PA 3 Flashcards
Why do I want to be a PA
I grew up watching my family face serious medical challenges. My father’s bipolar disorder and my mother’s brain tumor opened my eyes to the gaps in healthcare and how lives can be deeply affected when support is hard to find. That early exposure planted a seed.
I joined the NYPD, determined to serve my community. Over time, I found myself drawn to health. I began reading nutrition books and diving into scientific articles, fascinated by how the body works. I also started listening to health podcasts, which deepened my interest in disease and prevention. The true turning point happened when I saw a Physician Assistant spend extra time with a patient going through withdrawal, blending expert knowledge with real empathy. I didn’t know what a PA was, so I looked it up, learned the requirements, and realized that was the path I wanted to take after retiring from the NYPD.
I thought about medical school, but the teamwork and flexibility of the PA profession felt like the right fit. So I went back to school full-time in my 40s, became an EMT, and explored biochemistry research at NYU. Each step confirmed that the PA role is the perfect balance of science, service, and hands-on patient care.
I’m ready for the daily grind—examining, diagnosing, collaborating, and learning continuously. Being a PA means standing by patients in their most vulnerable moments and doing whatever it takes to help them heal. That’s why I’m here. It’s what I’m meant to do.
What part of becoming a PA and practicing medicine as a PA are you looking forward to the most?
I’m excited about being on the front lines of patient care—examining, diagnosing, and working closely with both physicians and nurses. I look forward to building trust with patients in their most vulnerable moments and having the freedom to grow in different specialties. Above all, I can’t wait to make a real impact on people’s lives every single day.
How did you become interested in becoming a PA?
I was working in law enforcement when I started reading health-related books, listening to medical podcasts, and discussing breakthroughs with friends. Then I saw a PA in action, spending extra time with a patient in withdrawal. Her blend of expertise and compassion inspired me. That moment pushed me to learn more, and everything I discovered confirmed it was the right path.
Have you considered medical school?
Yes, I did. I have a deep love for science and patient care, so it seemed like a natural option. However, I realized the team-based approach and flexibility of the PA role fit me better. I want to treat patients directly but also work in a collaborative environment without the longer training path of medical school.
Did you ever want to be a physical therapist?
I admire physical therapists for their focus on rehabilitation and movement. But I’m drawn to diagnosing and treating patients more broadly. I enjoy the blend of direct patient interaction and medical decision-making that PAs have.
Why do you want to be a PA
I saw firsthand how a lack of inadequate healthcare can break a family. My father’s bipolar disorder and my mother’s brain tumor taught me how overwhelming it is when you don’t have access to proper care. Those early experiences inspired me to help others.
After 9/11, I joined the NYPD to serve my community. Over the years, my interest in health kept growing. I read nutrition books and scientific articles, fascinated by how the body works. I also listened to health podcasts, which fueled my curiosity about disease and prevention. My true turning point happened when I saw a Physician Assistant spend extra time with a patient going through withdrawal, offering not just medical advice but real empathy. That was the day I remember looking up what a PA does, discovering what it would take to become one. Since that day around 12 years ago I’ve been saying that when I retired from the NYPD i want to become a PA.
Through it all, I never forgot my family’s struggles. My own hearing loss from untreated ear infections reminds me that many people don’t have the care they need.
Through it all, I never forgot my own family’s struggles. My hearing loss from untreated ear infections is a constant reminder that many people still lack proper care. As a PA, I want to stand beside those who are vulnerable or underserved, much like I tried to protect at-risk individuals in law enforcement. I believe in truly connecting with patients—listening to their worries, explaining their conditions, and offering hope. Becoming a PA blends science, service, and hands-on care in a way that lets me use my unique background to make a real difference in people’s lives.
