My Medical Assistant Experience

It was a late night in Spring when I went to visit my pregnant sister. A few moments after being at her house, she mentioned she was not feeling well. As a concerned aunt to be, my immediate response was that we needed to see a doctor. Considering it was 10 PM there was no way we could have gotten to her OB/GYN, therefore we decided to go to the nearest emergency room. We waited and we waited, filled with anxiety, fear and many mixed emotions. It was moments later that we were greeted by a Physician Assistant with a warm smile and the most comforting bedside manner. She understood the panic that comes with your first pregnancy. She took her time, not only to get an accurate history and physical but also to answer any and every question or concern …show more content…
Searching. What is a PA? How do they function? What role do they play? What are their limitations? What does it take to be a PA? With every question answered, I fell even more in love with the field. I found myself on a one-way route to pursuing this career that was a perfect fit for me. I could not believe I did not come across this earlier. I became so eager to begin this journey that I immediately got my certification as a Medical Assistant. It allowed me to get closer to PAs and get first-hand experience on their day to day routine. I was intrigued by their flexibility and ability to function both independently and play such a vital role of a team. Soon after, I got in touch with a friend who is currently a practicing PA and started to inquire about applications and requirements of PA programs. She then reminded me of another mutual friend who is a current first year at SUNY Downstate. Hours of talking to her and she did nothing but rave about the program. SUNY Downstate soon became my first option. Not only is it a great reputed program, but it allows me to be close to home and close to my family. If accepted to SUNY Downstate I can be close to everything I love while also working towards my dream of becoming a …show more content…
I have shadowed PAs at the Harlem Hospital center. There I have been exposed to different situations. I have been given opportunities to observe and see patients alongside with PA students of Sophie Davis as well as Medical students of Columbia University. I am able to take patient’s history, and come up with a possible diagnosis as well as treatment plan with the PAs and Medical students. I have acquired the skill of being a better listener and understand the patient 's concern. I have acquired a skill of calming patient down during trauma and any medical emergency. I have been observing whenever I get a chance away from course work. My passion for the profession has thrived even more during the night shifts. I have witnessed how intense it gets in the emergency room and how interactive PA is with the patient and other medical professionals. I have been admiring this profession the minute I was exposed to it. I have only been wanting to know more in this field and I have given it all my time and consideration. I believe the skills I have acquired throughout my journey from observing, and my studies, it will make a great