Hey Beautiful People!
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is more complex than some think. I had to push through so many obstacles before being a P.A. I initially wanted to go to med school like everyone else to become a physician, and that did not work out.
I attempted the MCAT 3 times and did not have the scores needed to get into med school. I had good grades and work experience, but my test-taking skills SUCKED on standardized testing.
I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but at that time, it was either becoming a nurse or a doctor, and I wanted to be a doctor. Since I didn’t pass the MCAT, I had to determine if I would take this exam for the 4th time and write a letter saying why I should be allowed to sit for the exam or give up.
Fortunately, my best friend Patricia, who is P.A., told me about P.A. School. In 2006 I had NO CLUE what a Physician Assistant was or what they did. I looked it up and thought, “Oh damn, I need to do this.”
Fortunately, she connected me with Jannet, a P.A. she shadowed before enrolling in P.A. School. At that time, I worked full-time in a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey doing project management, and Jannet worked at Bronx Lebanon in Bronx, New York.
I wanted this so bad that I would leave work to drive in rush hour to the Bronx to shadow for 3-4 hours two times per week and occasionally on a Saturday. I wouldn’t get home until 10 or 11 pm at night.
After shadowing Jannet for the 1st time, I was hooked and loved every moment of it. I saw that she could see the patients independently, do procedures, make an assessment and plan, and prescribe medications. She was doing what a doctor does.
I applied to a few schools and was initially accepted into PACE University. However, I declined the acceptance because my grandmother became sick. I decided to take that time to help my mom care for my grandmother and grandfather. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away, but I was able to spend time with her that I could not get back.
Honestly, everything worked out for a reason. PACE is a great school, but the amount of debt I would have accrued would have been redonkulous! I reapplied while shadowing and was accepted to the City College University of New York, Jannet’s alma mater. The school was less expensive with the same education, and I would work in my own community, helping to decrease the health disparities I saw in the Bronx.
I am not gonna lie that essay writing and prepping for interviews was nerve-racking, and I had no clue what I was doing. Thank GOD for Jannet and Patricia. Without them, I would have been lost in preparing for the medical scenarios and questions they would ask. At that time, we did not have all these YouTube videos at our fingertips (2006).
Once I was accepted, I never in a million years would have thought that P.A. school would be so INTENSE. The amount of studying I did was CRAZY.
I literally disappeared from my friends and family for 2.5 years because in the 1st year, I was studying all the time and 2nd year was clinical. The 1st year was the hardest, and it is not like college. I will fill you in more on my During PA School posts.
After I graduated, I worked in Bone Marrow Transplant, Oncology – Gastroenterology and Breast, Primary Care, and now Urgent Care. I have worked in many specialties and learned a lot.
I learned to negotiate salaries, find good companies to work for, work with difficult physicians and patients, and find a work-life balance. In this career, you can make an excellent salary, but having a great quality of life and a great working environment are the key factors to longevity and happiness.
After graduating, not only did I manage a demanding full-time job, but I also seized the opportunity to return to my prestigious alma mater, CCNY, to lend my expertise in teaching Physical Diagnosis to aspiring students.
This responsibility was no light matter for me; I approached it with utmost dedication, driven by my desire to make a profound impact on these individuals and prove to them that they possess the resilience to conquer any obstacles they may face in this rigorous program.
Unreservedly, I shared with them the unfiltered truth about the immense effort they must invest, the challenging experiences they will inevitably encounter, and the tumultuous emotional journey they will undergo. Witnessing this firsthand through the trials of my dearest friend Patricia and her companions, I gained a profound understanding that can only be acquired through personal experience.
However, I am resolute in my objective to facilitate a smoother transition into the esteemed role of a Physician Associate for all of you.
P.A. school is not for the faint of heart! But...
With the right mindset and hard work, I am convinced that anyone can successfully complete the program. Let’s tackle this challenge with enthusiasm and optimism and start our journey towards success!
I am happy and thankful to be a P.A.
Every single decision and experience has led me to this moment, where I am making a difference in people’s lives as a Physician Associate. This career has given me a sense of purpose that I cherish every day, and the chance to fulfill my dreams in ways I never thought possible.
I am so grateful for the incredible role models in my life, like Jannet and Patricia, who showed me the kind of person and healthcare provider I wanted to be. And now, I have the opportunity to pay their kindness forward and inspire others as they inspired me.
Together, we are creating a legacy of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. And I’m honored to be a part of that legacy, knowing that I’m making a positive impact on countless lives every day.
