From Research to PA School: A Non-Traditional Applicant

It was not until 2019 that I met a Physician Assistant (PA) for the first time. I just moved back home to California to work at UCLA. Up until that point, I always envisioned myself pursuing a career in healthcare as a physician or a nurse. Over time, I developed a deep passion for clinical research.

Each year, more than 350,000 Americans experience Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA), or sudden stopping of the heart outside of the hospital setting. Nine out of ten people who experience OHCA die, but chances of survival can be significantly improved through bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Who we are

The Duke Physician Assistant (PA) Wilderness Medicine Student Interest Group (SIG) was founded in 2022 with hopes to foster a commun

Called Up to the Big Leagues

My journey to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates started last year, when I was elected to our PA program student government. I served as one of Duke’s representatives for the AAPA Student Academy with my classmate Chris Marshall. The Assembly of Representatives (AOR) mimics AAPA’s House of Delegates (HOD) and introduces student leaders to our profession’s governing structure.

I’m going to let you in on a secret: being a PA student at Duke probably isn’t what you’re thinking it is.

When you picture Blue Devils, does your brain immediately conjure an image of a student nose-deep in textbooks, pushing up their reading glasses? How about a stadium overflowing with dark blue, cheering on our infamous basketball team?

While these are all undoubtedly pieces of the DPAP (Duke PA Program) experience, they can’t lead you all the way to an accurate picture.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth: Reflections on Completing PA School

As I approach the final leg of my PA school journey, with just three rotations remaining, I find myself reflecting deeply on the challenges and triumphs that have defined this transformative period of my life. Imposter syndrome has been a constant companion of mine.

"What is grief?"

During a Grand Rounds lecture called Grief 101, Dr. G posed this question to a silent room. Not a single word popped into my mind to describe this feeling, though I had known it for the past two years.

In this two-part series, first-year students Polly Hurlburt and Kris Miller sat down to discuss Kris's groundbreaking role as the first Black president of the Duke PA Program's student society, the Stead Society.

 

Part Two: Looking Forward

Read part one here!

 

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This month, we are stepping away from our usual student blog posts to bring you a two-part series: First-year students Polly Hurlburt and Kris Miller sat down to discuss Kris's groundbreaking role as the first Black president of the Duke PA Program's student society, the Stead Society.

 

Part 1: The Path to Leadership

 

“Challenging but rewarding.”

This is how many new parents and physician assistant (PA) students alike describe their experience. Now, imagine doing both at the same time. It may be twice as challenging, but it’s all the more rewarding.