APPLYING TO PA SCHOOL THIS MONTH; PLEASE EDIT THIS

[emilylj]

At the age of twelve, my grandmother underwent a bowel obstruction surgery in which she suffered a punctured lung. As a former smoker, she had pre-existing respiratory issues that dramatically complicated her recovery. During the months following her surgery I witnessed her health diminish exponentially. Soon she was placed on a ventilator and the prospect of a full recovery was unlikely, which caused us to make the incredibly difficult decision to take her off life support. While the immense grief from her loss never left me completely, I began to reflect on all of the experiences I had witnessing her care. I considered all of the medical professionals I came into contact with and began to visualize myself as one of them. I imagined myself as someone who could prevent people from suffering the pain that she experienced. This was a crucial moment for me as I began to envision a future in the medical field. As I got older, I began to take the steps necessary to pursue a career as a medical provider.

 

In high school I applied and was accepted into a program where I was given exposure to the medical field first hand. I was placed in an Urgent Care where a variety of PAs were available for me to observe. During my time there, I began to develop an understanding of the differences between PAs and other medical professionals. I learned the variety of places a PA could work, became excited by the different programs I could attend, and was intrigued at the various requirements of a PA certification. After completing this internship, I began to realize that my compassion, problem-solving skills, as well as my ability to work independently and as a member of a team would create a bright future for myself as a PA.

 

My journey continued when I began my undergraduate career at the University of Michigan. During my four years, I was exposed to a variety of people and organizations that would help me achieve my career goals. The most imperative of these resources was the Pre-PA Club. I remember my first meeting clearly. It began with the introduction of the club’s sponsor, a man who has worked as a PA since the early days of the profession. He gave us insight into his own PA journey, making the profession even more captivating than I had previously thought. I became eager to joimn a profession that would allow me the flexibility to explore all of the areas of medicine that I desired.

 

One of the most significant experience I had as a result of being a member of the Pre-PA club was when a local PA school was looking for participants to test their problem based learning class. I took advantage of the opportunity to get a practical insight into what my future as a PA student could hold. However when I arrived for our first day of class I became nervous as I learned that I was a sophomore in a group of seniors.

 

The class began with a patient case in which a boy was suffering from a rash. We were given his history and a variety of test results. As a group, we hypothesized possible diagnoses. I considered the patient’s symptoms and suggested that the rash may be psoriasis. As the class went on, we collaborated to develop a diagnosis. By the end of the week, our group ascertained that the boy was experiencing psoriasis. I was so proud that my initial hypothesis was the actual diagnosis! As the class concluded, I became excited for the real world application of this process as a future PA.

 

My journey to becoming a PA continued when I started working with a student on campus who had muscular dystrophy. Working with him was life changing. Seeing a person who has faced so much adversity yet was able to achieve his goals was unbelievable. Additionally, the fact that I was helping him lead an independent life was incredible. This experience began to show me how much we as medical professionals can positively impact our patients’ lives.

 

Upon graduation, I began working as a medical assistant. I was immediately immersed in a wide array of medical terminologies, medical procedures, and overall patient care. I was astonished at all of the knowledge I would be able to acquire and everythingu7 I would be directly involved in. For instance, on my first day I was already assisting in an office myringotomy! As I progressed, I began assisting the doctors in a wide array of medical procedures and eventually my responsibilities expanded to the allergy department. Although every day as a MA has been full of new experiences, I believe the most satisfying moment thus far was when one of the doctors required me to present a patient case and explain how I would proceed with treatment. After I finished presenting my prospective diagnosis and treatment plan, he said, “Good, that’s exactly what I would do.” This was an inspiring moment for me and provided a pivotal insight into my future as a PA.

 

This has been my journey to becoming a PA thus far and I cannot wait to continue it. I look forward to a future full of patient care and continued medical education.