It is common knowledge that a physician assistant must have a certain level of resilience. The rigor of the program itself weeds out those who fail to adapt. Presenting a patient with a tough diagnosis requires the ability to maintain composure. Though mental toughness is necessary, the most impactful qualities a PA can embody can be displayed through bedside manner. Compassion in health care extends beyond the simple feeling of concern for others. What may seem like taking the extra step is a core component to establishing trust. While we are responsible for treatment and diagnosis, we must also remember to treat the patient holistically. Resilience alone will not suffice, but paired with compassion and cultural competence patients are likely to receive high quality care. As a patient care associate, I always find time to truly interact with my patients. Conversations are opportunities to offer comfort. Whether it be through making them feel understood or altogether distracting them with a laugh, being sociable is a key characteristic I am proud to exhibit. As a PCA, I have learned how to tend to patients' needs while offering presence and empathy. I have the ability to communicate with patients in a way that makes them feel seen. To provide holistic care, you must be able to assess what is best for your patient according to their personal values and beliefs. As a Latina, I see the world from a different lens. I am able to acknowledge the layers and complexity of identifying as a Hispanic in America. I resonate with the challenge of the younger generations grappling with multiple cultural identities, while also understanding the older generations’ struggle of constantly being treated as outcasts. As a health care provider, I know that my cultural competence will transcend the Hispanic community, empathizing with patients of all backgrounds. To work in any healthcare position, you must have the heart for it. The type of person who is not just fascinated with the science behind the disease, but drawn to care for the person bearing it, regardless of their race, creed, or class. As a physician assistant, I will be held to a standard of academic excellence and professionalism. However, this does not take away from the kindness that is the very center of the care I wish to provide. While there are times that call for that thick skin we are trained to have, I never lose touch with the vulnerable layer underneath. I believe the balance between composure and compassion is what makes an impactful PA. How quickly you can adapt to a situation reflects positively on you. However, don't your patients expect this of you? Would they remember you for simply doing your job? You don’t always make an impact on a patient through efficiency but simply how you made them feel. Providing patient centered care allows the patient to feel seen, in every facet of who they are. This trusting foundation can be used as a tool to ensure cooperation of treatment plans. An impactful physician assistant recognizes the benefits the patient would reap through compassionate and culturally competent care.

I do not have one of those stories where I dreamt of being in health care since I was a child. While I admire the dedication, I personally had to discover who I was before I could discover who I wanted to be. While gaining hands-on experience the desire to grow beyond my limitations began to consume me. Pursuing advanced education quickly became more appealing after I chose Global Health as an elective. I had no idea just how much this class would help me identify my passion and place me on the road to my purpose. If I’m being completely honest, I majored in health sciences because I liked the lack of dedication to one specific topic. I knew I wanted to make a difference through health care, but I wasn’t sure how. That is, until I discovered the role of a physician assistant. I began to imagine myself in a white coat. I had no idea a 2 year program could equip me with the autonomy to diagnose and treat patients. I was sure this direct role in health care would satisfy my need to be academically challenged. I began to dedicate my courses to fulfilling prerequisites for the program and attended courses to become a certified nursing assistant, leaving my home health aid job behind. I was taking the steps in the right direction, but still something was missing. That Global Health course was where I found the missing piece to my puzzle. The women’s health section consumed an entire 5 weeks of the semester. I was overwhelmed with the statistics on health care disparities that women, especially women of color, face daily. Overwhelmed, not shocked. It dawned on me then, that I had always been invested in women's health politically. My mind had been geared to approach these problems through voting for change. This course shifted my way of thinking, opening the door to being able to make a change directly from within the health care system. I excelled in the class and was offered a position as a teacher apprentice. This opportunity led me to discover where I belonged. When I studied women’s health my empathy peaked and was matched with an internal motive to be a part of a solution. I had found my passion. As an OBGYN physician assistant I would directly be able to reduce the healthcare disparities women are forced to endure, one patient at a time. I have been accepted by the University of Saint Joseph for the PA Studies program. This scholarship would directly benefit me during this transition period of my life. As I prepare to move out of state to attend PA school, expenses are quickly piling. I have been seeking financial assistance for obtaining even simple items like materials for school. Any amount that can help me reduce that burden would be invaluable. I have paved a way for myself thus far and am now taking action, proactively finding a means to reduce my financial stress through the Skin, Bones, Hearts and Private Parts Scholarship.