Hobbies and interests
Advocacy And Activism
African American Studies
Anatomy
Spanish
Health Sciences
Sabrina Leonard
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FinalistSabrina Leonard
665
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FinalistBio
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 programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Baptist Health College Little Rock
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Philander Smith College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Human Biology
Minors:
- Chemistry
Hall High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
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
Career
Dream career field:
Medical Practice
Dream career goals:
Physician Assistant
Registered Nurse
UAMS2020 – 20244 years
Sports
Pickleball
Intramural2023 – Present1 year
Awards
- Most Improved Player
Dancing
Varsity2006 – 20082 years
Research
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Arkansas State University — Student2020 – 2021Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
UAMS — Student2024 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Arkansas Food Bank — Volunteer2014 – PresentPublic Service (Politics)
AKA Sorority - Chi Eta Omega Chapter — Volunteer2024 – PresentPublic Service (Politics)
2nd Baptist Church — Volunteer2023 – PresentVolunteering
UAMS - Culinary Medicine — Student2023 – PresentVolunteering
2nd Baptist Church — Healthcare Ministry2023 – PresentAdvocacy
PAEA — Fellow2024 – PresentVolunteering
UAMS - 12th Street Wellness Clinic — Student provider volunteer2023 – PresentAdvocacy
AAPA — Student2024 – 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.