Why did you choose to attend the UMKC School of Medicine?

The UMKC PA program has many features which both initially attracted me to apply here and to ultimately choose it as my first choice school. When I compared it to other schools, I was impressed with both the organization of program and that fact that a majority of the lecturers also teach in the medical school or are practicing providers in their respective fields. I also admired that the faculty are committed to providing students with first-hand clinical experiences throughout their diadatic year. These begin within the first semester of the program and include experiences in both the hospital setting as well as community outreach through the Sojourner Health Clinic.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience?

Ironically, what I’ve enjoyed most about my experience so far is the same thing that I was most anxious about when initially applying: the small class size. For me, starting at UMKC meant moving from a small town to much larger metropolitan area where I didn’t know anyone or how to get around. However, what I realize now is that the program takes special care when selecting applicants to ensure that the class will be both diverse and cohesive. Each of my classmates has lived their own journey and possesses skills leading them to this career. We utilize our different backgrounds to help one another succeed and understand various concepts. The people in your class are not only classmates, they become your friends, your family, and your support system almost instantly. Additionally, the school’s smaller class size means more individualized attention from the faculty. They know not only know your name but have a genuine interest in you as a person and are dedicated to ensuring that you have everything you need to become an educated, competent PA.

Student organizations involved with/honors and awards?

• Physician Assistant Student Association – President
• Physician Assistant Student Ambassador

Why did you choose to attend the UMKC Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Program?

I was born and raised in Missouri, so I really wanted to attend schools in state for both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. Two schools in the University of Missouri system ended up being my perfect matches. And because I did attend Mizzou, a partner institution, for my undergraduate degree, I was also able to take advantage of the PA Scholars Program that UMKC offers. It was a unique opportunity for me to apply to PA school during my senior year of college and get accepted a year early. Because of this, I was able to finish my senior year stress free, as I knew exactly where I was going after graduation. In addition, I really appreciated UMKC’s dedication to looking at the applicant holistically; I think it helps the school to get the best prospects to apply each year.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at UMKC?

I have really enjoyed the small class size, as getting to know all my classmates has been amazing. We all come from such different backgrounds and experiences, so we all have different contributions to make to the class. I was unsure what to expect from a graduate level cohort, but since there are only 20 of us, we have become very close. They are the only ones that know what this experience is like, and we have become such a great support system for each other during this process. The small class size has also allowed us to get the most from our professors as well. They are able to dedicate their time and talents to making sure we become the best version of ourselves. They always have an open-door policy and really are here to help us succeed.

Why are you pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant?

I believe that PAs have the ability to impact patients in a way that other providers might not be able to. This career provides a unique opportunity to be able to interact and care for patients while still providing high-level medical knowledge. I have always been drawn to the balance that PAs have between medicine and patient interaction. In practice, I hope to develop a patient-provider bond that will allow me to impact my patients in more ways than one. I also want to provide quality care that is easily accessible by all and, by becoming a PA, I can do that. All this can be done within the confines of a team of providers, which I think is the best way to practice. I pursued this degree to be able to help the most people in the shortest amount of time. To go to school for 2.5 years and graduate as a competent, caring provider is something that you cannot find in many other professions. Upon graduation, hopefully a job will not be hard to find, so I know that what I have learned here at UMKC will be put to good use right after graduation.

Why did you choose to attend the UMKC Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Program?

I got my undergraduate degree from UMKC so I already knew and appreciated how much UMKC truly cares about diversity and giving back to the community. Since freshman year of undergraduate, UMKC has always felt like home to me so I was extremely happy to continue my education at the same school.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at UMKC?

Bonding with my classmates while, at the same time, learning to provide the best patient care possible.

Why are you pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant?

During undergrad, I was on the pre-med track. I loved the science behind medicine, and I thought that becoming a doctor was my best option. It wasn’t until senior year, when I began shadowing other medical professions, that I realized the PA profession lined up perfectly with what I wanted for a career. I love the fact that, as a PA, you get to work as part of a team to give patients the best healthcare possible. I love the fact I would still get to see my own patients and make my own medical diagnoses. On top of that, I love the fact that the process to becoming a PA is much shorter than becoming a doctor. From what I’ve been told the work-life balance is also great as well. There are countless other pros about the PA profession—such as the ability to switch specialties and the fact that the job outlook is expected to grow by 30% in the next 10 years. It’s a great time to be a PA. I’m so happy that I chose this career path, it was the best choice for me, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t wait until I’m officially a PA-C.