Alumni Profile: Kristina Eilbacher
What first inspired you to pursue a career as a physician assistant?
In college I was always in sports and medicine. I decided to do athletic training in college and realized I wanted to touch a lot more people than just athletes. I looked around and came across the PA profession, and after shadowing I thought it was great. It allowed me to be independent and a part of the team. I could connect on a different level. I saw both the athlete and clinical side.
Can you walk me through your path to PA school and what that process was like for you?
After college I moved to New Zealand and worked on a vineyard to make wine. I had time to think and confirm I wanted to work in medicine. I worked with youth athletes. I took a year and a half to two years for prerequisites and applied to 11 PA schools. I always wanted to go to Duke. It was the only program that wanted to know me individually.
What stands out in your memory from your time at the Duke PA program?
My classmates and faculty were never in competition with each other. A colleague used to have EKG study sessions after class. We were all together. There was a spirit of camaraderie and moving together. Faculty highlighted that.
Were there any challenges you faced during PA school that helped shape your approach to medicine?
I always have been a multitasker, but you have to learn that. You’re consistently busy. I'm thankful it was rigorous because it taught me to slow down in patient care. You’re constantly being pulled in multiple directions. PA school built that foundation, and I learned how to slow down and focus on the patient. The ability to slow down and speed up when needed was helpful in the long run.
What was it like stepping into the profession after graduation?
There was excitement, pride, and it was also scary. I felt support from my mentor who was on staff, one of the only PAs on the neurosurgery side, and was growing the team. Very supportive. The support I learned from the team really helped bring down those fears.
What kind of work are you doing now, and what have been some of the roles you've held over the years?
I’ve been out of PA school for 11 years. I’ve worked with pediatric and adult patients throughout the year. I moved into Director of Children’s Services two years ago. It has been rewarding to help drive positive change and focus on recruitment. I still work clinically with the neurosurgery team in the Center for Advanced Practice as Director of Children’s Services.
How have you seen the PA profession grow or change since you entered the field?
There has been positive growth. A lot of people know what a PA is now, which is remarkable. We are starting to see PAs throughout various roles. People are starting to recognize the value of a PA.
Have you been involved in anything outside of clinical practice, such as teaching, leadership, or advocacy?
I teach and come back to work at the program. I taught first years for clinical assessment and help with the interview process. Teaching and mentorship is a passion of mine.
What lessons or experiences from your journey would you want to share with students today?
When looking for a position, if you can tease out what the support looks like at a job, it helps. Having support will help you grow. During the interview process it may be hard but talk to as many other PAs in that clinic as you can. Finding that initial support system is helpful.
When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?
The mentorship and relationships with pre-PA students and PA students bring me the most joy and excitement for the profession. Anytime I engage in mentorship, there is that back and forth of ideas and support. Working with students has provided the most joy.