Finalized PS Draft..I think. All suggestions welcome!!

[tg858]

My parents instilled in me at an early age that in order to know where you are going, you must know where you came from. Thus, I spent every summer growing up with my grandparents, both physicians, in Bulgaria. Accompanying my grandmother to work at the clinic frequently, I noticed the anxious expressions of sick patients melt away as she explained the reasons for their ailments and reassuringly prescribed how to get them back to health. Outside of the clinic, neighbors and family members stopped by the home with medical questions and concerns; my grandma never turned anyone away. Watching her, I recognized it was more than clinical knowledge which made her a good physician- compassion, devotion, and patience were integral components. The comfort and relief she provided others was undeniable and spoke to the value of having a trusted medical provider. These realizations piqued my interest in quality healthcare and started me on my journey towards joining the medical field.

 

Currently working as a physical therapy (PT) aide in a unique setting with PTs and a chiropractor on staff gives me the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations and a vast array of neurological, orthopedic, and chronic pain conditions. Post-operational patients specifically intrigue me, as I am fascinated by the body’s ability to recover from such trauma. Assisting in all aspects of patient care and working side by side with the PTs and chiropractor in the applications of Active Release Techniques (ART) and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) provides hands on experience, valuable skills and handling techniques, and demonstrates the importance of competence, accuracy, and attention to detail in providing successful treatment. In addition to working as a PT Aide, I have had incredible volunteering opportunities. During my time at UCSB, I spent one year volunteering at our Student Health Physical Therapy Clinic. This served as my first taste of what rehabilitation services entail and marked an important cornerstone in my decision to further pursue an interest in orthopedics. As an EMT-B, I completed a clinical rotation at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and worked alongside a team of professionals to stabilize a sucking gunshot wound victim. In those moments, the fragility of life was unmistakable and the medical providers’ swift action under pressure made the difference between survival and death. Volunteering with San Diego Fire Station 33 allowed me to experience emergency care from a different perspective; responding to calls in the field presents unique scenarios and challenges the medics to filter distractions and work with quick resolution to stabilize patients. Shadowing a PA testified to what an indispensable part of the medical team they are; acting as the link between patients and specialists, they are able to devote time to patients that busy MDs are not able to. These opportunities have been invaluable in exposing the qualities necessary to be a healthcare provider and cementing my aspiration to become a PA.

 

Academically challenging myself with a rigorous, goal-oriented course load, my decision as a freshman to complete a B.S. in Biopsychology and minor in Exercise and Health Science set a rapid pace for my time at UCSB. During my first quarter of college, the San Diego Wildfires of 2007 destroyed a large part of my community, my home included. After a short visit home, despite the worries about my family and friends, I forced myself to focus on school; the result was a high GPA and tone set for the rest of my academic career. Setting high standards for myself and taking four to five science courses per quarter sharpened critical time management skills and prepared for me the strenuous future course load of PA school. Knowing I would pursue a career as a PA, I also studied abroad in Spain to improve my Spanish proficiency and better serve patients whose primary language is not English.

 

Ultimately, my path through life, my struggles and successes have confirmed and intensified my desire to become a PA. First-hand experiences at different levels of patient care solidified that like PAs, I value the ability to guide patients from A to Z through the medical process. Working with a medical team to provide quality, patient-centered, cost effective healthcare is my goal and the PA profession is the clear answer. In an ever-changing industry, PAs are fulfilling a distinct need and shaping the future of American healthcare; I strive to join this revolution. Good health is a person’s most precious possession and having patients entrust me with their well-being is the highest honor and privilege I could receive. My hard work, determination to succeed, and compassion for all walks of life, coupled with life experiences which have shaped me as a person and professional, are components which will help me excel as a PA. I know the path is long and arduous, and I excitedly await the challenge.

[meaganbh]

I can honestly say I'm a little jealous of this PS. Sounds good to me. Though I do think you could afford to break that second paragraph up into two. I think that would keep your paragraph lengths roughly the same which you could easily do with all that info IMO.

[tg858]

Thank you, it feels great to hear that! I agree that I should separate the second paragraph into two..I was trying to save space on the character count haha but I have a little more leeway after the revision so I will make that correction. Thanks again, I appreciate your feedback.