The end of a semester in PA School

Actually our program uses the quarter system... but we just finished our second quarter in our PA program at UC Davis. I decided to write about the feelings and details involved in ending classes in pa school.

Finals were stressful!! We had comprehensive finals so everything was fair game on the final, which was an enormous amount of material. Coupled with the fact that there were 4 finals over 3 days with the 2 hardest finals being back to back; before lunch then after lunch. What stress! It is over now and I passed my classes so I can take a deep breath and enjoy a few weeks of time off and have a good Christmas and New Years.

The main areas we covered this quarter were ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology, hematology, oncology, and respiratory. The nuances and details can be complex and remembering all of the associated diseases, the associated treatments, specific drugs (along with first line, second line) was especially difficult for me with my limited background experience. However; I feel that I learned an incredible amount and I am so pleased that I passed every test and can continue to the next sections.

On a certain final many of us felt the test was very difficult with poorly written complex questions, questions in areas we never covered, and questions in areas we were told not to study.... As you can imagine many people were upset. My feelings after the test were frustrating more than anything. I had the feeling that I knew I passed the test but the many questions that were foreign to me left an uneasy frustrating feeling. I wondered what my feelings would have been like if the test was simple and I answered every question correctly. Would I be positive and excited? Why would I have different feeling if ultimately I would know and have learned the same amount of information? Its funny what a test can do to you... an easy test doesn't mean that I know any more about the subject; my studies dictated how well I learned the new material not the questions proposed by our professor. I really want to become a competent and knowledge filled PA and I realized that my studies, learning techniques, and thorough reading will determine how much I learn and prepare myself... then ultimately solidify and expand my knowledge after graduation while in the clinic.

One crazy scholarship - Physician Assistant - PA

I have mentioned before but I received a scholarship from the National Health Service Corps. I recently returned from a 3 day conference in New Orleans which provided guidance, information and an outlook to our lives with the service corps. I walked away with a new and increased appreciation for the cause and have taken on the role of an ambassador for the program; to increase awareness and help where I am able to help.

As a scholar the service corps pays full tuition, expenses, and provides a living stipend to help pay for housing. In return the scholar agrees to work in an underserved primary health care facility. For 2 years of scholarship I am required to work for 2 years in such an environment. Ultimately the corps would desire the individual to internalize the commitment and decide to make a career commitment to working in underserved communities.

I will have several other post about the scholarship program as there is too much to say. At the conference there were 200+ recipients out of 3000+ applicants. Medical Students, PA students, Nurse practitioner students, Nurse mid-wives, and dental students are the individuals who received the scholarship. The trip was all paid for with great food, great hotel, and great environment to have a good time. nhsc.hrsa.gov for more info

A video glimpse of our class group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-wlbAaVQMk

The video was made specifically for our class after we had a frustrating week. It was a new experience for me using the imovie application.

PA school = 2 years of leaving/neglecting relationships as you are submersed in reading assignments, reviewing lectures, studying new material, refreshing on basic anatomy and physiology, exploring pharmacologic options and reasonings, etc.... unless you are the naturally brilliant who do what they want then study two days before a test and pass with ease (urggg to you know who)

The biggest wild card when selecting a program is not knowing the individuals that you will be spending these two years with. Luckily for our program we have a great group.

the week of tyranny

Well this week was an interesting week. Stress and frustrations boiled over and the class came together in frustration. The consensus was that the professors were not providing adequate communication, quality prepared lectures, and helpful information worthy of the university name and worthy of our tuition payments. We were given an opportunity to express our concerns and feelings about the program and we didn't hold our tongues. Some expressed frustrations more than others but overall the group was very disappointed with the program. We are constantly told to "trust the process" as hundreds have come before us and represent some of the most qualified and productive pa's in the state and country; however we are the program now and we represent the class graduating in 2013 and we deserve the best education. The program is in flux with new leadership and new direction as the program moves into a masters program. The week brought all of us together, gave us the opportunity to communicate and strengthen relations. Frustrations and frowns were converted to optimism and hope as we received quality lectures and direct communication. Our voices were heard and the faculty and leadership were made aware that we will not accept mediocrity. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

We may not have changed the world but we changed our path in the program.

Studying, Studying, oh yeah and more studying in PA school

I have said this before but it shouldn't be any surprise that you study a lot in pa school. After two years you are expected to be a primary clinician so yeah you better know your stuff = a lot of studying.

I just wanted to give a quick update on what my life is like right now. The UC Davis pa program is a unique program where they give you the amount of information that you will need to know for a test and ultimately you are left on you own to figure out the information. We have an extensive book list and available resources to help us but ultimately it is the individual student that must find a specific studying technique and system to be prepared come test day. We are a distant learning education where we go to school for a few lectures every few weeks and then we return to our communities and break out the books and study, study, study. As we progress in the program we will have clinical experiences in our own communities and rotate in different medical arenas in our home communities to ultimately provide us with good contacts, experiences, and stability to become a primary care health provider in our own community. Everyone has there own opinion about the format but that is not the point.... The point I am trying to make is that I have been relentlessly studying material, watching videos, researching topics from sun up to sun set, taking a few minutes every now and then to make sure my family knows that I am still alive.

So anyway the books are piled high, note cards are being made, the computer is warm and exhausted but the brilliant thing is that I am learning and understanding medicine, disease and health care.

White Coat Ceremony - Physician Assistant

The white coat ceremony for the class graduating in 2013.... Yes I survived the first semester of pa school and was allowed to receive the white coat and continue my education. For those that don't know the history of the white coat, well research it, there is a unique and interesting history of the practitioners white coat. It began not too long ago in the era when individuals began to realize the importance of cleanliness in health care. One can also view their white coat and remember the oath and commitment to quality health care and keeping patient information confidential and starting with a clean slate every time you open the door to see a new patient....

I remember when I first started to research the role of a PA and I saw pictures of a group of students in Georgia receiving their white coats and its hard to believe that I am now an individual in this type of picture. It was a terribly difficult journey to arrive and realize my goal but I am so completely and overwhelmingly happy that I chose this path. There were some great words spoken during the ceremony and I have forgotten most of them, ( I think that I should keep a notepad with me to remember the many great words and feelings I receive as I often forget them), but one indiviudal mentioned that with the white coat you are now looked at as someone that knows everything.....mistakes will be made and a lot is asked of you.....The best thing to do is to keep putting the white coat on and TRY YOUR BEST. Good luck to everyone on their journey to receiving entrance into school and obtaining a white coat. Read my ebook (only $2 on scribt.com- link is on blog) any I will answer any individual questions that you may have.

how to get into pa school

Do you know what it takes to get into pa school? That has been my focus so far in this blog. Click the link in the top right corner for the ebook.

Now I will focus on success in pa school. I have learned a few things on how to study well and learn concept in order to be successful. Once you get into school and everyone knows that is what you are doing..... the last thing you want is to fail and have to explain to others what happened. Its hard work and it should be. I hope to pass on any knowledge I can. Coming soon...

Get into PA school the first year applying

It is possible to get into the PA school of your choice. Work hard and efficiently and you can choose which school you go to, finish without any or little debt, pass the PANCE immediately and with ease, land a great high paying and fulfilling job before graduation.

Check out the ebook I created. If you purchase it I will also respond to your specific questions and help in any way I can. You can do it.

Ebook creation

I have created an ebook. It is an easier way to read the important posts centered on "how to get into PA school" I have spoken with many of you who thought it would be nice to have a compiled "book" outlining the important steps to prepare and gain entry into PA school.

The link is on the main page in the right corner. Or below.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

Relevant posts about PA school

Useful posts... Any feedback? What do you want to know... email or message me on the blog.

The summer semester is almost complete and I feel like I've learned an incredible amount about the career of a physician assistant, the human body and disease, performing various physical exams, and pa school in general.

I feel very fortunate to have been selected in this class of students out of aprox 1500 applicants; and very happy that I chose UC Davis over the other potential schools.

Last week we had a guest lecturer who discussed ethics in health care and explained the decisions he has made in his career. He was open to answer any type of question that we had. He chose an interesting path where he started a corporation and is aligned with a physician and they opened their own practice. He is basically a 50-50 partner and as such takes on much more responsibility but also make more than a traditional PA. He also has contracted out his services to a few other companies where he comes in and works according to his contract. He doesn't receive any benefits but they cut him a check for his work like a typical contracted out worker. My point is that not only can you have autonomy in many diverse medical fields and practices, but as a PA you can also start a partnership and run your own business.......

First Semester of PA school

We are half way through the first semester of PA school. I am attending UC Davis which is a unique distance education school where they prefer students to stay in their communities throughout California and then come up to Sacramento for tests and extended lecture information and clinic experience. I just returned home after a long week where we had our first test. The class is Pathophysiology and it is deemed the "weeding out" class as you must get higher than 75% on both tests or you are booted out of the program. The test covers massive amounts of information and you don't know what will be asked so I had to prepare for everything. Obviously for a 112 question test only a sliver of the information is tested but like I said you have to prepare and study everything. This caused extreme stress and worries but come the morning of the test I felt well prepared. After I submitted my test the score of 86% appeared on my screen to let me know right away that I passed. What a relief and success. I like that in PA school competition for grades is finished and now its just learn the information to be a practitioner and prepare well for tests to show you know the stuff. Anyway now on to my other two classes which I have neglected and the next volume of info that I must know for the second test in a few weeks.

First week of class

The program has officially begun and I am swamped with material. PA school is a pursuit I have been focused on for several years and it was surreal being in the classroom. The first two days were an orientation with many documents to review, technology information, and q and a availability. The next few days we dove into the material and began preparing for our first exam...which is in two weeks. Pathophysiology appears to be a "weeding out" class with a 75% minimum grade required to continue in the program. We are covering a "typical" semester worth of material every two weeks. Its intense and anxiety promoting but it is assuring to think of the hundreds and hundreds who have come before me and passed and are now practicing clinicians.

Well back to the books. For those of you who are still in the process of preparing your applications and pursuing the pa path; keep up the hard work and achieve what you set out to achieve. I can't wait to have a fulfilling career that will enable me to critically think, help others, and provide a good lifestyle for my family and I.

PA school....3 weeks away

The summer class schedule has been released. I will be taking Behavioral Science, Health Assesment and Scientific basis for Disease. Very excited to know the classes, but not very exciting to buy the expensive books. We also received the full student class list and correspondence has begun. I think it will be very interesting to see how the group works together and gets to know each other.

I recently completed my application for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship (NHSC). It will take 3 to 4 months to find out if I receive the scholarship. My searches for school funding were a dramatic failure as I wasn't the "category" of an individual that the scholarships were looking for. Its a little frustrating because I know that there is funding and scholarships floating around I just wasn't able to find them. The school provided about $3000 in funding for me which was great and the student loans were all obtained with good interest rates.

I really don't know what to expect as school begins soon but I am excited to find out...

The heart of life is good...

Another anniversary of the life changing event that lead me to this change of careers has came and went (a day I will always remember); and the words to John Mayer "The heart of life" has been on my mind. Sometimes life sucks and people are idiots. Ill-doers (along with the well known triumph and disaster) are imposters and not worth your valuable time. Ultimately I feel undeniably sure that the heart of life or the purpose of life is still good. At times when you are down - there is only one thing that turns you around and lifts you up....Love. Love can come in many forms such as friends, family, and faith. In my rough times it was extremely hard for me to rid myself of anger and vengeful thoughts but ultimately it was allowing love to enter my heart and to change those other feelings into pity and sorrow for those that did me wrong.

A bright new day is upon me and now I have an amazing opportunity to become a PA-C. Life is good... You only get one chance to live...... Don't waste it. Take time to love and to let love into your heart; Don't forget - help those around you feel loved as well.

Can I become a PA?

I have had several people explain to me that they would love to become a PA-C but they feel that student loans, debt, age, lack of pre-requiste courses, etc are too much to overcome and that the idea is unrealistic. I have to say that absolutely the path to becoming a PA may be very difficult but all of these obstacles can be conquered. I can empathize with those that have these challenges to overcome. I certainly had a lot of challenges to overcome to get to where I am now. Financially it was a huge challenge to go back to school full time with a family. Mentally I felt like an un-responsible loser that wasn't living up to the role of a good provider and husband.

I can't say enough that you can overcome all of the challenges presented. Ultimately when applying and interviewing for school, those making the decisions will recognize and appreciate the character you have shown and will recognize you as a qualified applicant that will be able to handle any challenge that PA school will give you. The school wants and needs individuals that can handle challenges, that will not drop out of school, or make life difficult for them. They want those that have proven themselves. This is your chance to prove yourself. You may go through the hardest few years of your life but fight through them and let the refining fire mold you into a better individual.

Countdown until June is on

A few more months and I will be able to provide some informative posts about life during pa school. I have received packets of information from the program and it definitely seems more real. I really look forward to the experiences and I can't wait to begin. Looking back on the steps taken to get to this point is a bit overwhelming but it has been great. The more I work with and around PA's the more excited I am about the profession. It truly is a great career choice with many different fields, specialties, and areas to practice. At this point I believe I want to work 3 days a week in the ER and hopefully 1 or 2 days in oncology. The ER experiences have been great and the ER director has the intent to hire me upon graduation. Perhaps my mind will change after rotations....

A Change in Plans

Recently I was offered a seat at a pa program that I have decided I can't turn down. I had all sails set to move across the country to begin a new life at a great pa program with my family but things don't always go according to plan.

I am very excited for the new opportunity and I can't wait to begin.

So my advice is the same as before. Take time to select several programs to apply via CASPA, prepare yourself to become a qualified candidate, prepare well for an interview, and then hope that you are selected and let your heart and wisdom guide you to where you need to go. Good Luck!!

Changing Careers

I recently took a chemistry class with someone that says she wants to be a doctor. The college we were taking the class at is medium sized junior college. The "future doctor" works 40 + hours a week at a low paying job, lives at home with parents, spends a lot of time with boyfriend, takes 1 or 2 classes a semester earning average grades, no time for homework or career preparation etc..

Heres the problem: She is not on the right path to become a doctor. Everything that she is doing may be good things; However, they are not the things to allow her to become a doctor.

I think this happens a lot to people that want to change careers. They have the desire to do something they really love and they take passive steps towards achieving the goal but they do not immerse themselves in the dream and they eventually fall short.

What is to happen to this student. Well likely it is going to take her years and years to finish a bachelors degree, if she even finishes. What happens if her boyfriend wants to get married, have children etc?? Why not take out loans and take advantage of cost savings while living at home, stop working 40 hours a week, focus on taking large class loads (15 credit hours a semester) and living at the library to study and earn high marks. Volunteer and network with physicians in the area, spend time with love and dating but focus on the goal to become a doctor.

It doesn't matter what you want to do, just take the right steps. Make long term commitments that are worthwhile and that make fiscal sense. Earning a higher salary in a few years by taking on debt rather than taking a decade to achieve something living paycheck to paycheck is not fiscally sound advice. She told me that she had to work so many hours to survive, but I'm sorry what you are doing is suffocating your dream.... GO FOR IT

Are you the person that has tried to learn a new language, perhaps bought a book or software, tries for a few months.... Or do you change your lifestyle and make time for what you want to do????

Physician Assistant

So the other day I received an email from the program director at the pa school I will be attending. The email was a brief salutation and provided some basic information for the new class. A website was created where we can get to know each other before school begins and communicate about different things such as where to live, good schools for children, etc.

I also received another invitation to interview at a good school. I had given up on the last 2 schools that I applied to that I never heard from but now there is only 1 school I haven't heard from. I mentioned before but I applied to 13 schools, 2 of which I didn't complete secondary applications as I realized I didn't want to attend their program and didn't really want to pay the fee for the secondary application. 3 schools I was officially rejected from, the other 7 schools I was invited to interview but I chose to only interview at 2 of them. I was happy with the first interview and I immediately made the deposit to attend the program. I would have really liked to interview at the other schools but the cost to travel and interview was high and I felt good about the program in Florida. This last school I have been teetering whether I want to interview but I probably will forego and set all sails towards Florida. I just want to get started, live in a place comfortable for my family, and have great experiences and many learning opportunities.

Funding pa school

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.

My 1st Interview

Almost 2 years of preparation led me to the morning of my first pa school interview. Here's what happened:

In late August I received an email with an invitation to interview for the program in September. I can still remember the excitement when I read the words: " Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to interview on (blank day at blank time) for a seat in the class matriculating in 2011. Please report to .....

((What a relief and what excitement filled my body. I knew that I was not yet accepted but after 2 years of diligent work the vision had a glimpse of reality. ))

Living in California I soon began researching flights to Florida. I decided that I wanted to arrive a few days early to make sure no flight cancellations or delays disturbed the interview and also to give myself time to investigate the area and envision what life would be like for me in this new area. Could I possibly move my wife and kids to this city and feel comfortable/safe??

I arrived in Florida, picked up my rental car, and headed for the hotel. After dropping my things off at the hotel I immediately drove to the campus where my interview was to be held. I saw some students outside the building and I took the opportunity to ask them some question about the school and the area. I had a lot of time to spend before the interview and I was prepared. I was able to see a couple of sporting events, go to the beach, visit other popular tourist attractions, meet people, and look at housing options and the potential communities where I would be living.

Before coming to Florida I prepared for the interview by putting together a binder folder with plastic inserts of potentially important information to review and have with me for the interview. I included documents of the school with its mission statement and school overview, notes on items I wanted to focus on or emphasize about myself during the interview, letters of recommendation, documented clinical hours and patient care experiences, school transcripts, etc..

The night before the interview I sat in the bed and went over the items in my binder specifically the items I wanted to focus on in the interview. Previously I had read other PA blogs that described the type of questions to be prepared for. I read through the questions and imagined how I would respond to each question.

The morning came and I took time getting ready, went to the hotel lobby for a nice breakfast and drove to the campus. I quickly realized that there was going to be four people interviewed. I was the only male candidate. The other women were professionally dressed and seemed prepared. We were given a small folder and escorted to a different room.

THE INTERVIEW BEGINS

We were given 10 minutes to write a brief essay. It was early and I am a slow writer so this was a challenge. It felt like 1 minute went by and we were asked to stop writing and turn in our essay. In another room was an interview committee of a few of the faculty members waiting to drill us individually. I was the third of the four candidates to be interviewed. Each individual interview lasted about 30 minutes and the committee remained in the room and talked amongst themselves about the individual (making a decision) for another 30 minutes. So about 2 hours had passed from the time I wrote the essay until the moment I was walking into the interview room. I was asked why I want to be a PA? Why do I want to go to this specific school? Do I feel prepared to handle the rigorous schedule of pa school? I was also asked several questions stemming from my previous answers. I made good eye contact. I was sincere with my answers. I tried to show some humor and normality about myself but most importantly I went back to what I had prepared, making sure I focussed on why I felt I was prepared and ready to begin.

As I was talking each committee member had paper and they jotted notes while I was talking. The answers I gave I felt went very smoothly, the committee members seemed to be in a good positive moods witnessed by their smile and overall I felt I did everything I could. We were given a tour of the campus by a few of the current students and that was it... the interview was over.

Two weeks later I received the phone call congratulating me as I was accepted into the program.

I was offered interviews to several schools but I decided I was satisfied and excited about the first school I was accepted to. I really didn't want to pay all the costs to fly and stay somewhere when I felt good about the first school. I did go to one other interview and the interview was pretty similar. I was asked many of the similar questions and at the completion was given a tour of the campus.

I was very nervous going in to the interview as I didn't know what to expect. Hopefully my experiences can give you some answers on what it will be like.

Going back to school for required classes

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.

Need Experience? - Become an EMT

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.

CASPA - applying to PA school

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.

How to get into PA school? Do this second:

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.

How to get into PA school? Do this first:

This post was added to my E-Book. I compiled a complete "to do posts" into an E-book on how to get into PA school.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/63188497/PA-E-BOOK

There is also a link on the main blog page in the right corner....I have helped many people get into school and after a few thousand hits and requests I created an ebook. Enjoy.