A Career As A Medical Assistant

That I would choose a career in the medical field has never been a question; I am innately nurturing and compassionate. Finding myself drawn specifically toward a career as a physician assistant is something that has occurred over my lifetime and as a result of many experiences. These experiences have developed a skill set in me that I believe uniquely qualifies me for this particular area of health care. As I considered the caregiving skills and attention to detail required of a nurse, and the problem solving and responsibility required of a physician, I realized that I share qualities with individuals in both professions. I believe that this combination of qualities defines the role of a physician assistant and it is these qualities that make me uniquely suitable for this career path.
What makes me like most others seeking acceptance into your program is a strong desire to help others, excellent grades and evidence of my interest through experience. What separates me from other applicants is my independence, self-confidence and my sense of adventure, all qualities I have developed through my experiences as a Division 1 collegiate athlete. Volleyball has taught me how to simultaneously be a leader and a teammate. It has taught me how to achieve, with grace, both success and defeat. It forced me to understand the difficult journey of recovery from injury. And, on a more mental level, being a member of a college athletic team challenged my ability to manage my time and work with professors to accommodate missed material. As a freshman, going to college out of state was an act of faith and courage, but one that I do not regret. All of these experiences have given me confidence that I can act and think independently...

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... qualities I find common to doctors, nurses, physician assistants and other health care workers and I believe I share the traits that are common to PAs. Pursuing a career as a PA would continually challenge me as an individual. For me, it is hard not to draw parallels between the skills required of a PA and those required of an athlete. We are motivators and good listeners. We have high expectations of ourselves and of those around us. We must understand when to lead and when to delegate. We must manage our time and our resources to best serve all of those who need attention. If I am chosen for your program, I will approach my education and my career as I have my experience as a student athlete: with determination, dedication and a deep appreciation for the opportunity. I am confident that I can and will achieve my goal of becoming a physician assistant.