Embrace Your Journey
Physician Assistant (PA) school is a journey filled with countless moments of joy, expansion of knowledge, perseverance, growth, exhaustion, reflection, and the occasional unexpected trial. It will also push you to heights you never thought possible.
A Sudden Turn in Life and Newfound Spark
I will never forget the year that allowed me to reexamine my life's focus and drastically change its course. It was 2012, and I was a carefree 21-year-old, anticipating all the future possibilities; it was also the year I underwent brain surgery. The future never looked so uncertain as it did at the moment when the neurosurgeon said, "You're going to require brain surgery." Time seemed to stop as I grappled with the mountainous hurdle ahead. Through brain surgery - when I literally placed my life in the hands of my neurosurgeon and medical team - I decided to alter my path in life.
Upon graduation from the University of Michigan, I embarked on a quest to work in the medical field. However, with a degree in political science and psychology, that seemed unfeasible. Thankfully, one of my neuropsychology professors took a leap of faith and hired me as a research assistant. Always remember to appreciate those who offer you an opportunity.
I worked in clinical research for several years, always longing to do more. During this time, I realized my passion was to become a PA-C. It would require me to complete most of the prerequisites in addition to a rigorous application, interview, and acceptance process. The non-traditional path may seem daunting at first, but I encourage you to follow your dream.
"Trust the Process"
Fast forward to 2020, where I began my PA journey at the school I always dreamed of attending, Duke. The didactic year was taxing, but the constant support of family and close friends meant everything. In addition, moments of laughter with classmates always helped to lighten the load. I will never forget one fond moment when a group of us were waiting outside for the bus following cadaver lab. We laughed in hysterics as one of our classmates used their face shield as a helmet for protection against the acorn-throwing squirrels. Those moments made that first year much more doable. As the fall semester came to a close, I began to accept what we had been told in orientation by faculty, "trust the process."
When we returned from our holiday break, we once again hit the ground running, or "sprinting," as I called it. The spring semester proved grueling because I tore my meniscus in March. I felt my unfolding dream suddenly crash to the ground within an instant. How will I finish the didactic year with this degree of pain and immobility? What if I require surgery? These questions began flooding in as I dealt with the uncertainty of my PA school journey. With one visit to the Emergency Department and just 24 hours later, I fell significantly behind in the course work. I reached out to my advisor, who helped arrange a meeting with our pre-clinical year director. I had never had much interaction with this director before then, and the idea of meeting with her was quite intimidating. However, I soon found one of the many reasons Duke is such an exceptional program – the pre-clinical year director and I worked closely to devise a doable plan while still meeting all of the PA program requirements. I can honestly say that I may not have been able to succeed during those four grueling months had it not been for the incredible support of the Duke PA Program staff, faculty, and advisors. Each unit that I completed felt like another hurdle behind me. It was a mountainous trek, but upon reflection, I am so thankful for how it taught me an even more profound sense of compassion and perseverance.
Each Story Shines a Unique Light
After five months of medical leave, including a few surgeries, I was back at Duke. I am forever grateful for the support of family, close friends, and a skillful and dedicated physical therapist who helped me every step of the recovery. It was surreal when I took my first steps back on Duke's campus without crutches.
As I was about to start my first clinical rotation in outpatient pediatrics, I was excited about all that the clinical year might entail. Still, I had mixed feelings when I realized that even though I would walk with my classmates in August, I would not graduate until December of 2022.
I had not only taken a non-traditional path to PA school but was now experiencing an unexpected non-traditional route through PA school.
Take a Leap and Trust in Your Abilities
For those of you considering applying, I encourage you to take the leap. You never know what doors may open that once seemed a distant idea or dream. For those of you accepted into a program, congratulations! As you begin the didactic year, remember to take one day at a time and reach out to faculty; they are there to support you. Remember to take some time for yourself each week. It is normal and expected to feel overwhelmed, but you will quickly find your stride. Enjoy the small moments such as laughing with your classmates, encouraging advice from a professor, or enjoying ice cream while chatting about life with an elderly neighbor. Remember to give yourself ample grace and know that faculty and staff will help you to the finish line. You are here for a reason. Take time to reflect on all that you have accomplished as you tackle each hurdle of your PA school career...best of wishes, you've got this!
May 14th, 2022 marks my 10-year anniversary from brain surgery and the moment that changed everything.
When I see a patient in a hospital gown, I understand the fear, pain, uncertainty, and vulnerability they experience to a much greater degree. Looking back, I never imagined this was where I would be at this point. However, everyone has a uniquely different journey, and it is important to celebrate all that you have triumphed and all that you have overcome along the way.
Kristin Darby is a second-year student with the Duke Physician Assistant Program. Email kristin.darby@duke.edu with questions.
Editor’s note: Duke Physician Assistant Program students blog twice a month. Blogs represent the opinion of the author, not the Duke Physician Assistant Program, the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, or Duke University.