One of the benefits of hindsight is sharing your lessons learned. These posts will hopefully help you more than they have helped me.
In planning my first semester, I got mediocre advise from one academic counselor and didn't plan the start back to school very well. I only took one class that first semester when I could have taken two or three. After talking with other students in the Post Bacc club at our school, I realized I had several ways to map out my path to complete the prereqs. At UT Dallas, Gen Chem is a prereq for Bio 1. What I didn't know was that you could take Bio 2 while you took Chem 1. I took Chem 1 by itself the first semester I started back. If I had to do it over, I would have taken Bio 2 and taken Chem 1 at community college in the same semester and/or Psycology.
Since all my upper level BIO classes will be from one university, I would have arranged my lower level bios to be from UT Dallas and all my chemistry classes from community college. If I had done this, I would already be familiar with my A&P professor. I could have also dodged some uncomfortable chemistry situations.
This is very subjective and specific to my situation, but I do think anyne who is starting down this path should investigate all their options for navigating their academic plan. Consider what classes to take together and if community college is a good option for some of them.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Interview with PA-S from Baylor
I left out the questions since he included the ideas in his answers. Plus, they are the same questions I've used before, so it should be familiar.
1. I first decided to be a PA back when I was in high school, so my memory is a little fuzzy. Back then, I was drawn to the fact that PA is a financially lucrative job in health care that does not require spending as much time in school and residency as a physician. Over the years, I've been drawn more to the profession because of the lateral mobility it allows; sometimes I still am not sure what specialty I want to work in, but being a PA will allow me to try different fields and switch over the years if I choose.
2. To prepare for application to PA school, I set up a timeline: when I needed to take the GRE, finish certain courses, submit my applications, etc. I also made a spreadsheet of all the Texas schools I was applying to, and their individual requirements. It's a lot to keep track of! I also had my personal statement proofread by some friends and a career advisor at my university. I didn't practice interviewing, per se, but I thought about potential questions interviewers might ask (current events in health care, why I wanted to be a PA, etc.) and did some soul-searching about what my answers would be.
3. I only applied once, during my senior year of college, and was fortunate to be successful on that first attempt. I applied to Baylor, UTMB, UTSouthwestern, UTHSCSA, and UNT. I was offered (and attended) interviews at all 5, and was accepted to 4 (waitlisted at UTSouthwestern).
4. I enjoyed interviewing because it gave me the opportunity to travel to different cities and health care centers I had no familiarity with. It was fun to imagine myself in each of these locations and think about what the next few years of my life might be like. I felt prepared for each interview because I had researched the programs thoroughly and was prepared to discuss their curricula and mission statements. I was unprepared for how nervous I felt during some of them! I still believe I blew my UTSouthwestern interview because my nerves were just shot; I couldn't even read a simple bar graph for them! If this sounds like your personality, you may wish to practice a little bit beforehand.
5. I chose Baylor for a few reasons. I liked that the program was well-established with a great reputation. The location in the Texas Medical Center is second to none - You will have the opportunity to see things that only happen here, because it is a very special place. More than once, I've thought to myself "Dr. DeBakey walked these same hallsl!" More than anything, I felt comfortable during the interview. The faculty was welcoming, and students in the class above us that came to speak seemed content with their choice.
6. As for keeping up during didactic, my strategies kind of evolved. I had never needed to study much in college, and suddenly I had to. I tried everything: study groups, study partnerships, individual time, etc. Sometimes I made flashcards, spreadsheets, or drew pictures. I watched dissection videos and traced the muscle groups on my arm. I read over power point notes and did question books. It all depends on what works for you and which strategies seem best for each course.
7. My favorite clinical rotation is difficult to choose because I've had many good ones. I would have to choose OB/GYN with Dr. Crowder in The Woodlands. This was a fantastic rotation because he treated me like a colleague and was very eager to teach. We did everything from routine well woman exams and deliveries to vaginoplasty surgery. I worked really hard but gained a lot of experience. A close second would be my Community Medicine rotation - a unique concept to Baylor I believe. For 8 weeks I lived in a rural area and delivered primary care to an underserved population. I really became attached to these patients: I rooted for their problems to improve, lent a comforting hand when they cried, and gently scolded when they were non-compliant. I felt as if I really made a difference.
8. The biggest thing I think pre-PAs should do (that I did not), is become aware of how medicine works in the 21st century. This could be incorporated into shadowing if you ask the right questions and observe. Future PAs need to know that practicing medicine is not all rosy all the time. You will have to review charts and write notes on the computer - about half your time is sitting in front of the screen. You will have to know how to bill properly - enter the right diagnosis and management codes (that you aren't taught in school!). You have to be aware of liability issues; some steps you have to take in patient care not because you want to but because you don't want to be sued. Furthermore, there are dynamic relationships between PAs and other disciplines. You should know the meaning of having a "supervising physician." Depending on where you work and who you work with these relationships can have a variety of connotations.
9. I can think of tons of advice, but I'll try to limit it. Foremost, maintain your life outside of school. It can be tempting to feel as if you have to study all the time, but don't neglect your significant other, pets, family, or friends. Many of you will be living in a new place, so you should build some relationships. You will not do well emotionally or academically if you push yourself to the breaking point; set aside some time for fun. Also, always ask if you need help: Your classmates and faculty want you to succeed, but they may not know if you're falling behind until it's too late. On a similar note, when you're on rotations, ask as many questions as come to mind - This is your chance! Soon enough you'll be in the same scary situation as me, on the verge of being the PA!
1. I first decided to be a PA back when I was in high school, so my memory is a little fuzzy. Back then, I was drawn to the fact that PA is a financially lucrative job in health care that does not require spending as much time in school and residency as a physician. Over the years, I've been drawn more to the profession because of the lateral mobility it allows; sometimes I still am not sure what specialty I want to work in, but being a PA will allow me to try different fields and switch over the years if I choose.
2. To prepare for application to PA school, I set up a timeline: when I needed to take the GRE, finish certain courses, submit my applications, etc. I also made a spreadsheet of all the Texas schools I was applying to, and their individual requirements. It's a lot to keep track of! I also had my personal statement proofread by some friends and a career advisor at my university. I didn't practice interviewing, per se, but I thought about potential questions interviewers might ask (current events in health care, why I wanted to be a PA, etc.) and did some soul-searching about what my answers would be.
3. I only applied once, during my senior year of college, and was fortunate to be successful on that first attempt. I applied to Baylor, UTMB, UTSouthwestern, UTHSCSA, and UNT. I was offered (and attended) interviews at all 5, and was accepted to 4 (waitlisted at UTSouthwestern).
4. I enjoyed interviewing because it gave me the opportunity to travel to different cities and health care centers I had no familiarity with. It was fun to imagine myself in each of these locations and think about what the next few years of my life might be like. I felt prepared for each interview because I had researched the programs thoroughly and was prepared to discuss their curricula and mission statements. I was unprepared for how nervous I felt during some of them! I still believe I blew my UTSouthwestern interview because my nerves were just shot; I couldn't even read a simple bar graph for them! If this sounds like your personality, you may wish to practice a little bit beforehand.
5. I chose Baylor for a few reasons. I liked that the program was well-established with a great reputation. The location in the Texas Medical Center is second to none - You will have the opportunity to see things that only happen here, because it is a very special place. More than once, I've thought to myself "Dr. DeBakey walked these same hallsl!" More than anything, I felt comfortable during the interview. The faculty was welcoming, and students in the class above us that came to speak seemed content with their choice.
6. As for keeping up during didactic, my strategies kind of evolved. I had never needed to study much in college, and suddenly I had to. I tried everything: study groups, study partnerships, individual time, etc. Sometimes I made flashcards, spreadsheets, or drew pictures. I watched dissection videos and traced the muscle groups on my arm. I read over power point notes and did question books. It all depends on what works for you and which strategies seem best for each course.
7. My favorite clinical rotation is difficult to choose because I've had many good ones. I would have to choose OB/GYN with Dr. Crowder in The Woodlands. This was a fantastic rotation because he treated me like a colleague and was very eager to teach. We did everything from routine well woman exams and deliveries to vaginoplasty surgery. I worked really hard but gained a lot of experience. A close second would be my Community Medicine rotation - a unique concept to Baylor I believe. For 8 weeks I lived in a rural area and delivered primary care to an underserved population. I really became attached to these patients: I rooted for their problems to improve, lent a comforting hand when they cried, and gently scolded when they were non-compliant. I felt as if I really made a difference.
8. The biggest thing I think pre-PAs should do (that I did not), is become aware of how medicine works in the 21st century. This could be incorporated into shadowing if you ask the right questions and observe. Future PAs need to know that practicing medicine is not all rosy all the time. You will have to review charts and write notes on the computer - about half your time is sitting in front of the screen. You will have to know how to bill properly - enter the right diagnosis and management codes (that you aren't taught in school!). You have to be aware of liability issues; some steps you have to take in patient care not because you want to but because you don't want to be sued. Furthermore, there are dynamic relationships between PAs and other disciplines. You should know the meaning of having a "supervising physician." Depending on where you work and who you work with these relationships can have a variety of connotations.
9. I can think of tons of advice, but I'll try to limit it. Foremost, maintain your life outside of school. It can be tempting to feel as if you have to study all the time, but don't neglect your significant other, pets, family, or friends. Many of you will be living in a new place, so you should build some relationships. You will not do well emotionally or academically if you push yourself to the breaking point; set aside some time for fun. Also, always ask if you need help: Your classmates and faculty want you to succeed, but they may not know if you're falling behind until it's too late. On a similar note, when you're on rotations, ask as many questions as come to mind - This is your chance! Soon enough you'll be in the same scary situation as me, on the verge of being the PA!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Interview with PA-S
Here's another student interview with Hilary Hoff from UNTHSC.
1) Looking back, were there any critical steps you took or wish you took to get ready for PA school? Any that weren't recommended?
When I started out as an undergrad, I began keeping a log in which I recorded everything that I thought would help on my application. This included shadowing, volunteering (both medical and non-medical), leadership positions, awards, ect. I wrote down dates, hours, and contact information (just in case I needed someone for letters of recommendation). This helped TREMENDOUSLY when it came time for completing my CASPA. I volunteered for any opportunity I could that involved healthcare. Two semesters (once a week) I volunteered in an ER, one semester I volunteered in an ICU, and for one year I volunteered at a free health care clinic. I was very shy when I started at each, but as time went on, I became more comfortable which the nurses, doctors, and PAs. I began asking more questions and asking to do more tasks such as vitals and EKGs. They began to trust me more and let me take part in more procedures such as endoscopies and surgeries. I wish I would have been more assertive and curious from the beginning!
Be well rounded. Volunteer for a variety of things. I did Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and multiple church events. Also, if you have hobbies such as sports, take part in them and do things that are related to them...like coaching a little league team or something!
I wish I had gotten to know my professors better. I didn’t do that enough and it was hard for me to ask one to write a letter of recommendation. When it came time to ask my letter writers for letters, I made up a folder for them that included my personal statement, resume, and individualized letter asking them to send in the letter by a certain date (I would say within two weeks of giving it to them) and thanking them for their time and help on this journey. I also included an addressed and stamped envelope to CASPA so that it would make the letter writing as easy as possible.
2) Any recommendations on shadowing?
Shadowing is a must for PA school. I shadowed an RN twice in high school, two PAs throughout college (during the summer, spring, and winter breaks), and a doctor once a week for a semester in college. I wasn't 100% sure which route I wanted to take. However, I feel that this was something I was able to talk about during my interviews. I was able to say that I had shadowed each and felt that becoming a PA was the best professional choice for me. You don't have to do this; it's just what I did. If you are already 100% sure PA school is for you, shadow as much as you can! You learn so much in clinic! Ask lots and lots of questions! And I recommend taking a note pad and paper to take notes or jot down questions you have that the PA may not be able to answer in the room. Be sure to ask first if bringing a note pad in the room is OK. There could be some kind of HIPAA violation or something....my PA was fine with it though. I kept a little "journal" throughout the shadowing experience and wrote down things I learned as I went. As you already know, there is a section on the CASPA that puts heavy emphasis on shadowing.
3) Tell me about your personal statement. How did you decide what to put in?
Your personal statement should be unique. Make yourself stand out. Just be honest with them and yourself. I had a unique experience that involved witnessing a major accident my sister was part of and this really influenced my decision to enter the health care field. I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of advice on this part. You just have to speak from the heart.
4) Have you joined TAPA? What about AAPA? Thoughts about joining?
I DEFINITELY recommend joining! They have so many helpful resources from newsletters to contacts to conferences. You have to be a member to go to the conferences. They are really helpful because you have lectures from PAs around the country and state. You also have the opportunity to meet so many other PAs and students. It is neat to be able to hear their stories and experiences. Additionally, you will be able to network and find potential employers. As a student, you get a HUGE discount to become a member. Also, you can participate in the annual challenge bowl. This entails a team of three from your school (each school can have multiple teams) in which you will be answering questions that actually come from the PANCE exam you will take before becoming a PA. It is nice to gauge how much you actually have learned. You can go to both the state and national conventions (I’ve never been to the national, but you get to experience the political side of the career). You also get monthly newsletters and journals. JOIN FOR SURE!
1) Looking back, were there any critical steps you took or wish you took to get ready for PA school? Any that weren't recommended?
When I started out as an undergrad, I began keeping a log in which I recorded everything that I thought would help on my application. This included shadowing, volunteering (both medical and non-medical), leadership positions, awards, ect. I wrote down dates, hours, and contact information (just in case I needed someone for letters of recommendation). This helped TREMENDOUSLY when it came time for completing my CASPA. I volunteered for any opportunity I could that involved healthcare. Two semesters (once a week) I volunteered in an ER, one semester I volunteered in an ICU, and for one year I volunteered at a free health care clinic. I was very shy when I started at each, but as time went on, I became more comfortable which the nurses, doctors, and PAs. I began asking more questions and asking to do more tasks such as vitals and EKGs. They began to trust me more and let me take part in more procedures such as endoscopies and surgeries. I wish I would have been more assertive and curious from the beginning!
Be well rounded. Volunteer for a variety of things. I did Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and multiple church events. Also, if you have hobbies such as sports, take part in them and do things that are related to them...like coaching a little league team or something!
I wish I had gotten to know my professors better. I didn’t do that enough and it was hard for me to ask one to write a letter of recommendation. When it came time to ask my letter writers for letters, I made up a folder for them that included my personal statement, resume, and individualized letter asking them to send in the letter by a certain date (I would say within two weeks of giving it to them) and thanking them for their time and help on this journey. I also included an addressed and stamped envelope to CASPA so that it would make the letter writing as easy as possible.
2) Any recommendations on shadowing?
Shadowing is a must for PA school. I shadowed an RN twice in high school, two PAs throughout college (during the summer, spring, and winter breaks), and a doctor once a week for a semester in college. I wasn't 100% sure which route I wanted to take. However, I feel that this was something I was able to talk about during my interviews. I was able to say that I had shadowed each and felt that becoming a PA was the best professional choice for me. You don't have to do this; it's just what I did. If you are already 100% sure PA school is for you, shadow as much as you can! You learn so much in clinic! Ask lots and lots of questions! And I recommend taking a note pad and paper to take notes or jot down questions you have that the PA may not be able to answer in the room. Be sure to ask first if bringing a note pad in the room is OK. There could be some kind of HIPAA violation or something....my PA was fine with it though. I kept a little "journal" throughout the shadowing experience and wrote down things I learned as I went. As you already know, there is a section on the CASPA that puts heavy emphasis on shadowing.
3) Tell me about your personal statement. How did you decide what to put in?
Your personal statement should be unique. Make yourself stand out. Just be honest with them and yourself. I had a unique experience that involved witnessing a major accident my sister was part of and this really influenced my decision to enter the health care field. I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of advice on this part. You just have to speak from the heart.
4) Have you joined TAPA? What about AAPA? Thoughts about joining?
I DEFINITELY recommend joining! They have so many helpful resources from newsletters to contacts to conferences. You have to be a member to go to the conferences. They are really helpful because you have lectures from PAs around the country and state. You also have the opportunity to meet so many other PAs and students. It is neat to be able to hear their stories and experiences. Additionally, you will be able to network and find potential employers. As a student, you get a HUGE discount to become a member. Also, you can participate in the annual challenge bowl. This entails a team of three from your school (each school can have multiple teams) in which you will be answering questions that actually come from the PANCE exam you will take before becoming a PA. It is nice to gauge how much you actually have learned. You can go to both the state and national conventions (I’ve never been to the national, but you get to experience the political side of the career). You also get monthly newsletters and journals. JOIN FOR SURE!
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