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Five Things That Surprised Me

in career, pre-pa on 11/19/17

Hi! This is me, Rachael. Some of you have been reading this blog for a while, welcome back! For others, this is your first time here. I wanted to write a piece that was a little more  personal, because I want you all to know me more, and what motivates me.

I was thinking a lot about how hard you guys are hustling to get to PA school. I get the privilege of hearing your stories, your challenges, your triumphs. That’s why I love being a part of PA Trek. Hearing how hard you guys are pushing to become a medical provider constantly reminds me why this job is important. When I was trying to get into PA school 13 years ago, that was almost all I focused on. For a period in my life, I couldn’t imagine doing anything besides working with patients. It became a reality for me when I graduated from Philadelphia University in 2007. What I didn’t know at that point in time, was how my journey would twist and turn. My priorities changed. My strengths turned out to be much different than I envisioned. The opportunities that I helped to create for myself completely changed how I viewed my possibilities as a PA.

So often the scope of a PA is presented as a negative thing. We are less than a doctor. We are limited. We can’t do certain things. Our profession unwittingly pigeon holes us into the category of “minion”. I felt that way for a long time. A “worker bee” was how many people described my role. There is nothing wrong with being a part of a team. No provider operates independently, even if they like to give the impression that they do. Its your mindset while you are on that team. If someone is limiting my advancement or putting down my ideas because “I am only a PA”, that is a problem.  Just remember, you are the only one who can remove your limitations. If you believe the rhetoric around your scope of practice, then you may be limiting your opportunities. Who knows where your degree could take you? Here are some things that I was able to do with my degree that totally surprised me.

  1. Be an expert- I spent a large portion of my career in the ER. My current practice setting is the Urgent Care and I am often asked questions on how to manage higher acuity patients. Doctors are asking me questions. I never thought that I would be a resource to other providers.
  2. Be a teacher- occasionally I am asked by local PA programs to be a guest lecturer. If you would have asked me when I was 20 if I would be standing in front of a classroom teaching grad level science courses I would have rolled my eyes. I never saw myself as capable of that. Turns out, I really enjoy teaching and I’m good at it!
  3. Be an entrepreneur- there are a lot of ways to use your medical knowledge. I started PA Trek four years ago with no business background. I allowed my passion for mentoring to help grow a really cool business.
  4. Be creative- I write blog pieces for the AAPA. I’ve always enjoyed writing but I never thought that an organization like the AAPA would think I Was good enough. But I put myself out there and now I am a regular contributor.
  5. Be an advocate- Being a PA is a lot of responsibility, and it extends beyond the exam table. We get the privilege to have a voice when it comes to policies in our clinics, and in the great society. Our opinions can help drive polices that allow more people to get access to healthcare.

There are so many possibilities that higher education unlocks. Don’t focus on the things you can’t do, and don’t let others cast shade on your dreams either. If you believe that the limitations define you, then they will. This career is not given to anyone and once you achieve your degree, don’t be afraid to take it to the next level. Let us know in the comments what you plan on doing with your degree, or what things you accomplished with it!

 

 

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

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Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

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Angela, accepted at Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Coaching Package

I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

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Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

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Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

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Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

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Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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