relationships PAs form with their patients.
– To make the ending even more impactful, consider adding a forward-looking statement about your vision for your future as a PA. How do you hope to apply the lessons you’ve learned and make a difference in your patients’ lives?
Other suggestions:
– Your writing is clear and easy to follow. There are a few spots where the phrasing could be more concise. For example, “Experiencing the diagnosing of my autoimmune disease marked my first encounter with a PA” could be simplified to “My autoimmune disease diagnosis marked my first encounter with a PA.”
– While your personal health story is a strong foundation for your essay, be careful not to let it overshadow your more recent, hands-on experiences in healthcare. Aim for a balance between showing how your patient experience informs your perspective and demonstrating your concrete preparation for a PA career.
– If space allows, you could briefly mention any other relevant skills or experiences you have that make you well-suited for a PA program, such as leadership, teamwork, or academic preparation.
Overall, your essay effectively conveys your journey from patient to provider, your commitment to empathetic care, and your firsthand understanding of the PA role. With some refinement to highlight your most powerful experiences and qualities, you’ll have a very compelling personal statement.
Keep up the great work, Erin! Your unique perspective and dedication to patient care will serve you well as a future PA.
Best,
Stephen
erin says
Thank you so much for your kind words and extensive feedback. Have a great weekend!
kelly says
The beauty of music is that it is meant to be shared.
Standing before a sea of eager faces, I felt the blistering 116ºF air crackle with anticipation. I was in the rural outskirts of Fresno, tasked with piloting a music program in the county’s underfunded elementary schools. These children, many of whom had no musical background, stared at the mahogany-stained marimbas before them with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Small, unsure hands grasped mallets, hesitant to explore a world of sound they never knew they had the power to create. The children’s fear of the unknown world of music was palpable, but so was their fervor to learn. It was my duty to guide them past their anxieties, and to impart the skills and confidence needed to play music.
Teaching marimba taught me how to make complex concepts understandable and accessible. I fell in love with being an educator, working face-to-face with people, and collaborating with others to give a community access to something that initially seemed unattainable. Though I excelled in science and problem-solving as an engineering student, this experience revealed my need for human connection. Realizing that my future career needed to embody all of these qualities, I began exploring alternative career paths and discovered the physician assistant profession. Becoming a PA would enable me to make the unknowns of medicine more understandable to others—to guide people through the uncertain times of illness and recovery so that they can make informed decisions about their health, no matter their goals.
Driven by this realization, I changed my major to physiological sciences and pursued healthcare, where I found numerous opportunities to educate and empower patients. As a physical therapy aide, I worked with LB, who had a torn rotator cuff. Initially, LB resisted going through her treatment plan because she was apprehensive about its efficacy; her range of motion was so limited, and the prospect of regaining shoulder function seemed unattainable. However, I explained the physiological purpose behind each exercise and how these would gradually aid in her progress. In doing so, I transformed LB’s outlook on her recovery. She diligently completed her exercises, progressed with each visit, and in a few months, went from being unable to raise her arms more than a few inches to being able to raise them above her head. LB not only regained functional strength in her shoulder but also renewed her independence in daily activities, such as closing her car door or combing her hair. My guidance empowered LB to take charge of her physical health, which positively impacted her overall quality of life. Patient education gave me the fulfillment I had been seeking: by equipping patients with knowledge, I eased their anxieties and watched as they became active participants in their own healthcare journeys.
My understanding of the profound impact I could have as a PA crystallized as a clinical assistant at Reproductive Medicine Associates. A patient, SS, presented with bleeding at seven weeks of pregnancy, after four years of fertility treatment at the clinic. She was visibly distressed as she told me her symptoms. I communicated this to Doris, the PA, who conducted an ultrasound exam. When the scan revealed a subchorionic hemorrhage rather than a miscarriage, Doris explained the diagnosis and reassured SS that her pregnancy was progressing normally. As Doris guided SS through this physically and emotionally turbulent experience, I saw how PAs are uniquely positioned at the intersection of diagnostic decision-making and compassionate patient care. I also realized that the diagnostic aspect of treating patients was, in fact, problem solving, but on an interpersonal level, where empathy and creativity were just as important as medical knowledge. This experience embodied the blend of human connection and problem solving that I wanted in a career, and affirmed my decision to become a PA.
I aspire to be a PA because I want to share what I am passionate about with those in need of care. Just as I stood before those children in Fresno, helping them discover the joys of music, I wish to stand beside my patients, navigating them through the complexities of healthcare. The various settings I have worked in have prepared me to adapt and thrive in any environment; to work in a team with all kinds of people in order to treat all kinds of people. My experiences have culminated in recognizing that I truly want to serve patients as a problem solver, learning medicine to uncover the root causes of their ailments. As a PA, I will lead patients through their healthcare journeys, educating and inspiring them to take charge of their health. Ultimately, I want to be a PA because the beauty of medicine is that it is meant to be shared.
Cam says
Growing up as the daughter of a pediatric dentist in a small town, I knew my dad to be somewhat of a local celebrity and quickly understood the influence that healthcare workers have on their communities and the lasting impressions they leave on those they serve. Providers always represented an accomplished and empathetic presence to me, much like my dad. It was not until shadowing at my local hospital that my perspective on some of the system’s flaws were exposed to my naive point of view. I was following a pediatrician performing newborn exams when we entered a room where a woman was alone with her baby. The doctor hastily introduced himself and asked for permission to pick up the baby. The mother nodded, but as the doctor continued asking questions, she stopped responding. As I stood awkwardly in the corner, he realized that the woman did not speak English. At that moment, I thought back to my grandfather, whose family immigrated to the United States from Mexico. He had often recounted his experiences in healthcare settings, feeling dismissed and misunderstood by providers, but I did not truly understand until I witnessed it firsthand.
My experiences ignited my passion for pursuing a career in medicine, not just because of my upbringing, but because I have the opportunity to change the narrative for patients like my grandfather and the woman at the hospital. During college, I was inspired to volunteer with a student run clinic serving primarily migrant farmworkers. My work in the clinic and participation in a community health needs assessment survey exposed me to numerous barriers to equitable healthcare and helped me understand the nuances that create these barriers. The clinic taught me to promote culturally sensitive care by respecting and upholding culture while being mindful of how cultural differences may impact a patient, qualities I hope to embody as a provider.
After exploring various careers in healthcare, a Physician Assistant is most suited to my goals as a provider. I was inspired by the physician and PA teams I shadowed in New York who bounced ideas off each other and weaved seamlessly between patient rooms as well as the PA running an independent pulmonary practice in rural California, all ensuring the best possible care for their patients. I am comfortable in team environments and thrive with collaboration but also value my independence and autonomy. I was also inspired by the PA who encouraged me in my pursuit; she works part time at a med spa and part time in the pediatric unit at the hospital. As a lifelong learner, my desire to become a PA stems from their ability for lateral mobility, with endless opportunities to learn and grow.
With renewed commitment and yearning to enter the healthcare field as a PA, I spent my post-grad year gaining patient experience as a physical therapy technician in New York City. After spending my entire life in rural California, I was eager to gain experience in a place entirely different, with a unique blend of communities and cultures. My role as a technician equipped me with an array of transferable skills to the PA profession.
Building rapport with patients was essential in gaining trust and respect, allowing me to excel as a technician. One elderly patient was notoriously difficult and resistant to treatment. However, understanding her reluctance, I took extra time to talk through her concerns and interests to find common ground. We discovered a shared love of reading and would talk through our latest books as we worked through her rehabilitation program. I also made a concerted effort to explain each exercise thoroughly and why it would be helpful in her recovery. This connection increased her adherence to her program and underscored the importance of empathy and communication in healthcare.
Adaptability and critical thinking in adjusting treatment programs to promote healing, while also handling multiple patients at once, was another invaluable skill. One instance comes to mind during a busy day in the clinic. Amidst the chaos, I noticed a patient wincing each time he performed a glute bridge. I approached, asking how he was doing with his exercises, and he admitted that he was feeling a shooting sensation in his back. Despite working on his form to protect his lower back, the pain persisted. I went to work with his physical therapist to adjust his program, substituting bridges for lunges, to ensure safety and a healthy recovery.
My inherent curiosity, passion and determination, combined with my learned skills of flexibility, communication and teamwork, make me well suited for a career as a PA. I hope to use my experiences to make a positive impact on those I serve, much like my dad does. By fostering communication and understanding, I aim to bridge the gap between my father’s and grandfather’s experiences with healthcare, ensuring that all patients receive the quality care that they deserve.
Emma Venable says
I was overheated and excited in my pink tutu and face paint. It was our third year walking in the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” in honor of my aunt. This year was special for us as my aunt had finally been declared breast cancer-free after years of surgery, chemotherapy, and days of feeling weak. As we made our way to the finish line that was hemmed in with hundreds of women and families, I was in tears. I grasped my aunt’s hand as I thought to myself, “All these other women still have cancer.” Upon finishing the race, my interest in medicine sparked. I began to look for opportunities to be around a healthcare environment and found one where my mom worked for a local Pediatrician. After school, I would wait for her at the office and seize opportunities to speak to the physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners that I saw passing by. I always admired the teamwork, passion, and knowledge each team member possessed and found myself wanting to learn more about these different roles.
As I learned more about the role of a PA throughout high school and college, I began to solidify that this was the role I wanted to step into. One of my first professional instances with a PA was a PA Student working with the cardiologist I was shadowing during my freshman year of college. I had the opportunity to watch this PA-S interact with the Physician, I was impressed by the confidence and strong collaboration they shared and began to solidify that a PA was the best fit for myself within a healthcare team. My passion for leading others and working within a team has extended beyond the healthcare world and I have seen myself succeed greatly when challenged in these ways. Most notably, I learned from my time as a shift supervisor at Starbucks, not only my love of people but my passion for leading a team while collaborating with my manager and other shift supervisors to create a welcoming and thriving environment. Witnessing the role of a PA firsthand along with my experiences in other professions will prove invaluable as I enter into PA school because those experiences have prepared me to fit this versatile role.
Before my senior year of college, I started working as an ER technician at a local hospital. One night, before the start of one of my shifts, my phone rang with what came to be one of my most distraught calls. My mom who lived over 500 miles away, had stage II breast cancer and there wasn’t any way I was able to be with her. I knew that the only way I could cope in that moment was if I pushed my pain aside and helped to heal others instead. At the start of my night shift, I passed a patient’s room who was presenting with flu-like symptoms alongside having breast cancer and was moved by the sight of a group of women surrounding this patient, crying and holding her hands. I asked them if they needed anything, and they responded, “We just need our mom back.” I immediately felt that I could relate with these daughters of wanting to be with their mom, and see her healed. Later on, I stayed while the attending provider, a PA, removed the patient’s dressing on her left breast, where I observed the severity of her cancer. I asked the PA what this wound was, and he replied, “It’s the cancer growing outside her body.” I could feel the fear in my throat rising and suffocating me. This experience revealed to me the wholehearted desire I have to lead a healthcare team and aid others like this woman in their treatment. I was able to see how the PA was calm, empathetic, and knowledgeable throughout this case and proceeded to treat and diagnose her, which showed me the same way in which I desire to lead a healthcare team. I aspire to serve others like this patient by diagnosing, treating and managing the care for as many people as possible within a variety of specialties.
The field of medicine cannot be defined as a specialized field. It is the most collaborative, intertwined and inspiring field that provides systemically complex yet specialized care for individuals. I desire to join the PA field as a lifelong learner, constantly pushing to challenge and seek new techniques within medicine. I have connected with PA’s adaptability, teamwork, opportunity for lateral mobility, the increased accessibility to healthcare they can provide and the dedication that they each possess. My journey to discovering the PA profession and working toward it has been surprising and affirming. As I reflect on my time as a student and healthcare worker I can envision the type of PA I want to be, and the compassionate, holistic care I want to provide. I have found a passion for serving my community and advocating for patients during their most vulnerable and frightening times. I know now that I could not see myself doing anything else. I want to be a Physician Assistant who will advocate, serve, and heal patients in their most difficult moments. Starting at the beginning of their race and finishing it with them; pink tutu, face paint, and all.
Calla Hladky says
As a child, I was an avid problem-solver and caregiver to stuffies and persons alike; adults often asked me if I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. I knew I wanted to care for people and figure out what made people ill, but at that young age, I had a limited view of healthcare. It was only when I entered high school and began experiencing my own health struggles that I got a glimpse of all that medicine entails. As I watched my pediatrician, my gastroenterologist, and my therapist work to unravel my health mystery, I was amazed and relieved to discover that the dysfunction I was experiencing in two parts of my body that I deemed to be separate—brain and gut—could be closely connected. Learning about and treating my illness (celiac disease) solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. It also taught me the importance of approaching patient care from a holistic perspective. The physician assistant (PA) role best fits my desire to provide high-quality, team-based care and to explore different specialties.
Healthcare providers must be strong leaders: ready to advocate for all patients, to listen, educate, and offer emotional support, to always consider the larger contexts that impact an individual’s well-being, and to refuse to be complacent about systemic inequities. They must also communicate effectively and collaborate readily as part of a team of colleagues. As President of my sorority, I honed my ability to communicate information to large audiences and developed my skills and confidence in having difficult conversations. I made an effort to highlight my team members’ strengths and solicit their feedback so that we could reach our DEI goals. These skills served me well as a dermatology research intern; I worked on a multidisciplinary team to investigate skin cancer disparities in Maine, develop outreach initiatives targeting underserved areas, and collaborate on published research.
My volunteer work at a comfort care home in New York showed me the impact that quality end-of-life care, delivered with empathy and compassion, can have on people with little to no resources. On my first shift, I connected with a patient who rarely had visitors and appeared restless. Seeking to ease her discomfort, I engaged her in conversation; as she shared her life story marked by pain and loss, I was struck by her emphasis on forgiveness. I sat with her and continued to laugh and learn from her during each shift; she expressed gratitude for my empathetic presence in her final days. Another patient, surrounded by a devoted family, passed away at the start of one of my shifts. I had bonded with his relatives during previous visits and consoled them as they grieved. Weeks later, they returned with donations for the home and gratitude for the compassionate support we provided. Witnessing their generosity, sparked by our care, deeply moved me.
As a Patient Care Technician II (PCT II) at a large regional children’s hospital in Charleston, SC, I cared for patients who were battling health conditions and faced other challenges, such as food and housing insecurity, racism, ableism, addiction, and neglect. I cared for “alone babies”—infants left at the hospital without family members due to financial constraints or restricted visitation. Seeing these solitary infants in their cribs was heart-wrenching. Whenever possible, I dedicated my free time to bathing, dressing, and cradling them. Many of the young adult patients I cared for suffered from sickle cell disease and required lengthy hospital stays; I found that bringing these patients their favorite snacks or extra heating packs helped establish a trusting relationship and provided extra comfort during their prolonged, painful stays. Witnessing the struggles of these patients, often compounded by systemic injustices, underscored the importance of providing holistic care and unwavering compassion. I also learned the importance of prompt and effective communication with the medical team. In one case, I swiftly informed a nurse that her patient, who was to be discharged shortly, had an unexpectedly low heart rate; after I performed an EKG on the patient, he was ultimately diagnosed with a heart condition and stayed to receive further treatment. This experience gave me invaluable confidence in collaborating with a larger medical team.
Through my varied experiences in both non-clinical and clinical roles over the past few years, I have sharpened my leadership, teamwork, communication, and patient care skills. Regardless of the specialty I choose, my passion lies in providing healthcare for marginalized and underserved communities. Everyone deserves care that is holistic and seeks to ameliorate the impacts of structural inequities. I am confident that the PA profession will give me the ideal platform to combine my scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and robust empathy to address the diverse healthcare needs of individuals and communities.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Calla,
Your personal statement is thoughtful and engaging, highlighting your diverse experiences and strong commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care to underserved communities. Your writing is clear and easy to follow. However, there are some areas where your essay could be strengthened.
1. While your childhood experience and personal health struggles provide useful context, the connection to your specific interest in the PA profession could be clearer. Consider more explicitly tying these experiences to the attributes of the PA role that appeal to you.
2. Your leadership experience as sorority President is relevant, but the details about your DEI goals feel a bit vague. Instead of just stating that you highlighted team members’ strengths and solicited feedback, provide a specific example of how you did this and the impact it had.
3. The anecdotes from your volunteer work at the comfort care home are powerful and showcase your empathy and ability to connect with patients. However, they take up a significant portion of your essay. Consider condensing these stories slightly to allow more room for your other important experiences.
4. Your work as a PCT II is highly relevant and gives you a strong foundation for a PA career. The examples of the “alone babies” and sickle cell patients are moving, but you could tie these experiences more directly to your understanding of the PA role. How did working with these patients and collaborating with the medical team shape your view of what it means to be a PA?
5. Your conclusion effectively emphasizes your commitment to serving marginalized communities, but it feels a bit abrupt. Consider adding a sentence or two that ties together your key experiences and qualities, and reiterates why the PA profession is the ideal path for you.
Suggestions for Improvement:
1. In your introduction, clarify how your personal health struggles and the holistic care you received specifically influenced your decision to pursue a PA career. What aspects of the PA role align with your goals and values?
2. When discussing your leadership experience, provide a concrete example of how you fostered collaboration and utilized team members’ strengths. This will make your point more impactful.
3. Trim down the details of your comfort care home stories to make room for expanding on your other experiences. While these anecdotes are powerful, they shouldn’t overshadow your more directly relevant clinical work.
4. Use your PCT II experiences to more explicitly showcase your understanding of the PA role. Highlight how collaborating with the medical team and witnessing the challenges faced by your patients reinforced your desire to become a PA.
5. End with a strong, forward-looking conclusion that ties together the key themes of your essay. Reiterate how your unique background, skills, and passion for serving underserved communities make you well-suited for a career as a PA.
Overall, your essay demonstrates your commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and your understanding of the complex factors that impact health. With some refinement to tie your experiences more directly to your PA pursuit and allow your most relevant stories to shine, you’ll have a very strong personal statement.
I recommend reviewing the advice and examples in our book, “How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement” (https://amzn.to/3wteSjD), for additional guidance. If you’d like personalized feedback from our team of expert editors, our collaborative editing service is a great resource.
Keep up the great work, Calla! Your dedication to serving others and your diverse experiences will serve you well as a future PA.
Best,
Stephen
Alexis says
I entered this world with a heart condition that necessitated surgery at the age of nine. Thus began the memories of frequent visits to the cardiologist, where I underwent countless EKGs and echocardiograms. These appointments weren’t just medical check-ups; they sparked my curiosity about the intricate workings of the human body. Dr. Bolton, my cardiologist, became accustomed to my unyielding questions, marking the beginning of my deep-seated fascination with medical science. Although my path in the medical field was unclear at that time, one thing was sure—I was destined to explore the mysteries of medicine.
I was advised to enroll in the biomedical science program as an undergrad to pursue a career in medicine. Naive to the world of medicine, I took a seminar course on healthcare professions. In this class, I was introduced to McGregor Memorial EMS, my first real chance to care for patients directly. McGregor EMS facilitated the development of my confidence and leadership and provided an introduction to team-based medicine. Pre-hospital medicine emphasizes critical thinking, ongoing personal education, and provider collaboration alongside delivering excellent medical care to our patients.
Amid a frantic scene, I confronted the distressed father of an unconscious patient. Steadfast, I relied on my training. With pinpoint pupils and shallow breathing, it was evident: another victim of the opioid crisis, even here in rural New Hampshire. Swift action was imperative: airway support and naloxone. The father’s relief upon our timely arrival and administration of life-saving medication underscored the urgency of our mission. This encounter fortified my resolve to raise public awareness and enhance training, including distributing naloxone kits. Witnessing the resilience of those facing unimaginable hardships has fueled my unwavering commitment to serving others.
Although I genuinely love 911 EMS, the desire for further knowledge and feeling stagnant in my current role motivated me to change my career path. After undergrad, I needed a paying job that would increase my exposure to clinical professions. The next step in this journey was working as a clinical tech in urgent care. The urgent care allowed me to work alongside nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors. My certification as an advanced EMT allowed me to function as a nurse in the urgent care setting with a few limitations. At this job, I got a glimpse into the different career paths. I listened and learned from my coworkers. Every day, I saw the need for healthcare education, the importance of preventative medicine, the growing mental health crisis, and, most importantly, the benefits of working as a team. This is when the deliberation of which path to take began.
Eager to further my education and widen my scope, I took what I learned from the providers I worked with and compared them to my personal goals and qualities. I knew that becoming a physician assistant (PA) was right for me. After knowing I wanted to proceed with a career as a PA, I took on a role in an ER to build a diverse experience. My position allows me to work all over the hospital as a phlebotomist, LNA, ER tech, and more. The flexibility of my hospital job allows me to gain innumerable knowledge and witness collaborative and supportive relationships between providers. I watch these providers develop relationships with their patients, give back to the community, and work well with others. The more I learn from the providers I work with, the more I envy the short program lengths, the work/life balance, and the versatility of learning from physicians in countless specialties.
My current role as an advanced EMT in the hospital allows me to connect with patients, but I want to play a larger role in their care. As a PA, I would have that opportunity while still having a provider to lean on. Being a midlevel provider will allow me the freedom to switch specialties while still balancing autonomy and collaboration. I have worked hard to get where I am today, and I have no intention of stopping.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Alexis,
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. Your essay effectively highlights your personal connection to medicine, your diverse healthcare experiences, and your commitment to serving others. However, there are some areas where your essay could be strengthened to make it more impactful.
1. The opening anecdote about your heart condition and interactions with your cardiologist is compelling, but it feels disconnected from the rest of your essay. Consider tying this experience more directly to your decision to pursue a PA career specifically, rather than just medicine in general.
2. While your experiences with McGregor EMS and the opioid crisis patient are powerful, they take up a significant portion of your essay. Be careful not to let these anecdotes overshadow your more recent and directly relevant experiences in urgent care and the ER.
3. Your paragraph about working in urgent care could be more specific. Rather than just stating that you learned from your coworkers and saw the need for various aspects of healthcare, provide concrete examples of interactions or observations that shaped your understanding of the PA role.
4. The transition from your urgent care experience to your decision to pursue a PA career feels abrupt. Provide more insight into your thought process and what specifically drew you to the PA path over other options like nursing or medical school.
5. While you mention the appeal of the PA profession’s short program lengths, work/life balance, and versatility, these points could be expanded on. What specifically about these aspects aligns with your personal and professional goals?
6. Your conclusion touches on your desire to connect with patients and have a balance of autonomy and collaboration, but it could be more memorable. Consider ending with a strong statement about your unique qualities and experiences that make you well-suited for a PA career.
Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Use your opening anecdote as a foundation to build your narrative around your specific path to the PA profession. Tie your early experiences more clearly to your later healthcare roles and your ultimate career choice.
2. Condense your EMS and opioid crisis stories to allow more room for your recent and directly relevant experiences in urgent care and the ER. These latter roles likely had the most significant impact on your decision to become a PA.
3. Provide more specific examples of what you learned about the PA role from your coworkers in urgent care and the ER. What did you admire about their approach to patient care or their role on the healthcare team?
4. Expand on your thought process behind choosing the PA path. What specific aspects of the profession align with your goals and values? How do your experiences make you well-suited for this career?
5. End with a strong, forward-looking conclusion that ties together your key experiences and qualities. Leave the reader with a clear sense of why you are passionate about becoming a PA and what unique contributions you will bring to the profession.
Overall, your essay shows promise, but it could benefit from a tighter focus on your PA-specific path and more vivid examples from your recent healthcare experiences. Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice and perspective shine through.
Best,
Stephen
Carissa Nussbaum says
Here’s my essay, looking forward to your thoughts.
I have given careful thought to why I aspire to become a Physician Assistant, and I have identified five key reasons. While there are many motivations behind my decision, these encapsulate my primary driving forces. I hope that by sharing them, you will gain a better understanding of who I am, why this career path is so important to me, and why I would excel both as a student and as a PA upon completing this program.
First and foremost, my family plays a pivotal role in my decision. When I say “family,” I refer to both the one I was born into and the one I have created. My upbringing was unconventional; no one in my immediate family attended college, and not all graduated high school. There was little determination or encouragement for higher education. My mother’s responsibility was to raise us until we were of legal age, after which we were on our own. Despite these challenges, I always dreamed of attending college and creating a different future for myself. Witnessing my family’s struggles fueled my internal motivation to pursue higher education and build a meaningful career.
This motivation intensified after I started my own family. The desire to succeed became a necessity. I have young children who look up to me, and it is now my responsibility to shape their lives and experiences. I am committed to providing for them, demonstrating the value of hard work and dedication, and establishing a new generational cycle of educated, contributing members of society. Working on my education while raising a family has been most difficult. Throughout my years as a student, I’ve moved across the country twice, lost my father, got married and had three children. Amongst other life experiences, these things have taught me how to handle stress, manage my time efficiently, and prioritize different tasks so that I can stay on top of what’s important. Nothing is too big to handle, and I’m determined to reach my goals.
Secondly, this profession is my passion. While many may claim this, I genuinely cannot envision wanting to become a PA without a deep interest in anatomy, medicine, and healthcare. It took time for me to recognize that this was my calling, but once I did, I was certain. The opportunities within this field are vast, offering flexibility in specialties and a continuous learning environment. Every aspect of this profession fascinates me, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Thirdly, I have witnessed firsthand the shortage of healthcare providers. Despite the competitiveness of nursing, APP, and medical schools, there remains a significant gap. I was once told this shortage might be due to limited teaching capacities. Regardless of the reason, I am determined to contribute to alleviating this shortage by becoming a healthcare provider. This aligns perfectly with my love for learning, anatomy, medicine, and helping people. It truly feels like the perfect fit.
My fourth reason is my desire to be resourceful and help others. Possessing the skills and knowledge of a PA is invaluable, allowing me to assist those who need it most. Knowing healthcare and how to navigate within the system is worthful knowledge that not everyone has. For instance, my mother’s friend from South America struggled with navigating the American healthcare system but wanted to see a provider due to infertility issues. Through encouragement and guidance, I was able to help her find the care she needed. This experience was incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to expand the ways in which I can support those in need.
Lastly, I have a deep personal desire to achieve something meaningful. I want to be someone my children can be proud of, and I want to feel a sense of accomplishment and value. In previous jobs, I often felt replaceable, but I aspire to develop a unique skill set that is essential to my professional success. I am determined to prove to myself that, despite obstacles and challenges, I can achieve something extraordinary and finally be proud of who I am.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my dedication, passion, and determination will make me an excellent student and a compassionate and skilled Physician Assistant.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Carissa,
Your personal statement is a heartfelt and compelling narrative that clearly conveys your motivations for pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Your unconventional upbringing, family responsibilities, and desire to make a meaningful impact shine through in your writing.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen your essay further:
Opening:
– Your opening paragraph effectively sets up the key reasons behind your PA pursuit. Consider making the first sentence a bit more engaging – perhaps start with a brief anecdote or personal statement that captures your passion for the field.
Body paragraphs:
– Your discussion of your family background and the challenges you’ve overcome is powerful. It demonstrates your resilience, determination, and commitment to forging a new path. Consider using a specific example or anecdote to illustrate the struggles you witnessed growing up and how they shaped your aspirations.
– In the paragraph about your own family, you mention several significant life events (moving, losing your father, getting married, having children). While these experiences have undoubtedly shaped you, listing them in quick succession may lessen their impact. Consider focusing on one or two key events and how they specifically influenced your journey and prepared you for the rigors of PA school.
– Your passion for the PA profession comes across clearly. To make this section even stronger, consider including a specific example of what fascinates you about the field. Is there a particular patient interaction, shadowing experience, or area of study that ignited your interest?
– The anecdote about helping your mother’s friend navigate the healthcare system is a great example of your desire to be resourceful and supportive. Consider elaborating on this story a bit more – what specific guidance did you provide? How did you feel seeing the impact of your help?
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion ties together your personal and professional aspirations effectively. To make it even more impactful, consider circling back to the key themes from your introduction – your family, your passion, and your determination to succeed despite challenges.
Other suggestions:
– Your writing is clear and easy to follow. There are a few spots where varying the sentence structure or tightening the phrasing could enhance the flow. For example, “This motivation intensified after I started my own family” could be more direct: “Starting my own family intensified this motivation.”
– While your statement is well within the character limit, you have some room to elaborate on key experiences or insights if desired. Don’t feel obligated to use all 5,000 characters, but know that you have space to expand on the most important points.
Overall, your personal statement paints a vivid picture of your journey, your motivations, and your potential as a PA student and future practitioner. Your commitment to your family, your community, and your personal growth is admirable and sets a strong foundation for your career in healthcare.
Best wishes,
Stephen
Brooke S. says
Hi! This is my personal statement for PA school. I would love some advice on how to edit it to make it stronger. Thanks in advance!
“For as long as I can remember, I was set on following a career based on helping others in some capacity. As I grew, my interest geared towards helping animals, so in high school I worked at a veterinarian clinic. It was awesome, I loved it. This is what I was going to do with the rest of my life… or so I thought. After a few months of working, the unimaginable happened – I was diagnosed with cancer.
The news came as a complete shock, I was only 17. Seventeen. How could this happen to a healthy 17-year-old? The words “Brooke you have leukemia” played in my head on a continuous loop. This meant that my life would change drastically; no more school, no more senior year activities, and no more working at the vet clinic. I was crushed, but looking back, oddly enough, I am thankful for the experiences I gained through my diagnosis and treatment. With leukemia, I was exposed to the intense and awesome world of medicine. Through countless doctor appointments and chemotherapy treatments, I practically lived in the hospital and was able to learn the ins and outs of the inner workings. I loved it. Again, I found myself completely indulged and enthralled with a job- this is when I realized I wanted to switch to medicine.
Through all of this, I was applying for college and just a year after my diagnosis, I was headed to Austin for my freshman year. Freshman year was full of challenges. It was my first year of college, I had moved to a brand new city and lived alone, COVID was at its peak, and I was still battling some residual side effects of my treatment. With all of this, I was eager to get involved with campus activities and this is where I found the Texas Pre-PA Society (TPPS). Prior to joining TPPS, I wasn’t sure where in the medical field I belonged, but this organization opened my eyes to the PA profession and I instantly fell in love.
The thing that I love most about the profession is the focused personalized care experience that PA’s provide for their patients. Throughout my life, my passion for helping others rooted in having a relationship in some form with the specific person, group, or cause. Being a physician assistant allows me to grow relationships with my patients in a way that excites me. In December of 2023, I shadowed an awesome orthopedic PA, and she solidified my decision on pursuing this career. Watching her interact with her patients on a personal level, while also having the option to collaborate with her attending physician showed me that the PA career really has everything I am looking for. I am able to spend my time focused on the patient itself, while also utilizing team-based care by working with physicians and other healthcare professions to access and provide the best individualized care for each patient.
The combination of my eagerness to learn and help others, along with the grit, strength, and determination I showed during my treatment and beyond makes me believe that I would be a wonderful PA. My experience as a patient will help me empathize and relate to patients on a deeper level will also help contribute to my success in the profession. Helping others is my passion and becoming a PA is the most perfect and fitting way for me to achieve that. This is where I belong.”
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Brooke,
Your personal statement is a compelling narrative that highlights your resilience, passion for helping others, and commitment to the PA profession. Your experience battling leukemia at a young age clearly had a profound impact on your path and gives you a unique perspective on patient care.
Here are some suggestions to refine your essay further:
Opening:
– Your opening line is strong and immediately establishes your longstanding desire to help others. Consider condensing the details about your initial interest in veterinary medicine slightly to get to the pivotal moment of your cancer diagnosis a bit sooner.
– The line “This is what I was going to do with the rest of my life… or so I thought” is effective in creating anticipation for the upcoming shift in your path.
Body paragraphs:
– Your description of your leukemia experience is powerful. To make it even more impactful, consider adding a specific anecdote or interaction with a healthcare provider that sparked your interest in medicine. What was the moment you realized “this is what I want to do”?
– The paragraph about your freshman year challenges could be condensed to allow more room for elaboration on your PA-specific experiences and insights. Focus on the key points: discovering TPPS, learning about the PA role, and how it aligns with your interests.
– Your shadowing experience with the orthopedic PA is a great example of what draws you to the profession. Consider expanding on what you admired about her patient interactions and collaboration with the physician. What specific skills or qualities did you observe that you hope to emulate as a PA?
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion effectively ties together your personal qualities, patient experience, and passion for the PA role. To make it even more powerful, consider adding a forward-looking statement about your goals as a future PA. How do you envision yourself making a difference in your patients’ lives?
Other suggestions:
– While your essay flows well overall, there are a few spots where varying the sentence structure or tightening the phrasing could enhance the impact. For example, “The thing that I love most about the profession is the focused personalized care experience that PA’s provide for their patients” could be more concise: “What I love most about the PA profession is the opportunity to provide focused, personalized care to patients.”
– Be sure to proofread carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. For example, “PA’s” should be “PAs” (no apostrophe needed for the plural).
Your essay effectively conveys your unique path, strong motivation, and fit for the PA profession. With some fine-tuning to make your key experiences and insights shine even brighter, you’ll have a stand-out personal statement.
Keep up the great work, Brooke! Your resilience and passion will serve you well on your path to becoming a PA.
Best wishes,
Stephen
Grayson Drach says
Sweat was streaming down my bright red face. My lungs were on fire, and my legs could barely step one foot in front of the other. No, I was not in a medical emergency. I had just crossed the finish line to my first half marathon in Chicago. While adrenaline was still pumping and my heart was beating out of my chest, I realized the parallels between endurance running and the rigorous path to becoming a physician assistant (PA). Not only are there many similarities between the two journeys, but both take a transformative level of commitment to complete. Running a half marathon requires determination, resilience, discipline, and devotion. Qualities also required from a PA.
It’s in my nature to push myself to do things I find challenging, as I know the reward will be worth it. I would tell myself that if I could accomplish a half marathon, which required hours of training, remaining dedicated, and instilling confidence in myself, there was nothing I could not overcome. Running took a commitment to training, overcoming failures, and relying on my support system. The path to becoming a PA will take the same path; if I can complete a half marathon, I can become a PA.
Similarly, in the way that I had to prepare for the race, I needed to find out how I would make an impact and find something rewarding in the medical field. Shadowing a urology PA at Christie Clinic, I saw the possibility of that reward. Through shadowing Jeremy, I understood what kind of provider I wanted to be, the schooling needed to practice as a PA, and the level of autonomy a PA would have. I saw myself in his shoes as he would examine his patients, chart, and prescribe relevant imaging, medications, and even surgery. I admired the way he would consult with the other urology doctors. He also informed me of all the different fields he had worked in before finding one he truly loved. I knew then that I wanted to be a PA.
At this point in my life, after the race, I had over three years of healthcare experience. My first experience was working with COVID-19 patients as a cardiac CNA for OSF Hospital. Later, due to my curiosity and roaming nature, I became a medical assistant and had the opportunity to learn from an Oncologist, Dr. Shah. She introduced me to the rewarding, emotional, and complex world of oncology. Becoming a medical assistant was just like another step in my training.
I must admit, there were moments in the race and my training when I felt I could not continue. I experienced those same feelings in my clinical experiences as well. One patient comes to mind who would evoke those feelings in me and ultimately further my desire to become a PA.
I always knew Pat as a greeter at Christie Clinic. She always had the warmest smile, which would brighten my mood before work. Pat and I would become well acquainted. She would refer to me as Dr. Shah’s PA even though she knew I was the medical assistant. Unfortunately, I would get to spend even more time with her as Pat would soon be diagnosed with a Gastrointestinal stromal tumor. My hopes remained high, though. It was only stage 2; she would go through chemotherapy and then surgery to remove the rest. Easy. She understood the plan, and I always made it a point to instill hope in her that she would be alright. Pat was a worried wort like that.
It had only been two months since her diagnosis that I remember sitting on my desk crying as I learned of her passing. I did not know if I could go through this with another patient. It was with support from my boss, the other nurses, and Dr. Shah that I got through it. As a medical assistant in oncology, my joy is measured in how many patients I see return to the clinic each month—the ones who get to keep fighting and the ones who continue to encourage me to pursue my passion. The reward from seeing successes and hearing how much I helped them outweighs the tough ones.
It is through my experiences and lives touched that I strongly understand patient care and the PA I know I can be. Attending PA school would allow me to start practicing as soon as possible and take care of all the other “Pats” out there. As a PA, I am committed to guiding patients through their health journeys, ensuring we cross the finish line together.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Grayson,
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. The running metaphor you’ve woven throughout is a creative way to illustrate your dedication and resilience. Your clinical experiences, particularly in oncology, demonstrate your exposure to the field and your commitment to patient care.
Here are some suggestions to strengthen your essay further:
Opening:
– The vivid description of your physical state after the half marathon is engaging. Consider condensing it slightly to get to your key point (the parallel between running and the PA journey) a bit sooner.
– The transition from the running metaphor to your PA aspirations could be a bit smoother. Perhaps briefly mention your healthcare experience or passion for medicine to create a clearer bridge.
Body paragraphs:
– Your shadowing experience with Jeremy provides a strong, specific example of what drew you to the PA role. Consider elaborating a bit more on what you admired about his approach to patient care and collaboration.
– The paragraph about your work as a cardiac CNA and medical assistant could be expanded. Provide a specific anecdote or two that illustrate the key lessons or skills you gained from these roles.
– Pat’s story is touching and highlights the emotional challenges of working in oncology. To make it even more impactful, consider sharing a specific interaction you had with her that exemplifies your compassionate approach.
Conclusion:
– The conclusion brings the essay full circle by returning to the running metaphor, which works well.
– To make the final lines resonate even more, consider tying in a forward-looking element. What kind of PA do you aspire to be, and how will your experiences shape your approach to guiding patients across that figurative finish line?
Other suggestions:
– There are a few spots where the phrasing could be polished for greater impact. For example, “It’s in my nature to push myself to do things I find challenging, as I know the reward will be worth it” could be more direct: “I push myself to embrace challenges, knowing the reward will be worth the effort.”
– While the running metaphor is effective, be careful not to overuse it to the point of distraction. Make sure each comparison serves a clear purpose in advancing your narrative.
With some refining to make your key experiences and insights shine even more, this will be a compelling statement. Your passion for patient care and your ability to find strength in challenges come through clearly.
Stephen
Sam says
This is my PS from last cycle. Only had one interview and was waitlisted. I would love some feedback on my PS to see what to keep and what to edit. Thank you so much in advance!
Many of my family members have been challenged with a mental and/or physical illness. Their journey to wellness has greatly influenced my decision to live a life helping others and healthcare is the path I have chosen to pursue to fulfill my dreams.
In high school, I went to Jamaica with the Straight Caribbean Spine Foundation to volunteer with two orthopedic surgeons and their team. Throughout the trip, the surgeons performed spinal fusions on children with scoliosis and postoperative care to those that received the surgery previously. I was tasked with taking pictures of the patients to document the severity of their scoliosis. I saw how untreated scoliosis affects a person’s physical appearance and daily life. I was able to observe all the surgeries, while the surgeons explained their surgical plan.
While the patients were being prepped, I was able to hold the children’s hands whose parents could not be there. Comforting these children in a scary time made me happy. This experience inspired me to pursue a pre-health path in college.
After graduating college, I became an Emergency Medical Technician. During EMT school, I rode with various local fire stations. I helped provide basic care to patients who were quickly turned over to hospital staff to provide more care. While being proud to provide care to patients, I realized that it was not enough- I needed to be more involved with my patients. This led me to my first healthcare job as a medical assistant.
As a MA, I witnessed patient-provider relationships. I realized those relationships were what I wanted. I worked in a hematology/oncology clinic, which had many repeat patients with whom I could develop relationships. I learned that a patient will speak openly with someone he or she feels comfortable with. They want someone to talk to. Many of my patients were drastically ill and frightened. One busy morning, an overworked co-worker was frustrated and asked me to assist her with a talkative patient in a clinical trial because she did not have the energy to deal with him. Clinical trial patients have longer appointment times due to having to collect data, such as multiple EKGs and blood work. Even though I was busy as well, I agreed because I did not want the patient to feel rushed or burdened. Throughout the patient’s appointment, he told me stories about his children and how his cancer has affected him physically and mentally. I just listened while completing my necessary tasks. At the end of his appointment, he hugged me and got emotional stating that I made his day because he just needed someone to listen. Something as little as listening to someone can mean so much. This encounter inspired me to take the time to listen to my patients, even if it is not about their health, because everyone deserves to feel heard. I believe that working as a physician assistant will give me the flexibility to build that rapport with patients.
In furthering my quest to be with patients after being a medical assistant, I worked as a patient care associate in a hematology/oncology unit. This role taught me a lot about myself and about being a PA. As a PCA, I took vitals, provided basic care activities delegated by the nurses, gave empathetic patient care, and tended to the patient’s personal care and activities of daily living. In full transparency, I had trouble stomaching cleaning patients, but I put my problem aside and did not let the patients notice. I treated all my patients with compassion, dignity, and respect. During this opportunity, I was also able to observe how the physicians and PAs rounded on patients. I was captivated by their partnership and the PAs ability to simultaneously work independently. I noticed that the PAs stayed longer in the patient’s room than the physicians. They took the time to educate the patients on treatment plans and to answer any questions the patients had, while the physicians continued rounding.
I have always wanted to go into healthcare, but I could never come up with a better answer to why than “because I want to help people.” Through my experiences, I realized that I thrive on patient interactions; therefore, a career as a PA would allow me that, as well as, the ability to treat and diagnose patients, the flexibility to work in different specialties throughout my career, work life balance, and more time for the patient whether to educate them or just listen to them. A career as a PA is my passion and my future. I have learned that being a good practitioner entails being a good listener. I feel that I have learned how to do so through my experiences and since I always spend time with my patients, understand their points of view, form a connection with them, and give them the best quality care I can possibly provide. I plan to use this when I am a PA because there is no greater reward in life than to share your love and compassion with the world to make everyone else’s life just a little bit better.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hello Sam!
Thank you for sharing your personal statement. Your essay does a nice job highlighting your diverse healthcare experiences and your commitment to patient-centered care. I can see how your interactions with patients have shaped your desire to become a PA.
Here are a few suggestions for improving your essay:
Opening:
– Consider starting with a brief, engaging anecdote that draws the reader in. The current opening about your family’s health challenges is a bit general. A specific moment or interaction that sparked your interest in healthcare could be more compelling.
Body paragraphs:
– You have great examples of patient interactions from your various roles. However, some of the details (like the specific tasks of taking vitals, collecting data, etc.) could be condensed to allow more room for reflection on what you learned and how these experiences have prepared you for a PA career.
– Look for opportunities to more explicitly connect your experiences to the key attributes and skills needed in a PA. How have you demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, etc.? Stating these connections directly will reinforce your fit for the role.
– The paragraph about your experience in Jamaica is interesting but feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the essay. Consider either expanding on how it shaped your path or focusing that space on your more recent, directly relevant experiences.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion emphasizes your patient-centered approach, which is great. To make it even stronger, you could also touch on your understanding of the PA role and how you envision yourself contributing to the field. Ending with a forward-looking statement can leave a lasting impression.
Other suggestions:
– There are a few places where tightening the language could improve the flow. For example, “In full transparency, I had trouble stomaching cleaning patients, but I put my problem aside and did not let the patients notice.” could be rephrased more concisely.
– I would move the sentence “I have always wanted to go into healthcare, but I could never come up with a better answer to why than “because I want to help people.”” up earlier in the essay, as it doesn’t quite fit where it is now.
Overall, your essay shows a strong commitment to patient care and highlights a good progression of experiences. With some polishing to make your key points and fit for the PA role even clearer, you’ll have a very compelling statement.
I recommend checking out the advice and examples in our book “How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement” (https://amzn.to/3wteSjD) for more guidance on crafting an outstanding essay. Our collaborative editing service (https://www.thepalife.com/the-free-physician-assistant-essay-and-personal-statement-collaborative/) is also a great resource if you’d like help refining your draft.
Wishing you the best as you work on your essay and application!
Stephen
Lilly Caldwell says
My different experiences in healthcare have been filled with moments of triumph and difficulties. From varying dementia progression in elders to being on the receiving end of autism-related violent outbursts, I have endured a decent number of hard days. Every challenge I encountered not only tested my determination, but also shaped my understanding of compassion, resilience, and the impacts of a deeper connection in times of hardship. It is these experiences that will form the basis of how I will care for my patients as a future physician assistant.
I began working in the memory care unit of an assisted living facility during my junior year of high school and continue to work there during the summer. I found that I enjoyed being a vital role in the residents’ lives, even with how stressful the occupation could be. It is not an easy task to care for multiple residents with differing dementia progression, while still prioritizing their health and maintaining their preferred schedules. However, I learned a great deal of adaptability and that making connections with the residents can make all the difference of how willing they are to accept care. Additionally, the challenge of working with disengaged residents was eased when I was able to lean on my supportive coworkers. A key aspect of the job that I value is that I have a team to fall back on if I need guidance or assistance. Having this help allowed me to dedicate more of my time and focus into making connections with the residents and providing them with the care they need. This also allows me to connect with my team, and build stronger bonds with them. I have seen in my shadowing experiences the duality of the PA profession of being a career that utilizes both teamwork and autonomy. I have been a part of the collaborative aspect in the memory care unit, but I have also been given a chance to see how I fare with more independence by working with Anna.
Anna is a 29-year-old non-verbal, neurodivergent and autistic woman. I started working with her at the beginning of my sophomore year of college, and since then, it has been the most testing, yet rewarding, experience of my life. While working with her, she has made me laugh, we have danced, and we’ve had more good days together than I can count. However, some days I have left with a sore scalp from having my hair pulled, bandaids on from fingernails being dug into my skin, and bruises from being grabbed so hard. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a hard adjustment to have to learn a completely new way of communicating with someone who doesn’t speak, doesn’t know sign language, and has the mental capacity similar to a 6-year-old. I nearly had to call for a replacement once when Anna’s behavior was becoming dangerous for both of us. Turns out, she just wanted to listen to her favorite song. Once we had gotten to that point, she had a smile on her face and wanted to dance with me. It takes a great deal of diligence to see past Annas behaviors and realize that I am caring for someone with her own interests. However, I take pride in knowing that my success in handling the challenges I have faced with both Anna and the memory care residents have been from my ability to form strong connections and recognize people for more than just their diagnosis.
It is through these connections that I realize exactly why I want to be a physician assistant. Yes, I enjoy providing care to the residents and Anna, but I hit a ceiling with how much I can do for them. To put it frankly, I want to do so much more and be the problem-solver for patients. People with complex diagnoses are going to have lots of questions, and I would love to be able to connect the dots for them. I also understand that there are hardships that come with working in healthcare, but I know I can face them and use them to learn how to best support patients and their families. It is important to me that I build connections with my patients and peers to gain trust and acceptance. I have witnessed the dynamic that I can experience as a PA and commend the occupation for having flexibility of working both independently and collaboratively. Given my past job experiences with both, not only do I think I am prepared for wherever I may end up on that scale, but I’m confident I will succeed.
I have learned a great deal of how challenging healthcare can be, and it has morphed me in to the compassionate and resilient caregiver I am today. I’ve experienced many bad days working with the residents and Anna, but I continuously want to improve myself for them, and that means learning from the hardships. I have a gift of connecting with people and becoming someone they can trust, and I want to provide solutions to the problems they are facing. I will do this as a PA and use the traits I have acquired to shape how I care for patients in the future. I can think of no greater reward than using those qualities to directly impact someone else’s life.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Lilly,
Your personal statement does an excellent job showcasing your diverse healthcare experiences and the valuable lessons you’ve learned from working with challenging populations. Your compassion, resilience, and commitment to forming deeper connections with patients really shine through.
Here are a few suggestions to strengthen your essay even further:
Opening:
– Your opening paragraph is strong and engaging. It sets up the key themes you’ll explore (compassion, resilience, connection) and hints at how your experiences have shaped your approach to patient care. Well done.
Body paragraphs:
– Your examples of working in the memory care unit and with Anna are powerful and illustrative. They show your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and prioritize patient needs.
– Consider elaborating a bit more on specific lessons or skills you gained from each experience. For example, what communication strategies did you learn from working with non-verbal patients? How did you build trust with residents who were initially disengaged?
– Look for opportunities to connect your experiences even more explicitly to the PA role. You mention witnessing the duality of teamwork and autonomy in your shadowing – perhaps share a brief anecdote of how you saw this play out and why it appeals to you.
– The transition between discussing your work experiences and why you want to be a PA feels a bit abrupt. Consider adding a sentence or two to bridge this gap and show how your experiences directly led to your decision to pursue this career.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion effectively ties together the themes of compassion, resilience, and connection. It’s clear that your experiences have shaped your patient care philosophy in meaningful ways.
– To make the ending even more memorable, you could return to the idea from your opening paragraph about how these qualities will form the foundation of your approach as a PA. This would create a nice bookend effect and drive home your main points.
Other suggestions:
– In a few places, you could vary your sentence structure a bit more to improve the flow. For example, “I nearly had to call for a replacement once when Anna’s behavior was becoming dangerous for both of us. Turns out, she just wanted to listen to her favorite song.” The short sentence here is a bit jarring.
– Proofread carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. There are a couple minor ones (e.g., “in to the compassionate” should be “into the compassionate”).
Overall, this is a compelling statement that highlights your unique experiences and strengths. Your ability to connect with patients, adapt to challenges, and learn from hardships will undoubtedly serve you well as a PA.Hi Lilly,
Your personal statement does an excellent job showcasing your diverse healthcare experiences and the valuable lessons you’ve learned from working with challenging populations. Your compassion, resilience, and commitment to forming deeper connections with patients really shine through.
Here are a few suggestions to strengthen your essay even further:
Opening:
– Your opening paragraph is strong and engaging. It sets up the key themes you’ll explore (compassion, resilience, connection) and hints at how your experiences have shaped your approach to patient care. Well done.
Body paragraphs:
– Your examples of working in the memory care unit and with Anna are powerful and illustrative. They show your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and prioritize patient needs.
– Consider elaborating a bit more on specific lessons or skills you gained from each experience. For example, what communication strategies did you learn from working with non-verbal patients? How did you build trust with residents who were initially disengaged?
– Look for opportunities to connect your experiences even more explicitly to the PA role. You mention witnessing the duality of teamwork and autonomy in your shadowing – perhaps share a brief anecdote of how you saw this play out and why it appeals to you.
– The transition between discussing your work experiences and why you want to be a PA feels a bit abrupt. Consider adding a sentence or two to bridge this gap and show how your experiences directly led to your decision to pursue this career.
Conclusion:
– Your conclusion effectively ties together the themes of compassion, resilience, and connection. It’s clear that your experiences have shaped your patient care philosophy in meaningful ways.
– To make the ending even more memorable, you could return to the idea from your opening paragraph about how these qualities will form the foundation of your approach as a PA. This would create a nice bookend effect and drive home your main points.
Other suggestions:
– In a few places, you could vary your sentence structure a bit more to improve the flow. For example, “I nearly had to call for a replacement once when Anna’s behavior was becoming dangerous for both of us. Turns out, she just wanted to listen to her favorite song.” The short sentence here is a bit jarring.
– Proofread carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. There are a couple minor ones (e.g., “in to the compassionate” should be “into the compassionate”).
Overall, this is a compelling statement that highlights your unique experiences and strengths. Your ability to connect with patients, adapt to challenges, and learn from hardships will undoubtedly serve you well as a PA.
If you’d like personalized (and detailed) feedback from our team of expert editors, we are accepting submissions through our collaborative editing service.
Wishing you the best as you finalize your essay and complete your PA application!
Warm regards,
Stephen
Andrew says
I heard a loud snap behind me and an alarm began to sound. Turning quickly, I saw Sharon – my patient who had become a quadriplegic after a car accident – laying in the bed with a terrified look in her eyes. Her mother had gotten caught on Sharon’s tracheostomy tube and broken a piece off – disconnecting her daughter from her ventilator. Sharon’s oxygen saturation was rapidly dropping and the bag mask breaths being started by the nurse were not helping. I knew the situation was turning dire quickly. I instinctively hit the emergency button over her bed and ran out into the hallway to call the rapid response team. Calmly, I relayed the location and details of the situation and grabbed a glucometer en route back into the room. As nurses and the rapid response team rushed into the room, I checked Sharon’s blood sugar and held her hand while the frenzy ensued around us. Thanks to the teamwork of everyone in that room – Sharon was reconnected to the ventilator and her oxygen levels rose back to normal. As the dust settled and I reflected on the situation afterwards – I realized that this was exactly where I was meant to be. Helping people heal in their most vulnerable moments. Being a PA will allow me to do exactly that.
Working in medicine has been the career I have wanted to pursue for as long as I can remember. While others shied away from Ms. Brewer’s challenging biology and anatomy classes in high school, I reveled in learning about body mechanisms and doing dissections on various specimens. This passion translated to me pursuing a degree in neuroscience and taking a plethora of rigorous science courses. My college experience taught me the reward of discipline and resiliency – especially during the Fall of 2023 when I had to withdraw from classes after getting sick with mono. I had to move home during this time, which prevented me from participating in my in-person classes. Despite this blip on my transcript, I believe the way I recovered the following semester and the wide breadth of science classes I have taken has prepared me for the rigorous coursework that PA school entails.
Outside of the classroom, I wanted to get hands-on experience working with patients. Despite the challenges of achieving this goal during the COVID pandemic, I was able to go on a medical volunteering trip to Peru in Summer of 2021. Our team worked at pop-up clinic locations in the rural communities outside Cusco, serving hundreds of people that lacked access to basic healthcare. In addition to the experience I gained taking vitals and interacting with patients – my time in Peru made me realize the harsh ramifications of people lacking access to healthcare. Even in my rural hometown of Enon, Ohio – access to healthcare is a major issue for many people. Physician assistants are a solution to this problem because of their ability to be primary providers for underserved patient populations in areas where medical care is more scarce.
To further my clinical experience, I took a role as a patient support assistant at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Through this job, I have gained experience taking vitals and blood sugars, collecting specimen samples, performing tests such as EKGs and bladder scans, and assisting people with activities of daily living. In addition to the clinical skills I have become adept at – my position has required me to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and has taught me how to manage many complex patient situations at once (with me having anywhere from 8-16 patients per shift). Furthermore, working on a unit that handles such a diverse array of patient conditions has shown me the power of a collaborative healthcare team – and the versatile and critical role physician assistants play on that team. I have worked alongside PAs in nearly every specialty that have been the main medical providers for my patients. This flexibility and autonomy for physician assistants to provide comprehensive care for the people they serve has made me extremely motivated to pursue this profession.
To gain a deeper understanding of everything being a physician assistant entails, I shadowed David Tidwell at urgent care centers across Columbus. In addition to learning about different diseases and witnessing countless patient exams, my experience with David gave me an honest glimpse into the day-to-day routine and responsibilities of a PA. David showed me the traits that are essential in helping people heal as a medical professional: his patience, active listening skills and time management are traits I will strive to embody in my journey to becoming a practicing physician assistant.
From the pop-up clinics outside of Cusco to Sharon’s room at Riverside Hospital, my experiences have consistently reinforced my ambitions of studying medicine and becoming a PA. Helping people heal. It is where I was meant to be.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Andrew,
Your essay powerfully conveys your passion for medicine and your commitment to helping others heal. The opening anecdote about Sharon is gripping and immediately draws the reader in. Well done!
Here are a few suggestions to make your essay even stronger:
Opening:
– The story about Sharon is a great hook. Consider adding a brief reflection on what specifically about this experience confirmed your desire to be a PA (beyond just wanting to help people heal, which is a bit general). What aspects of the PA role did you observe or appreciate in that moment?
Body paragraphs:
– Your paragraph about your educational journey is solid. Mentioning the specific challenge of withdrawing due to mono shows resilience. Consider briefly expanding on how you recovered and what you learned from that experience.
– Your volunteer experience in Peru is compelling. To tie it even more to your PA pursuit, consider adding a line about how this experience shaped your understanding of the PA role in increasing access to care.
– The details about your clinical experience as a patient support assistant are strong. Look for opportunities to connect the skills you gained (collaboration, time management, etc.) to key competencies needed in a PA.
– The paragraph about shadowing is a great addition. Consider highlighting one or two specific patient interactions you observed that exemplified the traits you admire in David’s approach.
Conclusion:
– The full-circle reference to Sharon’s room and the clinics in Peru is an effective way to tie your experiences together.
– To make the final line resonate even more, consider adding a forward-looking element. What kind of PA do you aspire to be? A brief statement about your vision for your impact as a future PA could be a powerful way to end.
Other suggestions:
– The essay flows well overall. There are a few spots where varying the sentence structure slightly could improve the rhythm (e.g., the list of responsibilities in the 4th paragraph).
– One minor typo to fix: “routes” should be “route” in the first paragraph.
With some fine-tuning to further capitalize on your engaging stories and connect them to your fit for a PA program, this will be an outstanding personal statement. Your passion and preparation for this career path are evident.
Hope this helps as you refine your essay. Wishing you all the best with your PA application!
Warm regards,
Stephen
Regan says
Screaming, kicking, crying. You know, just the symptoms of a typical temper tantrum. Reluctantly, I must admit that I was that child at the doctor’s office growing up. The thought of any needle entering my skin, the tiny rubber hammer making my legs fly into the air, or even just the distinctive smell that swarms any medical office triggered me as a kid. However, while I always despised my mom for dragging me into annual visits and the never-ending things that they would do to check my health, I always found a fascination within healthcare.
It wasn’t until years later in life that one day my cousin convinced me to start watching the silly little show known as Grey’s Anatomy where my interest in medicine sparked. Seeing the different ways in which the show depicted the delicate moments of life and death resonated with me on a deeper level, opening my eyes to the broad specialties of medicines and the professionals within that have such a profound impact on people’s lives. While not based on real events, the unknown tasks of their day, the mystery diagnosis, how they seamlessly worked together, and the compassion given to patients stood out.
My aspiration to enter the medical field grew as I was in high school, taking a class that allowed me to shadow a variety of medical professionals such as physical therapists, physicians, technicians, optometrists, nurse practitioners, and even veterinarians which ultimately introduced me to the role of a physician assistant. As soon as I discovered the profession I began to research their role and the plethora of benefits that they uphold. Being a physician assistant provided the work-life balance I desired, the option to choose from a variety of specialties and opportunities, experience the excitement of a healthcare career, and, above all, help patients in need.
The summer of my sophomore year presented an opportunity to move away from my Texas home to Florida to shadow an orthopedic physician assistant inside and out of surgery. It was the first time I was fully immersed in the job day in and day out, seeing the ways a PA has such strong ties to a patient’s life, offering relief and gaining trust with each interaction. In the office before visiting each patient she would walk me through the steps to prepare for visiting with the patient based on the chief complaint in the nursing chart, followed by answering any questions I may have leaving the room. My experience furthered as I was able to scrub in and observe the PA’s role in surgery. Having never seen surgery first-hand before made the experience even more exhilarating. I watched in awe as the PA moved with such precision and confidence, all while taking the time to explain her every next move. Each aspect of surgery I witnessed relied on the skills and expertise of the PA to be successful. This moment solidified my wanting to become a physician assistant. I aspire to become a part of a team where each member’s skill set is appreciated and utilized to help a patient have the best outcome, just as the PA showed me.
Returning to school I began volunteering at the local hospital’s emergency room. It didn’t take long for me to learn while being there that it is important to communicate effectively with each ER staff member, never speak of a “quiet” day, a warm blanket and smile will go a long way, and to always be prepared for what can walk through the door. Most importantly, I learned how exciting it is to come to the hospital each week with a positive attitude to interact with patients, and even staff, to make their day and healthcare experience better. By volunteering, I have been exposed to a wide range of medical conditions, high-pressure situations, and the invaluable teamwork that drives the ER’s success. These experiences have shown me the critical role PAs play in providing comprehensive, compassionate care, reinforcing my commitment to pursuing this career.
Taking my interests from shadowing, I began working as a perioperative assistant at Norman Regional Hospital alongside physicians, PAs, and other medical professionals, preparing myself for real-world healthcare. I was now standing on my feet for 8 to 12-hour shifts carrying out medical responsibilities beyond transporting patients and maintaining their hygiene, extending to being an emotional support system for both the patient and their families. Even though I am not yet able to prescribe medications or perform surgery, I can help by calming their nerves with simple actions such as adjusting their pillows and taking the time to talk and accompany them when they are uneasy.
While a television show introduced me to the world of healthcare, my real-life experiences solidified my decision to pursue this path. From being a terrified child at the doctor’s office to becoming an enthusiastic volunteer and perioperative assistant, my journey to becoming a PA has been shaped by the impact health professionals have on patients’ lives. This evolution has not only fueled my passion for medicine but also driven me to become a Physician Assistant, where I can blend empathy, knowledge, and skill to make a meaningful difference in patient care just as I have seen in others.