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.