The Advantage of PA Shadowing and a PA Mentor
PA Shadowing & PA Mentorship
Hey there, future PA! Let’s embark on a journey deeper into the heart of what it means to pursue a career as a Physician Associate/Assistant, exploring the pivotal roles of shadowing and mentorship along the way.
So, you’re considering PA school, huh? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just about the degree or the paycheck—it’s about discovering if this journey aligns with your passion and purpose.Â
Shadowing a Physician Associate/Assistant is more than just a trial run; it’s a window into the real world of healthcare. It’s a chance to see if this career ignites your passion or if it’s just another job.
Similarly, mentors are like guiding stars in the vast sky of your career, offering invaluable insights and guidance. Some PAs are eager to take you under their wing, while others may be less keen. That’s just the real!
In my journey, two PAs stand out like beacons of support: Jannet Wright-Watson and Anthony Huff. Jannet kickstarted my PA journey with her wisdom and guidance at Bronx Lebanon Hospital.
However, if it were not for my best friend PA Patricia Burrows, who was then in PA school, introducing me to this path and PA Wright-Watson, I would have never knew about becoming a Physician Assistant/Associate. She was a great support system, thank god for best friends!
Pre-PA Shadowing
Shadowing Jannet was like unlocking a treasure chest of knowledge—I saw firsthand the autonomy and impact PAs wield in healthcare. She showed me the ropes and helped me navigate the daunting PA interview process and those pesky questions about why I wanted to be a PA.
After that eye-opening experience, I knew being a PA was my calling. I craved the independence to make medical decisions and the thrill of learning something new every day.
But let me keep it real with you. Starting out, I was a newbie, and yeah, I got micromanaged. It’s part of the journey, folks. But those early experiences molded me, instilling confidence in my abilities and teaching me to trust my gut.
Post-PA Shadowing
Fast-forward to my fellowship in urgent care, where I had the privilege of being mentored by Anthony Huff at CityMD. Working alongside him was like having a crash course in all things urgent care. He shared invaluable insights and even dropped knowledge bombs like how dehydration could affect a chest X-ray interpretation—mind-blown!
Throughout my career, one thing remains crystal clear: I’m always learning. Whether it’s my first year or ninth, collaboration and humility are the cornerstones of great medicine.
Now, I’m paying it forward. Consider this blog your personal invitation to reach out if you need guidance on your PA journey. Let’s connect, let’s chat, let’s make magic happen. Your success is my success.
So contact me, click this link or follow me on IG @thepaessentials, and let’s kickstart your journey to PA greatness. Because together, we rise.
Wishing you all the success in the world!
Check out this link for PA Shadowing through AAPA.
You may need to join in order to access, but I suggest you do to put on your resume. 😉😉Â
