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Sabrina Leonard

665

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am Sabrina Leonard and I attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Physician Assistant Program in Little Rock, AR. I am a wife, mother, and a woman of unwavering Christian faith, committed to family, community, and service. My journey is marked by resilience and determination having overcome countless obstacles to become the first in my family to graduate from high school, college, and, prayerfully, graduate school. Confronted with sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, and homelessness, I have relied on faith to sustain me and have used these experiences to fuel my aspirations as a future healthcare provider.

Education

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Master's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Arkansas State University-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Baptist Health College Little Rock

Associate's degree program
2018 - 2020
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Philander Smith College

Bachelor's degree program
2008 - 2012
  • Majors:
    • Human Biology
  • Minors:
    • Chemistry

Hall High School

High School
2004 - 2008

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medical Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      Physician Assistant

    • Registered Nurse

      UAMS
      2020 – 20244 years

    Sports

    Pickleball

    Intramural
    2023 – Present1 year

    Awards

    • Most Improved Player

    Dancing

    Varsity
    2006 – 20082 years

    Research

    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

      Arkansas State University — Student
      2020 – 2021
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

      UAMS — Student
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Arkansas Food Bank — Volunteer
      2014 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      AKA Sorority - Chi Eta Omega Chapter — Volunteer
      2024 – Present
    • Public Service (Politics)

      2nd Baptist Church — Volunteer
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      UAMS - Culinary Medicine — Student
      2023 – Present
    • Volunteering

      2nd Baptist Church — Healthcare Ministry
      2023 – Present
    • Advocacy

      PAEA — Fellow
      2024 – Present
    • Volunteering

      UAMS - 12th Street Wellness Clinic — Student provider volunteer
      2023 – Present
    • Advocacy

      AAPA — Student
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    PAC: Diversity Matters Scholarship
    My name is Sabrina Leonard, and I am currently a student in the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR. As a wife, mother, and woman of unwavering Christian faith, I am deeply committed to family, community, and service to all mankind. My journey has been one of resilience and determination, marked by overcoming significant obstacles to become the first in my family to graduate from high school, college, and, prayerfully, graduate school. Resilience is a vital quality for any impactful Physician Assistant. My own experiences—confronting sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, and homelessness—have instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and a keen understanding of the myriad struggles that individuals face. These challenges have not only shaped my character but have also fueled my aspirations to make a tangible difference in people’s lives as a future healthcare provider. Relying on faith during my most challenging times has reinforced my belief in the power of resilience, which I carry into my studies and future practice. Dedication is another essential attribute of an impactful PA. As a student, I strive to exceed expectations, motivated by the low standards that have often been set for me. My extensive volunteer work at student-run wellness clinics, food pantries, and local high schools reflects my commitment to empowering my community to prioritize their health. Additionally, my participation in the PAEA Health Policy Fellowship and the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit has ignited a passion for advocacy within me. Upon graduation, I am dedicated to championing health equity and fostering a diverse workforce, using my voice to disrupt injustices and promote equitable healthcare, regardless of my specialty. I believe that all students possess the potential to be change agents in the pursuit of a more diverse and equitable healthcare future. Attending the AAPA conference inspired me to confront the darker aspects of our healthcare system and the negative narratives shaped by our training. These experiences have illuminated the slow progress made within our institution and in Arkansas as a whole, highlighting the need for genuine commitment beyond mere admissions policies. My role as a character witness in the case of a colleague facing dismissal placed me at the intersection of equity and equality. Witnessing my colleague’s triumphant reinstatement compelled me to confront my own feelings of doubt and inadequacy—thoughts like “I hate this program,” “I should've dropped out,” and “I just don't belong here.” These sentiments resonated with the committee because, despite my academic success and community involvement, I was perceived as an at-risk student. This experience motivated me to advocate for my program director to implement training for faculty on better supporting students struggling with imposter syndrome. Furthermore, I initiated a cultural competency workshop aimed at addressing microaggressions within our program. I am unwaveringly committed to fostering an environment where all students feel they belong and are empowered to thrive. By embodying resilience, dedication, and a commitment to change, I aim to become an impactful Physician Assistant who not only provides exceptional care but also champions diversity and equity in healthcare.