Physician Assistant Experience

Southern Appalachia holds a special place in my heart. For as long as I can remember, my family and I have spent two or three weeks a year in the North Georgia Mountains. It seems it is only natural then, that I decided to acquire my Biology degree at Young Harris College — in the heart of the mountains. This location not only allowed for wonderful professors, but an environment where the scenery and locals make an impression each day.
I have long been interested in medicine, but did not learn of the Physician Assistant profession until later in my sophomore year of college. After researching and speaking to various Physician Assistants, I came across an opportunity to volunteer at Mercy Health Center of Athens. As a liaison of this free clinic …show more content…
However, with new-found love for serving patients who are uninsured and underserved, I began volunteering at a similar clinic nearby called Healing Hands Clinic. At Healing Hands, I both shadowed and helped with triage. While triaging, I got to talk with the patients and, for those who came regularly, really got to know them. At both Mercy Health Center and Healing Hands Clinic, I have had patients thank me for serving there so that they can have this opportunity to get medical attention. It is in these moments that I realize the importance of what I am doing and how much more I could do as a Physician Assistant for them.
This area of the North Georgia Mountains I have grown up loving is in need of more providers. The welcoming people that make me feel like family are restricted to very little medical care. I have learned that there are many other regions that are in a medical care deficit, as well, due to having too few providers. However, I have seen how just one more provider in an underserved area makes a big difference in the lives of the locals. This is why I want to be a Physician Assistant –so that I may be one more provider to help close the medical provider