Physician Assistants: In Whom We Place Our Trust

As PAs, we are trusted with the care of sick patients and their families. Things don’t always go as planned. Here’s my story of loss and how I was able to get back up when I let my patient (and their family) down.

I take care of a 6-year-old name Sarah.

She has the most beautiful smile you have ever seen. Although it's not so hard to find a 6-year-old with a beautiful smile, this one is unique.

You see, I took care of her father Robert one year ago. He was under my care when we discovered his cancer.

Unfortunately, we found it too late. He passed away at thirty-five.

From the time I saw him in the clinic until he died in a hospital bed attached to an IV drip of morphine sulfate, it was exactly 29 days.

I didn't find out that he had died until seven days after his funeral. I felt stone cold.

When she brought her daughter for a follow-up visit, his wife informed me of Robert's passing. Then she broke down into tears.

I felt an intense pain of guilt. I held Robert's daughter for the first time during her two-month physical. Here, six years later, at this moment, I went numb.

Generations

I thought that would be the last time I would see this family. I felt responsible for Robert’s death. Had we only discovered his cancer sooner, had we been on the lookout, had we heeded the early warning signs, anything... Anything at all to avoid this portrait of his family. This was an extremely tough time for me in my career.

Two days later, I saw Robert's mother in our clinic. Like a scene from a movie, she looked deep into my eyes, and we held hands. She cried, and I listened.

I felt guilty for her son's death; I couldn't tell her this.

She came back four more times to see me seeking treatment while she was away from her hometown in Colorado. She entrusted me during this time with her care. I felt incapable, I doubted my ability, and I recommended she see our Internist.

She ignored my plea and visited me three more times. Each time she would tell me stories about her son. I grew to love Robert even more.

She left, returning to Colorado 6 months later. I have yet to see her since.

Today, Roberts's six-year-old daughter Sarah ran through the clinic doors and gave me the biggest hug imaginable. It is as if Robert were reaching out from the dead. In his daughter's embrace, my wounds began to heal. There is some resolution, some peace.

Today, she has a slight rash on her shoulder; it just needs some antifungal cream. Her mom tells me that Sarah will make up any excuse she can to visit me here in the clinic. I am overwhelmed with emotion, the guy who let her father die. I have no right to steal these hugs.

There is a brother. He is eight and an aunt. She is the mother of two and part of Robert's extended family. I see them all now, everyone. They treat me like family,

Deep down, I am still afraid. I am worried that I will fail them again. Fail them like I failed Robert. Like a guard asked to keep watch over the base, I fell asleep on his job.

Yet, in me, they place their trust.

This is the PA life.

Thanks for reading!

Stephen Pasquini PA-C

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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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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!