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Sabrina Leonard

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Advocacy And Activism
  • African American Studies
  • Anatomy
  • Spanish
  • Health Sciences

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
Majors of interest:
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Registered Nurse

    Hospital & Health Care · UAMS

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2024

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medical Practice
Dream career goals:
Physician Assistant
Has nursing license:
No

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.
Sabrina Leonard Student Profile | Bold.org