Savannah Perry Interview Guide

You are in surgery and the anesthesiologist begins to make inappropriate comments about the patient once they are asleep. What do you do in this situation?

Keep the primary focus on the patient's safety and maintaining a sterile field. I don’t want to start an argument, but after the surgery I would talk directly to the surgeon and let them know their comment made me feel uncomfortable, and the patient deserve respect even under anesthesia. If this behavior were to continue I would inform a supervisor or hospital admin.

Is there a specific specialty or ideal job you envision yourself as a PA?

As a future Physician Assistant, I see myself working in family medicine or emergency medicine, specifically in underserved communities, as I did with Clemson Rural Health. Working with this diverse patient population was incredibly engaging and allowed me to learn a lot, as I never encountered the same case twice. I enjoy family medicine, as it allows me to focus on the human connection aspect of medicine by building long-term relationships and emphasizing preventive care; however, I would also enjoy the fast-paced clinical decision-making required in emergency medicine. Overall, working with these underserved populations allowed me to come home every day feeling rewarded and fulfilled, which is why I would love to continue working with these communities. I actually chose Wingate for its focus on family medicine care and, specifically, the Hendersonville campus, given the surrounding Appalachian population I would love to engage and work with in the future.

Why do you want to be a PA?

While I have always had an interest in medicine, I discovered the PA career in my senior year of high school, when I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma, and my provider, Emily, was a PA. Through our various appointments over the years, I learned a lot about the role of a PA in the healthcare system, and it was Emily’s empathy and continuity of care that inspired me to become a PA.

What really stuck with me was the team-based medicine. Collaborative environments continue to push you to learn and grow as a provider and provide an additional set of eyes to ensure the patient receives comprehensive care. Additionally, through my work with Clemson Rural Health, I came to learn that my favorite aspect of medicine was the human connection.

Patient-centered care continued to drive my desire to become a PA. The increased face-to-face time with patients allows me to understand not only their physical symptoms but also the social and economic factors that contribute to their health. Through this role, I can use my empathy and communication skills to build trust and deliver satisfactory care.

I was drawn to the way this career combines clinical knowledge with human connection.

What is a PA?

PAs are advanced practice providers who diagnose diseases, evaluate and treat patients, and prescribe medications under physician supervision.

They can work in any specialty and setting and are dedicated to providing patient-centered, team-based care.

Why do you want to attend our PA program?

I want to attend Wingate's Hendersonville, PA, Program as I have always had a deep connection to the Appalachian community. I was actually born in Hickery, in the foothills. As I grew up, I kept coming back to the Blue Ridge to hike, camp, and visit family, and it truly feels like home. Through my work with Clemson Rural Health, I have come to love working with this patient population. By attending Wingate, I can learn more about the health disparities that arise in Appalachia and the various social and economic constraints that affect health in this region. This will help me provide comprehensive care to my patients, as I would like to continue working in rural medicine in Appalachia after graduation.

Additionally, I really value the small class size, as I work best in smaller group settings that allow for collaboration. Collaboration is the best setting for learning, as demonstrated during the simulation labs you run with local nursing students. This environment would allow me to feel comfortable asking questions and feel more equipped to walk into a team-based medical system.

When did the PA profession start?

Founded by Eugene Stead (MD) in 1965

At Duke University

What's happening in the world of PAs?

Firstly, the ongoing lawsuit to change the definition of a professional degree will directly affect the PA career for federal student loans. Additionally, a large shift towards the title "physical associate" to better reflect clinical roles, as well as the rapid growth of the profession not only in the United States but also worldwide, with it most recently being formally recognized as a profession in New Zealand.

How have you gotten to this point of pursuing the PA profession?

While I was always fascinated with medicine, I did not find out about the PA career until I was treated for basal cell carcinoma by a PA named Emily. Having to spend a lot of time with her, I began to learn about PAs’ scope of practice and how it differentiates from other healthcare careers. Ultimately, it was her empathy and continuity of care that inspired me to become a PA.

Later on in my clinical experience, I worked as a medical assistant intern for Clemson Rural Health, and we were running the SC Agricultural Worker Health Program. Many of our patients were migrant workers who came to the US alone to send money home and provide for their families. These clinics allowed me to realize the small effect listening and caring for someone who feels isolated and alone can result in. We are obligated to discuss social determinant questions to provide additional resources if needed, and many individuals leave our clinic in tears as they have missed having a support system or even someone to listen. These clinics solidified the fact that I chose the right career in medicine, as I can provide comprehensive care, not only addressing physical wellness through the increased face-to-face interaction available in the PA role.

What personal healthcare experiences have you had?

As I mentioned before, being diagnosed with a Basal Cell Carcinoma at 17 is a scary thing. Additionally, I had to undergo surgery for a broken ankle at 13. Being so young and not understanding the complex medical terminology left me feeling scared; however, this was diminished by the providers I saw. They were able to translate the medical terminology into a level I could understand and showed compassion and empathy, making me feel seen and understood. This compassion allowed me to feel comfortable in a scary environment and grow in my understanding of the importance of human connection. Drawing on my own experiences, I understand how scary a medical setting can be for a patient, which has taught me the importance of communication and creating a safe environment where the patient feels seen. Working at a women's health clinic, I met a recent immigrant who, after the appointment, explained through tears that despite our language barrier, the visit was the first time in months she felt like someone had truly listened. I left that day feeling fulfilled, which helped me understand the importance of cross-cultural communication in creating a trusting environment, and that, despite language barriers, empathy can create exceptional care.

What are your goals as a PA?

My goal is to provide unbiased, thorough care like Emily's, where my patients feel supported and seen. I want to serve as the bridge between physicians and ptients in order to foster a welcoming and trusting environment. By creating a safe space for my patients I will be able to build trust ultimently improving the quality of care I provide.

How do you respond to a question that needs more time to respond?

That's an interesting question.

Repeat the question out loud.

Let me think about it for one second.

How do you respond to a question that you do not know the answer?

That's an interesting question.

I have not thought about that before.

I'd like to do some research and learn more.

Tell me about yourself.

I am Anna Grace Parrott, from Bluffton, SC. I am a recent graduate of Clemson University, where I received a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Sociology.

One of my commitments at Clemson was Alpha Phi Omega, where I served as the Vice President of Fellowship, Historian, and 100 Year Chair. I also worked for Campus Recreation all four years, eventually moving up to a supervisor position.

I currently work as the Mobile Health Administrative Coordinator for Clemson Rural Health and as the head medical assistant aboard our mobile fleet, where we travel to underserved communities to provide care.

In my free time, my favorite thing to do is travel, as I love gaining new experiences and learning about different cultures. As of January, I will have visited 20 countries. I also love photography, art history, camping, hiking, and almost any sport.

What have you done to prepare for PA school?

During my undergrad years at Cal State Fullerton, I was the VP of Activities for a pre-PA club called PACT. This leadership role taught me to work on a team with my fellow board members and collaborate with other organizations to schedule club events.

My volunteer experience at Lestonnac free clinic and St. Joseph Hospital improved my interpersonal communication skills and taught me the basics of patient safety while working alongside PAs.

Working as an EMT and a MA drastically improved my medical knowledge, clinical skills, and critical thinking skills since I encountered psychiatric patients and had numerous hectic clinic days.

Working in these various areas of healthcare. I understand how different healthcare workers intertwine and contribute to overall patient care

When did you decide to pursue PA school?

When I was around 12 years old, I had surgery for a cerebral AVM. The hospital staff was amazing and inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field.

About 5 years later, I had scoliosis surgery and my surgeon told me about the growing PA profession.

I decided to join a pre-PA club during my undergrad years at Cal State Fullerton called PACT

While working as an MA at SOCO, I got connected with Yi Bu, an Orthopedic PA at Providence Mission Hospital who went to Western.

While shadowing Yi, I remember an instance where he consulted a pediatric patient with Duchenne's that recently suffered a femur fracture. He alleviated the anxiety of the patient's family with his calm demeanor and vast medical knowledge.

The amount of face-to-face interaction that he had with patients, compared to medical doctors, stood out to me.

As a former patient myself, being the main point of contact for patient care is the most appealing part of being a PA, which cemented my decision to become a PA.

What is your biggest weakness?

My empathy.

When I began working in healthcare, I realized I often took home the emotional burden of my patients' lives. This, in turn, drained my emotional energy, leading to fatigue. The patient population I work with is affected by social disparities beyond my control.

However, this is something I have improved on throughout my patient care experience. Now my team and I do debriefs after every shift to talk about what went well, what we could improve, and to talk through some of the emotional drag we experienced throughout the day. By talking through these situations, I have learned to leave work at work and shift from feeling their pain to taking action to help them. This professional boundary I have created allows me to avoid burnout and continue to provide comprehensive care.

What is your biggest strength?

My compassion for others.

When I was an EMT, I had a patient named Miss Bagby who was getting dialysis treatment and had dementia.

I never once saw a family member after transporting her numerous times.

I always made sure she was tucked in with her blankets because she would get cold easily, I would conversate with her during transport and made sure she had food to eat at her skilled nursing facility.

My perspective as both a former patient and healthcare worker allows me to relate with patients and gain their trust, which helps me alleviate their anxiety.

Have you applied elsewhere?

Yes, I have applied elsewhere.

Although I would love to attend this program, my ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant.

I applied to this program specifically because of your commitment to serving the Western Carolina population, the collaborative learning environment with other healthcare roles, and the small class size.

Who is the most important member on a healthcare team?

The patient is the most important member of a healthcare team, as every test, diagnosis, and treatment plan is based on them.

Constant communication between the healthcare team and the patient ensures better outcomes and an overall patient experience.

If the patient is not the core focus, then the team has lost its entire purpose.

What is the biggest challenge facing PAs?

I believe the biggest challenge facing PAs is the fact that their scope of knowledge is limited by whatever their supervising physician wants to teach them.

If I do not complete a residency, I would be stuck providing low-level patient care in an ER, such as a patient that stubbed their toe.

However, if I completed a residency, I would be more trained and prepared to provide higher-level patient care in an ER, such as treating a patient with a toe fracture or heart attack.

What do you expect a typical week in PA school to look like?

I expect PA school to be like a full-time job, but having to study on the weekends

I expect to be fully immersed in my studies and have little free time.

Luckily, I have a strong support system of family and friends that understand the amount of dedication required to make it through a PA program.

Why do you think you would be successful in PA school?

After having to retake OCHEM during my undergrad years, I learned how to utilize outside resources in order to master coursework and improve my studying skills.

Being the VP of Activities for a pre-PA club called PACT. This leadership role taught me to work on a team with my fellow board members.

My volunteer experience at Lestonnac free clinic and St. Joseph Hospital improved my interpersonal communication skills and taught me the basics of patient safety alongside PAs.

Working as an EMT and a MA drastically improved my medical knowledge, clinical skills, and critical thinking skills since I encountered psychiatric patients and had numerous hectic clinic days.

What is your greatest challenge in completing PA school?

Limited free time to spend with family and friends, even though they understand.

Pharmacology course due to OCHEM, but its a challenge that I am excited to tackle.

How do you study best?

I study best through repetition

After getting a C- in OCHEM on my first try, I decided that I needed to change my studying habits.

I attended supplemental instruction classes which are essentially tutoring sessions led by a student that excelled in the subject, office hours with the professor to clear up any misunderstandings about lecture material, YouTube lecture videos for additional reinforcement, and practice problems each day of the week to keep the concepts fresh in my mind.

After making these changes I ended up getting a B+ on my second try.

The study skills I have learned while retaking OCHEM will help me excel in your PA program.

How do you handle blood and gore?

I have not problem with blood and gore. During my undergrad, I sadowed a physican who specalized in plastic surgery. After watching him complete a face lfie I truley believe I can sit through almost anything.

How will being a younger applicant affect your performance in the program?

More comfortable with modern technology.

Not far removed from undergraduate years, study habits are still fresh.

Tell me about your support system.

My father fully supports my goal to become a PA, but knows I will not be able to work since being a PA student is a full-time job.

My mother encouraged me to become a PA due to my history as a patient

My girlfriend and friends root for me constantly and have no doubt that I will become a PA.

What was the most challenging course of your undergraduate studies, and why?

During my undergrad years at CSUF, I took OCHEM on a heavy workload with another science course.

I have always struggled with chemistry in high school, but OCHEM was completely different and more challenging. It was difficult to understand and apply concepts, and I ended up receiving a C-. However, I was eager to retake the class and achieve an A.

I decided that, on my second try, I needed to change my studying habits.

I attended supplemental instruction classes which are essentially tutoring sessions led by a student that excelled in the subject, office hours with the professor to clear up any misunderstandings about lecture material, YouTube lecture videos for additional reinforcement, and practice problems each day of the week to keep the concepts fresh in my mind.

After making my coursework the utmost priority, I learned how to multitask and improved my studying skills.

I received a B+ on my second try.

The challenges that I faced during OCHEM have prepared me for the rigors of a difficult PA program and the study skills I have learned will help me excel in your program.

How are your time management skills?

I believe that I have good time management skills because I was able to juggle working as an EMT, planning club events as a PACT board member, and being a full-time student at CSUF.

Working at SOCO has improved my time management skills even more. Since we constantly have to double-book patients because numerous patients request to be seen by Dr. Park, I need to make each appointment as efficient as possible to maximize time. Such as knowing which types of appointments take longer than others and understanding which treatment option my doctor would utilize for specific patients.

What has been the highlight of your undergrad years?

The highlight of my undergrad years was taking an EMT and Anatomy course simultaneously over the summer. In my opinion, this was the instance I pushed myself the hardest.

The EMT course was accelerated being 3 months long and the class time was from 6-10pm.

On top of that, I took an Anatomy course at a community college.

I spent countless late nights studying and had no free time that summer.

It all paid off because I passed the EMT course and received an A in the Anatomy course as well.

Can you explain your C- in OCHEM?

I took OCHEM on a heavy workload with another science course.

I have always struggled with chemistry in high school, but OCHEM was completely different and more challenging. It was difficult to understand and apply concepts, and I ended up receiving a C-. However, I was eager to retake the class and achieve an A.

I decided that, on my second try, I needed to change my studying habits.

I attended supplemental instruction classes which are essentially tutoring sessions led by a student that excelled in the subject, office hours with the professor to clear up any misunderstandings about lecture material, YouTube lecture videos for additional reinforcement, and practice problems each day of the week to keep the concepts fresh in my mind.

After making my coursework the utmost priority, I learned how to multitask and improved my studying skills.

I received a B+ on my second try.

The challenges that I faced during OCHEM have prepared me for the rigors of a difficult PA program and the study skills I have learned will help me excel in your program.

What are you looking for in a PA program?

Large class size

Stellar reputation

Friendly faculty

Location in California

My family is close by and it is extremely important for me to have a strong support system while attending a PA program.

What are your plans if not accepted to a PA program this year?

I would reach out to programs and find out what I could improve about my application.

I believe a good place to start would be to:

1. Take more classes to increase my science and overall GPA

2. Diversify my PCE with more hours or a new setting

3. Obtain more shadowing hours

4. Take the GRE

5. Find more volunteer opportunities

6. Attain more advanced certifications

What is the difference in the medical model and the nursing model?

Medical model:

A provider's goal is to diagnose and treat. In a medical program, you learn based on disease and determine patient care accordingly with the goal of patient improvement.

Nursing model:

A holistic approach to the patient in order to meet their daily needs. Significant decisions about patient care are made by the primary provider (NPs, MDs, PAs).

What qualities make a successful PA?

While working as an MA at SOCO, I l got connected with Yi Bu, an Orthopedic PA at Providence Mission Hospital who went to Western

While shadowing Yi, I remember an instance where he consulted a pediatric patient with Duchenne's that recently suffered a femur fracture. He alleviated the anxiety of the patient's family with his calm demeanor and vast medical knowledge, giving a concise, simplified breakdown of the surgery and recovery process.

I aim to be a PA like Yi who is well-respected, skilled, compassionate, and professional in every patient interaction.

Describe your volunteer experience?

I began volunteering at Lestonnac free clinic to expose myself to hands-on patient care for the first time and learn basic clinical skills alongside PAs.

Being a COPE Health Scholar at St. Joseph Hospital showed me how a hospital operates, improved my interpersonal communication skills, and how different PAs in different specialties work.

As the VP of Activities for PACT, I learned how to work as a team with my fellow board members and familiarized myself with the PA profession.

How will politics influence PAs?

The two insurances created by the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), will allow more people to obtain insurance coverage.

Which means the need for healthcare services will rise.

Due to the shortage of PCPs, the demand for PAs will increase to fill that gap, making the profession more crucial to the healthcare delivery system.

Would you feel limited by any of the state or national regulations on PAs?

No, I understand that physician supervision is required. However, I have seen firsthand the degree of autonomy and would not feel limited in the slightest.

While shadowing Yi Bu, an Orthopedic PA at Providence Mission Hospital who went to Western.

I noticed that Yi rarely contacted his supervising physician because he was well-trained and confident in his abilities to provide quality patient care.

What are your thoughts on the newer online PA programs?

Pros:

1. More PAs graduating per year

2. Allows people in remote locations to attend PA school without moving

3. Flexibility for families

Cons:

1. Possibly decreases the effectiveness of hands-on instruction, resulting in PAs who are not prepared

2. Rapid creation of PA programs diminishes the quality of care associated with PAs

What are your thoughts on the new bridge programs from PA to MD/DO?

I have no thoughts on the topic.

I want to go to your PA program to become solely a PA due to the combination of lateral mobility, degree of autonomy, and the amount of face-to-face patient interaction.

What are your thoughts on the name "Physician Assistant", and the push to change to "Physician Associate?"

I believe it is a better reflection of PA’s scope of practice. The title assistant reflects an entry-level position, not the level of care a PA provides. Additionally, it reflects the collaborative role PAs play under physician supervision.

What do you know about the history of the profession?

1960's: A shortage of providers

1965: First class of four Navy Corpsmen at Duke by Eugene Stead MD

1967: First class graduates

1970s: Standardized process for accreditation and certification is established

2010s: Over 10,000 PAs celebrated the profession's 50th anniversary

Tell me about a time you've been in a stressful situation.

There was a day that I had 34 patients on my schedule while working at SOCO, when my typical patient load is around 26-28.

On top of that, a medical assistant called out that day.

My duties as a MA range from assessing chief complaint, taking health history, performing post-op care, and answering triage calls.

To stay on top of patient arrival times, I periodically checked the lobby and our EHR schedule. I also pre-printed any documents that I could to anticipate the needs of my patients and physician.

In between rooming patients, I would answer triage calls. This made me capable of multitasking and improved my time management skills.

As a PA student, I will be extremely busy juggling multiple courses and assignments.

The time management skills I've learned from these stressful situations will prepare me to excel in your PA program.

What is the most selfless thing you have ever done?

Donated toys to Operation Santa Claus for Christmas '22:

1. LEGO Luke Skywalker X-wing

2. Barbie

What's the biggest responsibility that you have ever been tasked with?

Being Dr. Park's MA at SOCO makes me the main point of contact for his surgery patients.

Dr. Park books around ~450-500 elective surgeries per year and I am tasked with guiding his patients through the pre-op process by telling them which lab orders to complete, certain medications they need to take after surgery, and what x-ray they need to have done before surgery.

After his patients have surgery, I remove any sutures or staples they may have and discuss post-op limitations.

Describe a time you had to overcome adversity.

being gay

When I was around 12 years old, I had surgery for a cerebral AVM, and 5 years later, I had scoliosis surgery.

The post-op process for both surgeries was a long recovery. It was discouraging to not be able to walk as a child for a period of time, an ability that I would never take for granted again.

The medical staff around me for both surgeries were amazing and inspired me to work hard in my rehab process.

Similar to the support gifted to me throughout my childhood, I want to be a PA that inspires his patients to work hard in their recovery.

If a student fails a test, is it the student's fault or the teacher's fault?

I believe it depends on the situation.

Ultimately, I believe students should be able to adapt to the differing teaching styles and have discipline in order to put effort into their studies. At the end of the day, you are going to school to provide essential care for people in need, so it's important to put effort into this.

However, if there are times the whole class were to fail, I believe there should be some responsibility placed on the teacher. In one of my undergraduate classes, I had a professor who would use AI to make the exams. After the exam, we realized that AI had incorrectly labeled the correct answers. I worked with the professor and TA to review the exam, and we discovered a lot of mistakes that had to be overturned.

Describe a disappointing moment from your life.

loosing apo presidency

When I just started at SOCO, I encountered a pediatric patient with a Monteggia fracture that had a splint on.

Since it was a hectic clinic day and everyone was busy, I decided to take off the splint and get x-rays since that was typical protocol when seeing someone with a splint.

However, I did not know that Monteggia fractures are very unstable and I was supposed to leave the splint on.

Luckily my actions did not result in any negative consequences, since the fracture was already severely displaced.

I spoke to my doctor immediately. He told me mistakes happen and to not beat myself up over them.

I recognize now that patient safety always comes first, no matter how busy the clinic may be, and to seek assistance if I am not fully confident in my actions.

In the future as a PA, I would attempt to fully understand a patient's diagnosis and how to proceed with treatment in order to avoid such pitfalls.

Tell me about a time you received negative feedback and how you used it to improve yourself.

During my sophomore year at Cal State Fullerton, I decided to schedule an appointment with my Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Michele Moutappa, to discuss how to prepare for PA school.

She was a bit intimidating and cold at first, but I could tell that she cared.

She told me my transcript lacked strong science prerequisite grades and that my resume needs a lot of patient care experience and volunteering hours.

She also recommended joining the pre-PA club on campus called PACT to learn more about the profession.

This lit a fire under me to focus on becoming a PA. I started working as an EMT, volunteering at Lestonnac free clinic, and became the VP of Activities for PACT.

I met up with her in my senior year, and it was a relief to know I was on the right track.

Describe a time you have struggled academically, and how you dealt with it.

physics 1

During my undergrad years at CSUF, I took OCHEM on a heavy workload with another science course.

I have always struggled with chemistry in high school, but OCHEM was completely different and more challenging. It was difficult to understand and apply concepts, and I ended up receiving a C-. However, I was eager to retake the class and achieve an A.

I decided that, on my second try, I needed to change my studying habits.

I attended supplemental instruction classes which are essentially tutoring sessions led by a student that excelled in the subject, office hours with the professor to clear up any misunderstandings about lecture material, YouTube lecture videos for additional reinforcement, and practice problems each day of the week to keep the concepts fresh in my mind.

After making my coursework the utmost priority, I learned how to multitask and improved my studying skills.

I received a B+ on my second try.

The challenges that I faced during OCHEM have prepared me for the rigors of a difficult PA program and the study skills I have learned will help me excel in your program.

You are a PA.

You are at a baseball game and the woman in front of you has a suspicious mole you suspect could be melanoma. What do you do?

I would wait for a quiet momet between innings and kindly introduce myself and my credentials. I would suggest scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist; however, I would not diagnose her or scare her in the moment.

You are a PA.

A patient on your schedule insists on seeing an MD. How do you handle it?

I would politely introduce myself and answer questions about their reservations.

I would inform the patient that it is their choice to see a PA or MD, but their request might not be met right away since the physician's schedule may be full.

A patient is not proficient in English, and you are unfamiliar with their language. How can you assist?

I would try Google translate.

If that does not work effectively, I would then provide handouts on their diagnosis and written instructions so a family member at home can help.

What is something difficult you have had to discuss with someone?

Being Dr. Park's MA at SOCO, I encounter new patients on a daily basis that are nervous about getting a THA or TKA. To alleviate their anxiety, I calmly discuss the pre-op and post-op process and answer any questions that I can before they leave the office.

On the other end, I also have to talk to Dr. Park patients that are unhappy with their post-op recovery process. Some patients are worried that their friends are progressing quicker than they are or their left knee was easier to recover from than the right knee

I have to remind patients to not compare themselves to others because they are anatomically different, and do not expect their left and right knees to have the same results.

Dr. Park says to think of a pair of knees and hips as sisters, not twins.

Describe a situation you have had with a difficult patient.

On a daily basis at SOCO, we have patients that want to be seen without getting an x-ray, even though they have no prior imaging tests done.

I would explain to those patients that Dr. Park requires, at the bare minimum, an x-ray to properly diagnose his patients.

A physical exam alone would not tell us everything that's going on with the patient.

Ultimately if the patient refuses, it is their choice to make and we will respect their wishes.

How do you deal with high stress situations?

At SOCO, whenever we have a packed clinic day, patients typically get angry due to the long wait.

First and foremost, I would apologize for the wait even though its not necessarily the staff's fault.

However, if I am met with rude behavior, I would remain polite and professional.

It is important to stay positive in stressful situations, so I would take a break to remind myself that I can not fix things out of my control and to do the best I can.

Tell me about a time you used teamwork to solve a problem.

At SOCO, there are days when a MA calls out.

When this happens, all the present MAs and scribes converse on how to account for the responsibilities of that missing MA.

Who can do post-op visits, typically MAs are the most qualified in taking sutures and staples out.

Taking intake, such as chief complaint and health history, is easy and can be done by scribes.

Answering triage calls requires knowledge of the doctor's protocol which MAs are more qualified to handle.

Do you think it's more important to get patients seen or spend time with patients?

I believe there should be a happy medium between the two.

Overall, it's more important to spend time with patients, but it's also important to make appointments as efficiently as possible.

This way, other patients do not have to wait too long and can get all their questions answered without being rushed.

Describe your work ethic.

I would describe my work ethic as dedicated.

I took an accelerated 3-month EMT course and an Anatomy course over the summer to start working as an EMT as quickly as possible while getting a prerequisite done.

After becoming an EMT, I worked several 24-hour shifts and long days during the beginning of COVID to accumulate the necessary PCE hours for PA school.

I sacrificed time I could have spent with friends and family by working and volunteering for the majority of my weekends.

How would you feel in PA school if you were doing poorly in a subject that you excelled in during undergrad?

I would think of ways to improve my studying habits.

I would reach out to the professor about any misunderstandings I have with the lecture material.

Find a group of classmates to study with and ask for advice from students that doing well in the class, to see how I can adjust my studying skills.

Would you accept a Facebook friend request from a patient?

I would not accept their request.

It is important to maintain a professional relationship with patients, I am not their friend.

However, I do believe that EHR systems that allow patients and providers to maintain consistent communication which is extremely beneficial towards providing quality patient care.

Define professionalism.

To me, professionalism is a quality all people should strive for in any job or activity.

Professionalism is treating everyone with kindness and respect, in a way that earns the respect of others.

It also means having confidence, but knowing when to seek assistance to ensure the highest quality outcome.

If you were to win the lottery, what would you do? Would you still want to be a PA?

Yes, no doubt.

I would use that money to help my family with rent and bills that need to be paid off since my family sacrificed everything for me to pursue my goal of becoming a PA.

I would use any leftover money to pay for tuition.

Give an example of a situation in which you exceeded expectations.

An instance I exceeded expectations was taking an EMT and Anatomy course simultaneously over the summer. In my opinion, this was the instance I pushed myself the hardest.

The EMT course was accelerated being 3 months long and the class time was from 6-10pm.

On top of that, I took an Anatomy course at a community college.

I spent countless late nights studying and had no free time that summer.

It all paid off because I passed the EMT course and received an A in the Anatomy course as well.

Tell me about a time you broke the rules.

Times that I have broken the rules would be when I double-book patients on our clinic schedule at SOCO.

Although double-booking cuts into appointment times of other patients.

There are instances where adding a patient onto the schedule is crucial, such as suspected infections or post-op patients that did not schedule their 1st post-op appointment.

How has your interview experience been today? Is there anything else I need to know about you?

Reflect on the best parts of your day.

Complement the program on their accreditation.

Confirm they are a top choice for you.

Discuss a current medical ethics issue.

Abortion is a controversial medical issue due to pro-life and pro-choice stances.

Not allowing induced abortions would result in women finding dangerous alternatives such as closet abortions.

It also disrupts the basic freedom of women to determine the course and use of their own bodies and forces unwanted pregnancies from instances like rape.

If a patient has AIDs, will you still treat them?

Yes, I would treat the patient as I would any other patient.

As an EMT, I used standard precautions with every patient I encountered so I did not need to know if they had AIDS or any other disease.

As healthcare professionals, we must have a non-judgemental attitude and a disposition that will allow us to treat everyone equally.

You are a PA.

Your supervising MD asks you to administer a medication to a patient. You do not agree with his decision and feel it could harm the patient. What do you do?

I would have a conversation with my supervising physician about my concerns.

Possibly I missed something about the patient's health status or the physician made a mistake by confusing patients or medications.

This is why the check and balance system of the PA and MD relationship is beneficial for the quality of patient care.

You see a co-worker taking medication from the dispense cart and putting it in her bag. What do you do?

I would calmly approach my co-worker and give them an opportunity to explain.

I would tell my co-worker to get ahead of the situation by telling our supervisor.

If my co-worker refuses, I would have no choice but to report the incident myself.

You have an elderly patient who needs to stay at the hospital for overnight observation. The patient is refusing, but the patient's son states the patient has dementia and is incapable of making medical decisions. The patient's son wants the patient admitted.

What do you do?

Patients are able to leave "against medical advice" A.M.A

However, I will do my best and fulfill my responsibilities as a medical provider to make sure the patient understands the risks of leaving without proper care.

You are leaving for the day and realize you gave a patient medication they are allergic to.

What do you do?

Call the patient immediately to inquire if they picked up or taken the medication yet.

Explain the mistake to the patient. Instruct them to not pick up or take the medication.

Encourage them to go to the ER or urgent care if they ingested the medication and have a true allergy

Call the pharmacy. Verify the status of the medication. Cancel the prescription and tell the pharmacist to create an alert for the patient's records.

If the patient does not pick up. Leave voicemails, call alternate phone numbers, and send an email.

You are seeing a Jehovah's Witness patient. Due to religious beliefs, he/she does not accept blood transfusions, but it could be life-saving. What do you do?

Have an honest, calm conversation with the patient and the patient's family about the risks of denying the transfusion.

If they still refuse, I would suggest alternative treatment options and work with my team to safely accommodate the patient.

You are a PA.

You prescribe birth control pills for a 13 year-old. The patient's mother is angry about this decision. What do you say?

Assuming this is under California State laws.

Minors can obtain birth control without parental notification or consent.

However, I would attempt to facilitate a calm discussion between the two and tell the mother that birth control pills can be used to treat acne as well, not solely unwanted pregnancies.

What would you do if you hit your neighbor's dog?

Speak with the neighbor immediately

Call your neighbor if he is not home.

Take the dog to the vet for help

I will own up to my actions and attempt to make retributions

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

I would consider myself a redwood tree.

Similar to redwoods supporting other trees. I love helping patients with medical questions and classmates by preparing study guides.

I believe the strong roots of redwoods resemble my stable support system of friends and family. Without them, I would not have gotten to this point in the pre-PA process.

What three people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner? What would you serve them?

Derrick Rose, Donald Glover, and George Lucas

Hotpot

Discuss a pastime outside of school and how the skills acquired will help in your career

As silly as it may sound, I recently started an Instagram food blog that has improved my critical thinking and writing skills.

After eating a dish, it is easy to say "that tasted good" or "that tasted bad", but it is extremely difficult to pinpoint what you liked or disliked about the dish. Or even a step further, what is missing from the dish.

Translating my thoughts into words on paper is another hurdle, I have to be creative and use adjectives that provide colorful imagery to the reader.

If you could do anything else and know you could be successful. What would you do?

I want to be the owner of a well-known clothing brand.

My hobbies include collecting sneakers and vintage clothes so it would be a perfect fit.

I could design my own clothes and connect with sneaker companies like Nike or New Balance.

Also, clothing designers are notoriously linked to athletes and musical artists, so it would be cool talking to them and having them wear my clothes.

Discuss a time you had to resolve a conflict.

A time that I had to resolve a conflict was when my EMT partner and I were unable to transfer my patient Deric from his dialysis chair to the gurney.

I'm not necessarily the strongest guy around and Deric was over 6 feet tall and around 260 lbs.

After thinking through the situation, we decided to utilize the Superman method versus the simple drawsheet method.

To ensure the patient's safety, we also asked a nearby PCT to assist us with the transfer.

What are you famous for?

At SOCO, I am known around the office for my schedule-planning skills and efficiency in the clinic

I have a firm grasp of my doctor's treatment options that he likes to use or his "toolbox" as he likes to call it.

I can anticipate the needs of our patients and my physician by pre-printing necessary documents and preparing specific injections to make each appointment as efficient as possible.

You are caring for an obese patient on multiple medications, some of which are causing side effects. Would you recommend a change in medications or lifestyle?

I am assuming I am a PA in this situation.

I will present the pros and cons of each option.

First, I would encourage lifestyle changes for a set period of time before changing medications unless the side effects were debilitating or preventing those lifestyle changes.

Then, I would educate the patient on how to improve their overall health in order to discontinue the meds causing problems.

If you discover a classmate is romantically involved with her preceptor. What should be done, if anything?

I would have a calm discussion with my classmate about why this is unethical, such as my classmate losing focus on learning patient care, receiving special treatment, and my preceptor lacking professional judgment by dating a student.

I would tell my classmate to confess to our supervisor to get ahead of the situation. If my classmate refuses, I would have no choice but to inform our supervisor myself.

A friend in your class confides in you that his mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. He is overwhelmed and may drop out of school to spend time with his mother. How do you counsel your friend?

Have you talked to your mom about what she thinks you should do?

You've worked so hard to get into PA school, and your mom may want to see you become a PA.

Whatever you decide, I am willing to help in whatever way possible that will help you complete the program.

You are a dermatology PA. A patient states they are out of opioid pain medication and unable to get more from their pain management physician for another few weeks. What do you do?

I would not prescribe the patient those opioids, but rather suggest using non-opioid pain medication in the meantime.

I would also reassure the patient that their pain management doctor's decision is in their best interest.

You are seeing a patient who is a gymnast and currently training for the Olympics. The patient's mother is upset because the patient recently gained 3 pounds.

I would discuss with the mother outside the patient room about possible reasons for weight gain, such as diabetes.

I would also clear up any misunderstandings about healthy BMI range and reassure the mother that her daughter's weight is typical for her height

A boat is sinking. There is a lifeboat for one person. The passengers include a 75-year-old physician, 50 year old army officer, 24 year old teacher, 6 year old. Who gets the spot?

How far is the lifeboat from the shore?

Is help on the way?

Can I choose the two smallest people and put both on the lifeboat?

Assuming my questions are not answered:

I would let the 50-year-old army officer go out for help since he is the most trained to do so.

If anything were to happen while they wait, the physician is equipped to take care of the remaining passengers if they were sick or injured.

Tell us about any talent(s) or interest(s) outside of medicine.

I love traveling and exploring new cultures and cuisines. It's not only great to gain new experiences, but also to broaden my worldview, which helps me develop cultural competence and communication skills that will aid me as a PA.

My love for traveling also ties into my love for art, as I get to see new and learn about diverse works of art. I love how history and critical thinking come together to give context to a piece. I feel art is a great way to view human emotions and understand that these are not unique experiences, but we are all connected by our shared existence. While I myself am not artistically gifted, I do love photography, and I feel it’s a great form of creative expression for me.

What do you believe sticks out most about your application?

My experience in rural health.

I worked as an intern for VAW Medical in rural clinics in the Dominican Republic. I rotated through intake and triage and got to shadow doctors and pharmacists. This experience helped me gain confidence in my clinical Spanish and learn to rely on physical exams over advanced testing.

Upon returning to the United States, I worked as a medical assistant intern at Clemson Rural Health. Here, I learned my love for working with rural populations and decided to return as the Mobile Health Administrative Coordinator. In this role, I help provide grant-funded programs to combat health disparities, ranging from women’s health to primary care. I also provide health education to help lower the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Ultimately, I believe these experiences taught me to be resourceful and culturally competent in caring for diverse patient populations across varying social and economic situations. I also feel a closer understanding of the PA career, as its original purpose was to help combat health disparities that arose due to the lack of primary care physicians.

How do you plan to balance your school life as a PA student and your personal life?

I would first form healthy studying habits by creating a study group, filling my calendar with exam and quiz dates, and scheduling times in advance to study and take breaks.

I would also schedule weekly workouts to not only stay physically fit but alleviate stress as well.

On the weekends, I would take full advantage by either catching up on sleep or scheduling quick plans with family and friends.

Questions to ask the interviewee.

Why do you believe your PANCE pass rates have been so high?

What are two qualities you have found in your most successful students?

Are all of your faculty practicing PAs?

What do you like about working and being a part of this school?

Do you find classmates to be more competitive or collaborative?

What do you believe students like most about the program?

How have students responded to your hybrid format?

Where are your clinical rotation sites located?

What are personal experiences that have molded your personality?

When working as an EMT, I encountered a sexually abused, 5150 pediatric patient at an ER.

this experience showed me that healthcare is not black-and-white. Sometimes it requires a humanitarian approach as opposed to a clinician approach.

My scoliosis & cerebral AVM surgeries inspired me to work in healthcare as a PA to treat patients with the same effort and compassionate care gifted to me through my childhood.

What are two patients that have impacted you and made you want to become a PA?

Working as an Intern for Clemson Rural Health during my senior year, we would provide monthly primary care clinics in the town of Salam. Every time, this one older woman would stop by with new complaints. There was nothing wrong with her; she really just wanted a friendly face and someone to listen. I was happy to provide a safe space where she could feel seen and supported, as she no longer had any living family. This experience really solidified my love for medicine, as I not only get to help with physical issues but also address healing as a whole person and highlight the importance of human connection. During my last clinic day in Salam, another resident told us she had fallen and was in the hospital. I still think about her often and hope she is doing well, as she helped confirm the meaningful impact I can have on others.

Another impactful patient experience was

I originally wanted to pursue medicine because I was fascinated by the subject and enjoyed learning. I realized my favorite aspect was human connection and understanding. The increased face-to-face time in the PA role would allow me to provide this support and stability to my patients.

What are three words your friends would use to describe you?

The three words my friends would use are compassionate, detail-oriented, and level-headed.

Whenever my friends are going through family issues or just life issues, I make sure to set time aside to talk to them. The same goes for my classmates, I used to struggle academically and it was encouraging to have someone simplify concepts for me.

Anytime I go to Disneyland or make social plans with my girlfriend, I always need to make an itinerary of what to eat and do for some reason. I also put this amount of effort into my quizlets and study guides as well, which I love sharing with my classmates.

My family and friends have never seen me angry, and I carry that same demeanor while working at SOCO. I do not let a hectic clinic day or rude patients frazzle me.

What qualities/abilities do you possess that could help your classmates?

I love to make quizlets and study guides for exams and quizzes, which I would gladly share with my classmates.

I can help my classmates in your program's Diagnostic Imaging course due to my experience in Orthopedics reading numerous x-rays and MRIs.

I also love drinking coffee and eating snacks, so I would definitely get some for my classmates while studying together.

How would you handle dealing with a homeless or drug-abusing patient?

I would treat the patient as I would any other patient.

First and foremost, they are human beings and should be treated with respect.

Drug addiction is a disease, and as medical providers, it is our duty at the end of the day to diagnose and treat diseases, like diabetes.

How would you discuss end-of-life options with a patient?

In this instance, I would become more of a humanitarian than a clinician.

I would present the patient and the patient's family with all options in a gentle tone.

However, I would not sugar-coat anything and state everything in a black-and-white manner to avoid any miscommunication.

Your classmate is asking to work on a take-home assignment together.

How do you respond?

I would tell my classmate that the goal of this program is to prepare us for passing the PANCE exam, which we cannot take together, like this assignment.

I would also remind him that working together on this assignment would decrease our odds of passing the PANCE, which neither of us wants.

A fellow PA colleague is asking you to prescribe him a painkiller for his back pain.

How would you proceed?

I would tell my colleague that he knows better than to ask me for opioids. I can not just prescribe pain medications for friends whenever I want.

I would converse with my colleague about potential opioid abuse, and ask him to seek help if this is jeopardizing his work or personal life.

You are doing your clinical rotations and forget to take the blood pressure of a patient. You are supposed to report all vital signs to your supervising physician.

What would you do?

I would admit that I forgot to take the blood pressure to my supervising physician.

I would return to that same patient, re-take their blood pressure, and report the results to my supervising physician.

To prevent this mistake from happening again, I would learn the importance of taking blood pressure and the pathophysiology behind it.