jshepherd89 Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 After graduating from high school in 2007 with a mediocre grade point average and no monetary aid for college, I quickly realized if I wanted to pursue my dreams of becoming a healthcare professional I would have to take initiative and pave my own path. I have always been extremely interested in science and medicine, but it wasn't until my sophomore year in high school that I developed a passion for the human anatomy while taking a class on Anatomy and Sports Injury. After considering multiple careers and realizing how expensive college was going to be, I decided to enroll at the local community college to pursue a two year degree in the field of radiography. I was accepted to the radiography program at Tidewater Community College, My first college course, Medical Terminology, sealed my interest in medicine and at that point I knew I was making the right decision to follow my passion and pursue a career in the healthcare profession. One day during my second year of the radiography program, I was training in the emergency department and as I arrived at the patient's room to take them back for their x-ray, I was prompted to wait while the physician assistant (PA) finished suturing the patient's knee. This was my first experience observing a PA, and I was extremely impressed with the PA’s attentiveness, interactions with the patient, and compassion. The PAs strong interpersonal skills left me with the desire to expand my role as a healthcare professional and created a strong drive to further my education to do the same. The radiography program consisted of long clinical hours mixed with rigorous didactic courses that provided me with the skills and motivation to continue my education, while introducing me to the satisfaction that comes with delivering optimal medical care to patients. Therefore, instead of settling on an associate's degree, I was determined to put all of my effort into obtaining a bachelor's degree. During my last two semesters in the radiography program, I began taking extra classes in order to apply to Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Allied Health Professions Department of Radiation Sciences. Shortly after enrolling at VCU, I was able to secure a full time position with the VCU School of Dentistry as a radiologic technologist. In this job, I was able to work alongside dental students and assist them to achieve diagnostic images. I was also providing teaching lectures and labs on normal radiographic anatomy and panoramic tomography. During this experience, I discovered my passion for working directly with patients and incorporating my education and clinical knowledge. The experience of working full time at VCU while going to school at night encouraged me towards my ultimate goal of becoming a PA. Although my position as an educator at VCU was very rewarding, I realized that I missed personal contact with patients and was ready to get back into the clinical aspect of radiography. During my last semester at VCU, I accepted a radiologic technologist position working with Dr. Carl B. Weiss, an Orthopedic Surgeon in Mechanicsville, VA. This was my first experience working directly with a physician, and Dr. Weiss gave me the opportunity to do a lot more than obtain diagnostic radiographs. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Weiss, I was introduced to how a private medical practice is run and was taught the skills to collect and measure vital signs as well as obtain brief medical histories. This new type of leadership role allowed me to gain insight into how a physician works in a private practice setting. Dr. Weiss would typically see approximately 17 patients in a morning, which allowed little room for error from his staff. If I was not taking an x-ray or interviewing a patient, I was often called to assist the physician with a simple cortisone injection or to explain to a patient how their new post-op knee brace properly functions. While working at the orthopedic surgeon's office, I strengthened my patient skills and learned what it takes to accomplish a goal while working diligently as a team. My commitment to becoming a PA grows stronger each day that I am able to provide optimal care to patients in need. I have made many sacrifices and am ready to make many more in order to fulfill my deepest desire of helping others. Even after 5,000 hours of healthcare experience, I am still amazed at the variety of patients and the clinical challenges that I face each and every day. These healthcare experiences I have gained so far prove that I am devoted and an extremely diligent worker. These traits, coupled with my work ethic and loyalty to patient care, demonstrate how I will be an essential addition to the PA profession. I am confident and have proven through my dedication, hard work, and diligence that I will excel in my future endeavors as a PA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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