PA 29 Flashcards
What does professionalism mean to you?
To me, professionalism means showing respect for everyone around you—patients, teammates, and the community. It also includes having solid skills and good judgment, and knowing when to ask for help if you’re unsure.
What does it mean to portray yourself in a professional manner?
It means treating people politely, following through on your responsibilities, and staying calm under pressure. You should be confident in your knowledge but still humble enough to learn from others.
Tell me about someone you’ve worked with who exhibited professionalism.
I work with a seasoned EMT whos name is also scott who always put patients first. No matter how tense the situation, he remained calm, used clear language, and explained every step of her care. That combination of kindness, skill, and clear communication set a great example of true professionalism.
If you were to win the lottery, what would you do? Would you still want to be a PA?
Yes, I would. I’ve already walked away from a secure, higher-paying job as an NYPD sergeant, where if I’d just stayed four more years, my pension would’ve been even bigger. But I chose to pursue the PA profession because I love healthcare and caring for people. Winning the lottery wouldn’t change that passion. Sure, I’d probably take a nice vacation or splurge on something fun, but I’d still want to work as a PA.
If you were to win the lottery, what would you do? Would you still want to be a PA?
Yes, I would. I already left a secure, well-paying job in the NYPD—even though staying a few more years could have boosted my pension. That shows I’m not just chasing money. I truly value the skills I can use to make a real impact on people’s health. Even if money wasn’t a concern, I’d still want to practice as a PA, because mastering medicine and delivering care is deeply fulfilling to me.
Do you realize you’ll make less money than a physician?
I do. And that doesn’t bother me. My motivation is learning medicine at a high level and applying that knowledge to help patients directly. The salary is secondary to the sense of purpose I get from using my expertise in patient care.
Should PAs be reimbursed at the same rate as physicians?
Physicians train longer and have different responsibilities, so a salary gap can make sense. But PAs also bring a lot to patient care and deserve fair compensation. It’s all about recognizing each team member’s role and making sure everyone is valued.
