The Reason I became a Physician Assistant in 20 Minutes and 46 Seconds

This is the video from our global medical mission trip October 2012. We were proud to serve over 600 people with combined medical and dental care. I have written several posts on the topic. It was an amazing experience and every time I need a reminder of why I love my job, I just look at these pictures.

I encourage each and every Physician Assistant I meet to take a trip like this. And then take 10 more. It will change your life in ways I cannot begin to describe. It will make you a better, more balanced person!

Since returning I have a renewed passion for my work, and I am proud of my kids as they continue to ask the questions about these children and their families. My 5-year-old daughter now says when she grows up she "Wants to be a person who helps poor people and the Haiti kids." Honestly, this is the best thing a dad can hear.

I hope that 2013 brings continued joy. My thanks to the amazing Brad Ingram, my dear friend and a wonderful PA who organized this whole adventure.

You can see all the photos here.

All photos by the amazing: Courtney Reese!

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My First International Trip to Haiti as a Physician Assistant – PreperationThis post is the first of a series I am excited to be going to do some work in Haiti this October. My whole life I have wanted to do medical work overseas and now I am seeing a dream fulfilled. I will be flying from San Francisco […]
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Stephen Pasquini PA-C Physician Assistant

Stephen has been a family practice PA since 2004 and is the creator of The PA Life, Smarty PANCE Board Review, and PASchoolfinder websites. A National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (Rutgers) PA Program and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Stephen's goal is to provide one-of-a-kind online resources for those interested in or practicing in the PA profession, to promote better access to healthcare for all, and to foster universal recognition/awareness of the PA profession. Read more about Stephen.

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Physician Assistant Physician Associate CASPA Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) PA School Interviews PA School Admissions PA School Personal Statements

Webinar: Crafting Your Best PA School Personal Statement

Hosted by Stephen Pasquini PA-C, Deanna Matzen

About this webinar Are you applying to PA school but worried about writing a compelling personal statement that will grab the admissions committee’s attention? Do you want to learn the secrets of crafting a PA school essay that stands out from the crowd and showcases your personality, motivation, and fit for PA school? If so, then you don’t want to miss our webinar on Crafting Your Best PA School Personal Statement. In this webinar, you will learn the following: What a personal statement is and how schools use them. You will understand the purpose and expectations of writing a personal statement and how schools use this information during the admission process. What to do before you start writing. You will learn how to prepare and organize your thoughts, research, and brainstorm your strengths and achievements. A successful structure for your personal statement. You will learn how to craft a clear, coherent, and compelling narrative that showcases your personality, motivation, and fit for their program. Common mistakes to avoid. You will learn how to polish your personal statement and avoid errors that could undermine your credibility or impact. By joining this webinar, you will gain valuable insights and tips on how to write a personal statement that increases your chances of admission to your desired PA school. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from our experienced PA school coaches. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to write your best PA school personal statement. Register now and secure your spot for this webinar. You won’t regret it!

Stephen says

January 27, 2013 at 6:31 pm

Absolutely Antoinette,

We had a nurse on the trip. She was invaluable. She performed all our triage, documented the chief complaint, obtained all the vitals, and assisted with procedures. But as PA’s our job was to perform a full history and physical, as well as diagnose, treat and prescribe medicines/treatment plans for our patients. Just like in the hospital or clinics of the US, the roles were the same overseas.

My wife is a nurse and I hope she comes along next time, but despite her vast knowledge we are trained completely differently.

In Haiti (and often in the US) we work just like a family practice doctor. In Haiti I felt like we were trained better than many of the doctors we worked with. We had several clinic days where we worked alone, it didn’t matter, after 9 years in family practice I feel like I know my stuff. So, in this sense I think as a PA we are much more effective than a nurse in a place like Haiti. Although, both my colleague and I are both generalist PA’s. And I think this gave us quite an advantage. This would not necessary be the case if you were a derm. PA or an Orthopedic PA. But as a family practice PA it really is an ideal, and wonderfully rewarding experience. Or full time job, working internationally.

P.S After my trip I got inspired…Just launched our global health website with Physician Assistants for Global Health: http://www.pasforglobalhealth.com/. Took it officially live this weekend. I will be posting a lot about these topics over there. We have a lot of wonderful content about PA’s and what it is like working overseas. Let me know if you sign up with the free community and I will make you a paid member for the year. That way you can access the newsletter and conference videos. I think you will get inspired!

Stephen

Comments

Linda Gin says

July 1, 2014 at 7:31 am

Stephen,

Thank you so much for this post! I am curious about question 11 – “What makes you stand out from the person sitting next to you?” I found this to be somewhat offensive, as each person brings his/her own gifts to the table. Ultimately, we all want the same thing, which is to help patients receive the best care and to support the mission of our supervising physician(s); we just have different ways of approaching such goals. Can you please elaborate as to what the admissions committee is looking for?

Thanks so much,
Linda

- Stephen says
  
  July 2, 2014 at 11:39 pm
  
  It is like choosing the right type of Jam in the grocery store. When you walk down the isle there will be 20, 30 or maybe 40 different options. Different flavors, fruits, packaging, prices etc. etc. etc. And just like you said “each jam brings his/her own gifts to the table.”
  
  But at the end of the day you have to buy some jam, so you have to make a decision. If I were to ask you why you, miss strawberry is any better than marmalade you are going to have to plead your case if you want to be placed in the basket. Does this mean you are better or superior to marmalade? No not at all, but I could tell you 100 reasons why I like strawberry better than marmalade…. I like its’ flavor and texture, I like how sweet it is and I love how it tastes on peanut butter.. much better than marmalade indeed!
  
  I can see how you feel this question is somewhat offensive and I hate marketing, but what I have found, whether it is getting into PA school, pitching a product I am extremely proud of and have spent months creating, or convincing my patient to initiate a lifestyle change or consider a certain therapy; Good marketing along with a good and meaningful message are a powerful combination that can not only take you far, but help you share your gifts with the world.
  
  Don’t be afraid to market yourself, make a list of your very best traits, the things you feel make you unique and special, genuine and kind… And you tell them what those are. If you do it well, you may even be able to convince your interviewer, who may be eating toast with marmalade jam, that today strawberry is really a much better choice!
  
  Best,
  
  – Stephen
  
  - Linda says
    
    July 3, 2014 at 5:26 am
    
    Thanks so much, Stephen!
    
Antoinette says

January 27, 2013 at 6:04 pm

How refreshing to see these pictures and your post. I want to help the poverty stricken also. Did you find at any time where you were more prepared because of your profession as opposed to being a nurse? If so, what made being a P.A more effective in helping the Haitians.

Thanks for sharing!

- Stephen says
  
  January 27, 2013 at 6:31 pm
  
  Absolutely Antoinette,
  
  We had a nurse on the trip. She was invaluable. She performed all our triage, documented the chief complaint, obtained all the vitals, and assisted with procedures. But as PA’s our job was to perform a full history and physical, as well as diagnose, treat and prescribe medicines/treatment plans for our patients. Just like in the hospital or clinics of the US, the roles were the same overseas.
  
  My wife is a nurse and I hope she comes along next time, but despite her vast knowledge we are trained completely differently.
  
  In Haiti (and often in the US) we work just like a family practice doctor. In Haiti I felt like we were trained better than many of the doctors we worked with. We had several clinic days where we worked alone, it didn’t matter, after 9 years in family practice I feel like I know my stuff. So, in this sense I think as a PA we are much more effective than a nurse in a place like Haiti. Although, both my colleague and I are both generalist PA’s. And I think this gave us quite an advantage. This would not necessary be the case if you were a derm. PA or an Orthopedic PA. But as a family practice PA it really is an ideal, and wonderfully rewarding experience. Or full time job, working internationally.
  
  P.S After my trip I got inspired…Just launched our global health website with Physician Assistants for Global Health: http://www.pasforglobalhealth.com/. Took it officially live this weekend. I will be posting a lot about these topics over there. We have a lot of wonderful content about PA’s and what it is like working overseas. Let me know if you sign up with the free community and I will make you a paid member for the year. That way you can access the newsletter and conference videos. I think you will get inspired!
  
  Stephen
  
  - Antoinette says
    
    January 30, 2013 at 8:33 pm
    
    Thank you for your reply! Awesome site I signed up!