PA School Interviews

Why PA?

Becoming a PA is the result of the experience that have built on each other over time. My interest in healthcare started when I was young because I often translated doctor’s visits for my Spanish-speaking parents. Through my healthcare experiences, including volunteering with Flying Samaritans, being a scribe, and now working as an MA, I have been able to see different aspects of patient care and work alongside PA’s, physicians, and NPs. What really stood out to me about PAs was how involved they were with their patients. They take the time to listen to patients, answer questions, and build relationships with them. I also really value the team-based approach to medicine that PAs practice in order to deliver the best quality care in the interest of the patient’s health. The versatility of the profession and the ability to practice across different specialties is another aspect that also really draws me to the PA profession. I chose the PA role because I want to become a provider who can deliver high-quality care while also making patients feel hears and comfortable, especially patients from communities where language or other barriers can make healthcare more difficult to navigate.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is my compassion. I’ve always been someone who tries to understand what another person may be going through before making assumptions about them. Working as an MA, I’ve interacted with patients from many backgrounds, and I’ve learned that sometimes a patient may come across as frustrated, anxious or difficult when there may be something contributing to how they’re feeling. I take the time to listen and communicate with them in a way they understand, and make sure they feel respected. These experiences have taught me that compassion isn’t just feeling sympathy for someone, it’s taking the time to understand their perspective and allowing that understanding to influence how you care for them.

What is the biggest challenge facing PA’s?

I think one of the biggest challenges facing PAs is the variation in how the profession is understood and utilized across different states and healthcare systems. PAs are highly trained medical providers who can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications, but the scope of practice and level of autonomy can vary depending on state laws and the practice setting. I think this can sometimes create confusion for patients about what PAs are qualified to do. As future PAs, I think part of our responsibility is to advocate for the profession through education - both educating patients about the PA role and demonstrating our value through high-quality, patient-centered care.

Core 4 of Western

High quality care, competence, compassion, team-based healthcare

Why Western?

One of the things that really draws me to Western is how closely its mission aligns with the type of PA I hope to become. Western emphasizes providing high-quality, competent, and compassionate care as part of a healthcare team. Throughout my experiences as an MA and through volunteering with Flying Samaritans, I’ve learned that excellent patient care isn’t just about clinical knowledge - it’s also about listening to patients, understanding the barriers they face, and working collaboratively with the healthcare team to help the patient overcome those barriers. I also really connect with Western’s emphasis on humanism and serving diverse communities because I hope to use my Spanish-speaking skills and my experiences working with underserved populations to make healthcare more accessible and comfortable for my future patients.

How can a PA start practicing?

1) graduate from an accredited PA program

2) pass the PANCE exam

3) obtain PA-C certification

4) apply for a state PA license

5) obtain a DEA registration

6) Maintain state license

How does a PA maintain certification?

• must complete the required CME hours during each certification cycle

• keeping NCCPA certification active

• must maintain their state licenses active

How can a PA prescribe controlled medications?

• must take a controlled substances course

  • must apply for DEA registration

Beneficence

do the most good

Non-maleficence

do no harm

patient autonomy

a patient’s right to choose medical care/interventions (HIPAA, consent, truth-telling)

justice

fair, equitable, and appropriate distribution of medical access