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.