Why I Want to Become a Physician Assistant

Introduction

In the grand tapestry of childhood dreams, the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" often elicits responses like teacher, firefighter, or astronaut. However, my journey has been colored by a different palette, one rooted in a family tradition of small horticulture business ownership dating back to 1926. Growing up in this environment, I initially envisioned myself as a local business manager. Consequently, when I embarked on my academic journey at the University of Arizona, I set my sights on obtaining a business degree. Yet, as I delved into my pre-business courses and experienced a summer job in retail, a pervasive sense of apathy enveloped me. I felt a lack of motivation and an unsettling sense of dullness. It was at this pivotal moment that I decided to veer off the well-trodden path and switch my major to molecular and cellular biology. The world of economics and accounting faded into the background, making way for the fascinating realms of ecology and anatomy. With each new course, I discovered a spectrum of possibilities that breathed fresh excitement into my education. I found myself drawn to the evolution, challenges, and audacity of science. Therefore in this essay I want to share the reasons why I want to be a PA (Physician Assistant).

My journey toward becoming a physician assistant

It was a specific moment during my journey that cemented my passion for science and my desire to pursue a career in medicine. This moment occurred when I had the opportunity to shadow an endocrinologist. I vividly remember the nervousness that coursed through me as I stood in a procedure room, uncertain of where to go, what I could touch, and what I was about to witness. Yet, my apprehension paled in comparison to the patient's fear of needles, rendering him seemingly glued to the procedure chair. What transpired next left an indelible mark on me. The endocrinologist navigated the situation with grace and compassion. He patiently discussed the procedure in meticulous detail, addressing every question and waiting calmly until the patient's nerves were alleviated. Only then did he proceed with the ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsy. In that singular moment, I witnessed the harmonious union of care and science, and I felt a new passion surge within me. It was a moment of profound clarity, a moment when I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I would dedicate my life to a career in medicine.

My journey toward becoming a physician assistant continued to gain momentum through my experiences as a medical scribe. In this role, I had the privilege of working closely with various healthcare providers, primarily those in primary care and general surgery. Each provider possessed a unique style of writing, preferences, and teaching methods. Initially, my work faced criticism, and my finished products were met with scrutiny. However, instead of withdrawing from these challenging situations, I embraced them. I sought alternative approaches and maintained unwavering commitment to improvement. Rather than viewing criticism as a setback, I used it as a catalyst for growth. As I revisited my work, I asked more questions, sought additional examples, and collaborated with the providers, tackling each section until we reached a common ground. This process not only improved the quality of my work but also forged a robust line of communication, forming the basis for collaborative and efficient clinical settings.

My journey in medicine led me to an unforeseen role as a medical scribe trainer. In this capacity, I applied the adaptability and versatility I had cultivated, tailoring essential qualities for each new scribe to enable their successful transition into their roles. The experience expanded my horizons, allowing me to work with different providers, patients, and specialties. This adaptability is a hallmark trait of physician assistants, enabling them to seamlessly transfer their skills from one specialty to another. From my tenure as a medical scribe and later as a trainer, I honed qualities such as resilience and perseverance, qualities that physicians and patients alike anticipate from their physician assistants.

Beyond the confines of my training and scribing experiences, I embarked on an international medical mission at Hospital Socorro De Lo Alto in the remote hinterlands of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Here, I was immersed in the realm of healthcare, surrounded by surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses. This transformative experience offered me a unique opportunity to shadow a surgical physician assistant. During a particular case involving an inguinal hernia repair, I observed the surgical physician assistant effortlessly adapting to the preferences of the Honduran surgeon. Their collaboration exemplified the creation of a cohesive surgical team, seamlessly working together to achieve their common goal. In this instance, I was invited to assist the surgical physician assistant, without hesitation, as we meticulously measured and positioned the mesh. The successful repair of the long-overdue inguinal hernia was a testament to the power of collaboration in healthcare.

Throughout my time in Honduras, from early morning pre-operative clinics to late-night discharge rounds, I witnessed the multifaceted role of the surgical physician assistant. Despite language barriers, limited medical supplies, and unfamiliar surroundings, she provided a level of healthcare that many patients had never encountered. Her unwavering compassion, tireless work ethic, and unyielding determination left an indelible mark on me. I found myself both admiring and resonating with her qualities.

Conclusion

These diverse and transformative experiences have crystallized my vision of the kind of physician assistant I aspire to become. I aim to be remembered as a holistic physician assistant — a professional who approaches patient care with meticulous attention to detail, a passion for education, and the determination to surmount adversity. I aspire to ensure that every patient I encounter feels well-informed and receives the highest standard of care. With an eagerness to embrace challenges, I am ready to embark on the next phase of my journey as a physician assistant, where I can continue to build upon these qualities and make a lasting impact on the field of healthcare.

References

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