Emory University Physician Assistant Program 

At URI: Majored in Biology; minored in Spanish; completed the Honors Program. Recipient of The University Academic Excellence Award in Biology. Coastal Fellowship–presented fellowship research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and assisted Dr. Bryan Dewsbury on the development of a class for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Participated in two Alternative Spring Break trips; member of Rotaract club; volunteered for Habitat for Humanity; served on the Student Entertainment Committee (SEC). Earned CNA certification and worked as a medical assistant at an urgent care center and primary care practice; Shadowed PAs specializing in Neurosurgery, Dermatology, Pediatrics, and Urgent Care; volunteer medical assistant at the Rhode Island Free Clinic.

After graduating: Continued working as a medical assistant; studied for and took the GRE; took medical terminology through CCRI, and applied to PA school.

Eliza’ advice: Understand the role of a PA and why you want to become that type of provider. Don’t feel pressured to do anything in a certain time frame! Work at your own pace. Enjoy your time off! The year where you are applying and interviewing takes a lot of time and hard work, so if you want a gap year I would plan an extra one outside of the application cycle. PA school isn’t going anywhere, so take the time you need to get clinical hours and enjoy time outside of school 🙂