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In 2009, I was one of the only women in the world to perform a triple twisting lay out on the floor exercise in gymnastics. The skill was rare because of the combination of proprioception and technique required. Even the most minute error could spell disaster, which is exactly what happened during a NCAA competition. I executed the skill at an extreme angle, rupturing my Achilles tendon as I launched into the air. Feeling lucky to have landed on my feet, I collapsed to the floor after a few clumsy steps. The athletic trainer immediately assessed my injury calmly and purposefully, which left a lasting impression. Not only did she take care of me in that moment, she continued to support me through my surgery, 8 months of physical therapy, and a successful comeback to the sport. As a college student, I was uncertain of my future career, but this moment inspired me to make it my mission to be equipped with the skills to be of use in a moment of need, and support others in recovery and success. However, it would take ten years, a teaching career, a job lay-off and an insightful conversation to find my way to physician assistant (PA) school.

Before embarking on my journey to become a PA, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in communications, and I went on to work in Madrid, Spain, where I taught English and learned Spanish for 3 years. I strived to tailor my instruction to the unique needs of each student; a skill that has prepared me to provide individualized care to meet patient’s needs. One of my students wanted to become more marketable to jobs. I curated lessons to build grammar and vocabulary while incorporating resources he was interested in such as sports podcasts. I helped him practice interviews and draft emails until he landed his dream job at a multinational company. This instilled my confidence in supporting the success of my students and it felt rewarding to pave a way for more opportunities in their lives.

My next opportunity would prove less rewarding but pivotal. When I returned to the United States, I landed a job at a marketing firm that would fold and lay off its entire staff two years later. This ultimately led to a conversation with my friend, a urologist, which opened my eyes to many unmet medical needs and the growing demand for PAs. I saw my use through the combination of my ability as a teacher to help others succeed and my experience recovering from my gymnastics injury to be an integral source of support and care. I felt the pieces of my mission fit together and embarked on my journey to become a PA.

I took action to get health care experience as a medical assistant (MA) and physical therapy (PT) aide. Working as a MA at memory care facilities, I have gained insight into patient interaction and built my compassion by spending time with each patient to explain procedures in a slow and concise manner to gain their trust. As a PT aide, I collaborate with the physical therapist but independently administer treatment to diverse patients with a patient-centered approach. On one occasion, I supported two patients recovering from a hip replacement. I intended to give them both the same exercises for treatment, but I learned that Patient A had neuropathy in his feet, making standing exercises unsuitable due to his inability to balance. I modified exercises to be done seated and provided balance support when necessary. Additionally, Patient B’s religious values precluded her from accepting therapy in the communal treatment area, so I set up a private space for her. Accommodating these specific medical needs and sociocultural values helped me understand the importance of providing individualized care that is attuned to patient’s unique circumstances. Though these roles have been formative, I feel a nagging sense of futility when patients come to me for additional medical treatment beyond my scope, which fuels my ambition toward becoming a PA. I aim to have the medical knowledge to comprehensively treat with a balance of autonomy and collaboration.

I observed this balance when shadowing Sallie C., an otolaryngology PA. She assessed a patient with a foreign body in his ear, planned a procedure for removal but proved to be unexpectedly complex. She collaborated with the physician and the case was resolved with surgery. Through this, I also saw how PAs fill gaps in the healthcare system by treating, diagnosing, and prescribing medication, thus increasing the number of patients that are treated every day with quality care.

I aspire to fill these gaps and provide quality care and support to patients in moments of need, much like my athletic trainer did for me. If compassion, collaboration, and versatility make a successful PA, then the combination of my experiences has uniquely prepared me to succeed.

At the core of my teaching and health care experiences is my desire to become a PA to grow my medical skills to serve diverse individuals and ensure their health needs are met over the next ten years and beyond.

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