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Be gentle...actually don't


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I originally had a personal statement twice the length with more detail and skimmed it down and down until it met the length criteria. If you feel it's too generic, not interesting, too anything, not enough of something...please feel free to school me. I appreciate your assistance, truly. Thank you in advance!

 

 

It was during my time in the Air Force as a Biomedical Equipment Technician that I learned not only what a Physician Assistant really is, but why a Physician Assistant's role is necessary in how we, as Americans, receive healthcare today. The way in which I came to this realization was by, first, being a patient.  After relocating to my first major duty station, I began experiencing chronic bouts of vertigo, nausea, and other related symptoms. As my ailment was inhibiting my ability to safely perform my daily tasks, I decided it was time to seek medical attention.

While I was sitting in the exam room, anxious and dizzy, I wondered if I was about to discover something terribly wrong with my health. Then entered my provider, marking the first time I met PA Tara Nelson. I didn't know it at the time, but she would be the inspiration needed to connect the dots in my life. Within the first moment of walking through the door, PA Nelson came in with a plan. She had reviewed my chart and told me that she wanted to try some exercises that would confirm what she believed to be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. When asked if I had any recent head injuries, it dawned on me that wiping out while wake boarding probably qualified. Trusting her, I allowed her to perform what she later told me were head movement exercises called Epley and Semont maneuvers. It worked like a charm and, finally, the room was no longer spinning.

Although overcome with relief, I used this time to ask PA Nelson some questions about her job. I learned several things that day, but some points stood out more than others. First, I learned that rural areas have a large shortage of physicians in their areas. Being stationed in the middle of Knob Noster, Missouri for three years, I can attest to this point. Second, as PA's are capable of performing most of the tasks of MD's, they give back to these communities by bringing them the healthcare they deserve. I sat listening in amazement. I asked more questions and realized this was the career I was meant for. As the years went by, I spent much time speaking to PA Nelson and the other Physician Assistants in the clinic where I worked on base. I noticed that the majority of their days consisted of seeing patients with a wide array of symptoms. Each day differed from the previous. I was explained the significance of accurate charting and noticed that a lot of time should be dedicated to this alone. The more time I spent with the PA's, the more I realized I longed for patient interaction.

Although my career was a medical one, I did not often deal directly with patients so I volunteered when an opportunity presented itself. Immediately, I became certified as a Physical Training Leader, and began working with other airmen whom were either recuperating from injuries or simply needed help getting back into a healthy lifestyle. I held this position for two years and spent my off-duty hours connecting with some really great people. Aside from this position, I spent weekends at my local VA Hospitals and assisted in programs on and off base that furthered my direct contact with others. Eventually, the time came where I separated from the Air Force. Although I was sad to say goodbye, I was ecstatic at the opportunity to take the next step in my journey.

Returning to school, now wiser and more mature, I chose to pursue my degree in Biology while completing the prerequisites for the Physician Assistant program because I have always been fascinated by the "how" of the human body. I feel if I am going to play a role in medicine, I should have a strong foundation in not only the macro, but the micro as well. Some of my favorite topics thus far have involved cell biology, physiology, and genetics. I love learning and do my best to walk away from every course not just with a particular grade, but with a true understanding of the concepts necessary to succeed in my future. I never lose sight of my goal, which is to ultimately do for others what PA Nelson did for me: provide a comfortable environment for quality healthcare to take place.
 
I still love volunteering and spend most of my free time fostering animals while working with a few animal groups in Mobile. I have done my best to keep a busy schedule each semester to prepare for the intense PA program that lies ahead.  PA Nelson and I still keep in touch. I even flew back to Missouri in May of 2014 to "officially" shadow her. I feel stronger today about my decision to become a Physician Assistant than I ever have. I am intrigued by the medicine, inspired by the community and necessary team work, and genuinely motivated to give back to areas where shortages in healthcare exist. It is for these reasons that I will continue on the path I am on until I one day arrive at my destination. I am so grateful for the experiences I've had that led me to where I am today. I can only hope to one day pay it forward to those lives that I encounter in the future.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I like the PS. Its very organized and because of that it naturally flows. 

 

I didn't understand what your trying to say here:

"Second, as PA's are capable of performing most of the tasks of MD's, they give back to these communities by bringing them the healthcare they deserve

 

Also I think its PAs not PA's. I read it in the PS pinned discussion. 

you said this is the career you were meant for, Why? maybe explain at least one reason

 

Maybe change this

" I was explained the significance of accurate charting and noticed that a lot of time should be dedicated to this alone. The more time I spent with the PA's, the more I realized I longed for patient interaction."

 

maybe switch to something like this: 

As I shadowed the PA I noticed how important charting was and how much time was dedicated to documenting patient information accurately.

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I like the PS. Its very organized and because of that it naturally flows. 

 

I didn't understand what your trying to say here:

"Second, as PA's are capable of performing most of the tasks of MD's, they give back to these communities by bringing them the healthcare they deserve

 

Also I think its PAs not PA's. I read it in the PS pinned discussion. 

you said this is the career you were meant for, Why? maybe explain at least one reason

 

Maybe change this

" I was explained the significance of accurate charting and noticed that a lot of time should be dedicated to this alone. The more time I spent with the PA's, the more I realized I longed for patient interaction."

 

maybe switch to something like this: 

As I shadowed the PA I noticed how important charting was and how much time was dedicated to documenting patient information accurately.

I am going to have to agree with you that I feel like a lot of what I ended up deleting from my original post was explanation of why I want to be a PA. I will definitely re-write some of that back into this draft. I will also make the necessary changes with the apostrophes, that is just poor grammar on my part! Thank you so very much for the input!

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