My path to becoming a physician assistant started in high school. I was an emergency medical technician and developed a passion for medicine and helping others heal. Shortly after high school I enlisted in the US Navy as a hospital corpsman. The first physician assistants were hospital corpsmen, and it was a natural progression to become a PA.
My career as a PA has been a rewarding and exciting experience. From trauma and emergency medicine, primary care, surgery and leadership positions; PAs do it all. The biggest blessing of being a PA is the ability to change medical specialties. Whether it be from burnout or wanting to learn more in a specialty area due to our rigorous training and flexibility we are positioned to fill gaps in healthcare and other roles as needed.
Beyond healthcare, my time as a PA has enabled me to pursue other exciting opportunities. I have traveled the world, caring for and treating people in remote locations of Africa, Europe and Asia. I enjoy rappelling, rafting and hiking that wilderness medicine requires. The job security that healthcare provides has enabled me to raise two wonderful children and take care of my family.
My latest blessing is being able to give back in the academic world. I look forward to what the future holds for the profession and look forward to where PAs will serve in the future.