This is my narrative for CASPA. Please post any corrections or suggestions you have to make this astounding! I'm really hoping to get in!
HEALTH CARE ENDEAVORS
i-pass surgery, herniated discs, comas, polymyalgia rheumatica, scabies, scarlet fever, cat scratch fever, etc.- That's my family! These circumstances gave me early chances to witness medical teams working together to help people that were close to me. With every doctor's office or hospital visit I found my desire to know and understand each diagnosis, grow substantially. The care my family would receive from the medical professionals impacted me, and I knew that I wanted to do something with my life that would be as meaningful to others.
High school fueled my desire for the health care field. I always had a fascination with anatomy and physiology and found a love for chemistry as well. With this I decided to pursue pharmacy as I started my college career. I attended a few pre-professional discussions and discovered that it wasn't what I was looking for. I wanted more contact with people; especially since I'm an extrovert and personable. I also was not as keen on chemistry as I thought. So I explored a bit and found nursing. The hands on experience was good, but I wanted a greater knowledge of the internal medicine, not just assessing the physical. Then in one of the pre-professional talks Physician Assistant came up; this profession was brand new to me; it was intriguing.
I knew I had to get some experience; I can learn a lot in class but it doesn't compare to hands on experience. I looked in the closest city and got the opportunity to shadow an Orthopedic PA, and a bit later I also got a job as a Nurse's Aide on the Cardiac floor of the hospital. My experiences in these locations have motivated me to become a PA.
Shadowing the PA has given me insight on what it means to actually be a PA. It excites me to know that I will have my own patients, diagnose them, and work with the doctor. The focus, as I understand, is more on the patient and communicating with them, which is one of my strong points, to give them the best care. I was attracted to the perfect balance of office time the PA has as well. I noticed the PA took a lot of stress off the doctor as well since he was working with him.
Working as an aide has given me a different perspective. The experience to work as part of a health care team has been priceless. Witnessing how we all work together is extraordinary, and I have gained a better knowledge of how vital each role is. Being an aide I spend the most time with the patients, which teaches me to be understanding and patient with a wide array of people. Being on the cardiac floor has taught me to handle stressful situations well, as it is one of the highest stress floors.
In my time overseas I was able to get a small taste of the medical situations. This has still impacted me because it made me more aware of how needed medical professionals are everywhere.
With all my endeavors in health care I have noticed that not everyone gets the same quality care. Medical professionals are human so there are flaws and I have noticed discrimination. Illnesses and injuries don't discriminate. People need quality care, and I will strive to do that as a Physicians Assistant.
