Mastering Physician Assistant Studies Personal Purpose

Mastering Physician Assistant Studies Personal Purpose Review

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"Does anyone speak Polish?" The director of rehabilitation was worried about a recently admitted Parkinson’s disease patient who wasn't taking her medication and was feeling anxious and confused after her diagnosis and admission to the acute rehabilitation facility where I volunteered. As a Polish speaker, I could communicate with the patient and convince her of the importance of taking her medication and participating in her rehabilitation exercises. She was one of many patients at the nursing home dealing with or recovering from various conditions like dementia, stroke, arthralgia, pulmonary disease, knee replacement, or a recent fall. I assisted physical and occupational therapists with exercise training methods and performed escort duties. This experience taught me a lot, especially the comforting power of a smile and holding a hand. 

I have a strong academic, work, and volunteer background in health sciences, mainly in Nutrition, Exercise Science, and Psychology. I hold a BS in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences and an MS in Exercise Physiology. I have considerable experience working with, or observing the work of, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, and dieticians, as well as physicians.

My interest in expanding my work into healthcare grew during an internship at the Cayuga Center for Healthy Living and through shadowing physicians. The CCHL uses a comprehensive approach by focusing on modifiable risk factors like diet, physical activity, stress, and smoking in managing chronic disease. I encountered patients with many diseases affecting a large and growing portion of the population, such as bariatric, cardiac, pulmonary, and diabetic patients. It was encouraging to see the program also working with those at risk to prevent these diseases, an example of effective preventative medicine I hope to emulate in my future work. I have become very aware that the US population is rapidly aging, presenting healthcare professionals with new and difficult challenges. I have worked with elderly patients who exhibit the kinds of conditions that will become increasingly prevalent. I believe my knowledge of exercise physiology will be highly relevant in treating the elderly and extending their independent lives.

I am drawn to the role of PA because it focuses on providing healthcare access where it might otherwise be unavailable and offers a substantial degree of autonomy. While I aim to earn a living, my primary goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I can think of no better way to do so than by becoming a PA. My work and volunteer activities have always involved working directly with people who needed help, and I find great satisfaction in providing it. I now wish to expand my skills and knowledge to fulfill my potential for providing care.

 It may be relevant to mention that I was employed throughout my studies, often working two jobs, demonstrating diligence, intelligence, and academic potential. I consistently applied myself fully to the program and did everything necessary to excel.

I understand that healthcare requires a high degree of cultural awareness and sensitivity. I have happily studied and worked with people from many cultural and social backgrounds; I have enjoyed this and look forward to expanding this experience in the program. I speak Spanish and Polish and frequently visit Poland, as well as most of the USA. I also hope to have ample opportunity to use my Spanish to serve America's underserved, many of whom speak this language.

I recognize that there will be many professionally qualified applicants for the program. However, I am an excellent candidate. I have demonstrated my diligence and intelligence by obtaining sound qualifications under challenging conditions. I have practical experience in health-related work that is relevant to the program and will enable me to provide useful insights to my classmates. I possess the personal characteristics that will enable me to be an excellent PA. My main recommendation is a passionate desire to acquire the skills and knowledge to become a highly skilled and effective PA, helping people to the extent of my potential, especially the underserved, elderly, and vulnerable.

Mastering Physician Assistant Studies Personal Purpose Review