Time Explored: Looking Back at 6 Years as a Physician Assistant

It has been six years since I began working as a Physician Assistant.

I still can’t believe it.

When the NCCPA sent me my first PANRE reminder letter, I figured they must have miscalculated.  But it's true; I have been working six years in the field, and I have some new gray hairs to show for it.

On this date, we as PAs have to recertify; it is a “chance” to see how much we know or find out how much we have forgotten. In reality, there is quite a bit of both, probably more of the latter.

I am looking forward to the future, contemplating the past, and thinking a lot about the next six years.

Where will I be the next time I sit to take my PANRE?  Is this where I should be now?

I love my job and consider myself privileged in this matter.

How many people can go to work each day and look forward to being there? I am surrounded by wonderful supportive people, doing something I truly believe in.

I am grateful for my work and grateful for an organization that considers us more than cogs in a wheel.

We are given the freedom to be more than just pushers of patients and providers of “numbers.”  We have autonomy in harmony with teamwork.

I feel empowered to serve my community, and my patients are like family. I  bring my ideas and my character to my job and am given the freedom to be an "artist" for the day.

It is easy to get caught up in the complaints of any workplace. There is always an endless stream of complaints if you are willing to dip your cup into the well.

But I can't complain. My community is built on the backs of fieldworkers. A community fueled by long labor-intensive work, built upon the love of one's family and friends.

I am humbled by their presence, and I am jealous of their ability to find peace in the face of such adversity. Happiness in such simplicity.

As Seth Godin reminds me in his wonderful book Linchpin:

"Finding happiness in work is not about finding a job that matches your passion but about making your passion match your job."

In other words, find something you enjoy well enough. Then bring your passion to it to transform it into something remarkable and meaningful.

You don’t have to get what you want when you want what you have!

So, as I prepare to take my PANRE and skim through endless pages of PANCE/PANRE review books. I am reminded of what it took me to get here.  I am reminded of the work I have left to do and how time seems to go by without a moment's notice.

I hope that when I do this again in 6 years, I appreciate where I am and will still bring passion to my work.

I am reminded of another quote, this time by Gandhi:

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

Too bad he didn’t have any advice on how to pass your physician assistant board exams, or maybe that is it!

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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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! ​

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