PA Interview Questions

What is the difference between medicaid and medicare?

----Medicare is a medical insurance program for people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. ----Medicaid is an assistance program for low-income patients' (of any age) medical expenses

Give an example of a situation in which you exceeded expectations

1. Perhaps covering for a friend who had a cancelled flight back from vacation on a Wednesday - our busiest clinic day, so I balanced multiple study visits at once

Tell me about a time you broke the rules.

- Family went to state park for fourth of July - Park was close to 3 hours away, and when we got there they said the parking lot was full - no more people could enter - My dad saw that there was separate parking for the casino - there was a sign that said parking is for casino patrons only (we were not going to the casino) - we decided to break the rules and park there because we had driven so far and brought so much food with us to grill - it made me anxious to break the rules, but I felt that there was not much harm to doing so - next time, would try to arrive to park much earlier to secure a spot

What are your thoughts on changing the Physician Assistant name to Physician Associate?

- More confusion about what they do rather than what they are called

What is the difference between the medical model and the nursing model?

- The nursing model looks more holistically at patients and their outcomes, focusing on patients' day to day needs. - The medical model places a greater emphasis on disease pathology, approaching patient care by looking primarily at the anatomical and physiological systems that comprise the human body.

Tell me about your support system.

- Youngest of 4 daughters - Lebanese immigrants who moved to US to escape war. - Very supportive of my desire to become a physician assistant - friends in college supportive as well

Is there a specific specialty or ideal job you envision for yourself as a PA?

- i like the idea of primary care and building long term relationships with patients and focusing on preventative healthcare - i also like the idea of women's health or neuroscience since i find the brain so fascinating and i think the relationship between diet physical activity and cognition is also really interesting

Discuss a pastime outside of school and how the skills acquired will help in your career

-- Social sports leagues -- Communication, helps us split "tasks" evenly when we talk to each other more clearly. -- Impact of positive feedback -- How to deliver constructive criticism -- Problem-solving when we see that we're not working all that well together --- Quick-thinking / adaptability if we are missing players

Tell me about a time you had to make an ethical decision.

-- thought that I hit someone's car in the parking lot

What are the limitations of PAs?

--- Not being able to conduct surgery on their own --- Not being able to work independently without the supervision of a doctor --- Maybe some limitations in treatments (look up diabetic shoe thing)

If you could do anything else and know you would be successful, what would you do?

--- Open a bakery shop

What are you famous for?

--- approachability --- easy to talk to --- being a planner --- liking to try new things

How will politics affect PAs?

---- HMO: health insurance plan that provides health services through a network of doctors for a monthly or annual fee. ---- PPO= preferred provider organization. PPO offers you the freedom to receive care from any provider—in or out of your network. This means you can see any doctor or specialist, or use any hospital. PO plans do not require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and do not require referrals. For example, if you already have a doctor you like, you can continue receiving care from that provider. ---- Some states considering passing laws to allow PAs to practice independently to increase access to healthcare in rural areas --- Laws can allow whether physician assistants are able to perform abortions (like the recent law from May in Connecticut) ---- Laws dictating the scope of prescribing authority for PAs --- Diabetes shoe Act: Medicare policy to authorize PAs to certify a Medicare patient's need for diabetic shoes. Outdated and restrictive statue language prevented PAs from ordering diabetic shoes for their patients - an unnecessary restriction that disrupts access to a simple and effective treatment option for Medicare patients with diabetes. - now they are able to --- The provider and the supervising/collaborating physician also must be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Some states have waived this requirement during the pandemic, and there is a movement to make these waivers permanent, but it still varies from one state to the next.

You are seeing a Jehovah's Witness patient. Due to religious beliefs, he/she does not accept blood transfusions, but it could be life-saving. What do you do?

----I would understand that the patient has their autonomy to make their own decisions about their care, and that it is ultimately their decision. -----However, I would try to have an honest conversation with the patient or their family about the potential risks and benefits of accepting the blood transfusion or not, so that they can make a well-informed decision. ----After presenting the options, it would still be my job to do everything I can to save the patient, even if the treatment options left aren't my preference, and to be willing to work with my team to support the patient's wishes.

When is honesty not the best policy?

---- I think honesty is generally always the best policy. Opennness and communication are key to patient centered care ----They don't want to upset their patients, they don't want their patients to look unhappy or burst into tears. But they also need to be professionals, so they need to tell themselves that if there is a difficult truth they need to tell their patient, they need to figure out a way of communicating that effectively." Many physicians don't report "near misses" to their patients. "Do you think it would be beneficial for a patient to know that something awful almost happened to them?" Dr. Smith pondered. "I don't know. I'm not sure that it would benefit them psychologically during their illness to know that. I think it would be worse if you said nothing happened when something did." ---being more positive than is warranted, might be the best course of action and make no difference in the treatment of the patient and the outcome." ---Often, it is just a matter of how you communicate and deliver your message so managing this with each situation is critical to building honest and trustworthy relationships."

What was the highlight of your undergrad?

------Definitely living with roommates from a different country was the highlight of my undergraduate year. It was a new and exciting experience that came with many challenges and fond memories. ----I learned a lot about conflict management ---the food aspect was awesome

How do you study best?

-----I study best by taking detailed notes from textbooks and lectures and combining them into a cohesive study guide. ----- I like to use all resources available to me, including collaborating with my peers to form small study groups and attending office hours as needed. ----Studying frequently, rather than all at once the night before an exam, helps to really cement information in my mind.

How does the American healthcare system differ from the Canadian healthcare system?

-----In Canada, the national government funds health insurance. Most of the services patients would receive from a hospital or general practitioner (GP) office are covered by government insurance. ----About half of Americans get their insurance through employers

How has technology affected healthcare?

-----Technology has helped clinicians have easier access to information. Since information can easily be stored digitally, hospitals can save costs and space. ----Technology has also created incredible devices like the pacemaker and activity trackers that data monitored through these devices can easily be communicated to doctors who can diagnose what is wrong with a patient even remotely. The research project I currently work on aims to do just this with patients with MS. ----Telehealth / telemedicine makes healthcare more accessible. ----Apps to communicate lab results/appointments ----Adverse: could be hacked, unfamiliarity with technology can be harmful

What is a dependent practitioner, and how do you feel about practicing as one?

----A depended practitioner is a medical provider that works under the supervision of a doctor. ---I personally like this idea because while I like the opportunity to be a leader and ultimately want to make choices for the betterment of my patient, I have never been the one that needs to always call the shots. ----I am a great listener and team player but I never hesitate to step up when necessary. I also love working as a team and gain great value in learning new perspectives from my coworkers.

You are a PA. Your collaborating MD asks you to administer a medication to a patient. You do not agree with his decision and feel it could harm the patient. What do you do?

----As a PA, my main concern will always be patient safety above all else. -----So in this scenario, if I don't feel something will benefit the patient, then I will have the confidence to make a well-informed decision, because ultimately it would be my license on the line if I harm the patient. -----I would do my research on the patient by reviewing the chart and speaking with the nurse and the patient. -----I would have a conversation with my supervising physician about my concerns. I may learn something more about the patient's status or history that may explain why he/she asked me to administer that medication, or it is possible that the physician made a mistake, which ultimately can be the beauty of the PA/ Physician relationship working as sort of a checks and balance system --- If I could not get in touch, I would do what I think is best for the patient and document my actions thoroughly

What made you interested in PA school?

----Growing up I had a strong interest in science and was aware of the medical field through my mother and my sister ----Honestly, I didn't always consider medicine has an option but studying diseases in undergrad and then having face to face patient interactions completely swayed me towards this field. Heard about it from my sister

If a student fails a test, is it the student's fault or the teacher's fault?

----I think a student is responsible for their success in a course as they should work hard to adjust to the teaching style of their instructor even if it does not align well with their learning style. Each instructor is different, so it's really important for a student to be flexible and adapt to each teacher's style of instruction. ---- For example, I struggled in my second general chemistry course. I really enjoyed the teaching style of the professor who taught the first course but the teaching style of the second professor was vastly different and it was difficult for me to adjust at first. Even though I ended up with a lower grade than my first chemistry course, I felt like I worked really hard to get that B. I attended study sessions, went to office hours to discuss answers that I got wrong on the exams, and prioritized studying for the class ---- I am fully aware and comfortable with the idea of having many types of lecturers and teachers that I will encounter during the didactic year and while on rotations.

Why do you want to be a PA?

----I want to be a PA because I love building relationships with patients and want to further my medical education so that I can be a better advocate for them. . ----The field of medicine and the challenges that come along with it has always been of interest to me through exposure from my mom who's a nurse and my sister who is a physician. ------Science courses in college further intensified my interests in anatomy, neuroscience, psychology, biology ----I want to be a PA specifically because I drawn to the values behind the profession like making healthcare more patient-centered with team medicine, the importance of preventative services, and increasing accessibility where it is needed like in medically underserved areas. -----I also really like the generalist approach to the training and the flexibility of changing specialties. I feel that the PA role has a great combination between collaboration and autonomy. I would be able to practice with independence while also having a supervising physician to refer to when I need guidance.

What does a PA do?

----PAs are healthcare professionals who evaluate patients, diagnose diseases, treat patients, and prescribe medications in collaboration with a physician. Some do procedures or assist in surgery as well and they can work in a wide range of settings from primary care to psychiatry. ----PAs play a critical role in facilitating patient treatment, ensuring patient education, and working with the patient as part of a multifacteted healthcare team.

You have an elderly patient who needs to stay at the hospital for overnight observation. The patient is refusing but the patient's son says the patient has dementia and is incapable of making medical decisions. The patients son wants the patient admitted. What do you do?

----Take the initiative to further research options for legal holds on patients. ----As the medical provider, I would try to make decisions in the best interest of the patient, which would be staying overnight, but I also have to consider the patients desires. -----However, this changes if the patient is unable to independently make sound, reasonable decisions. ---------------------Before any decisions are made, I would check the patient's medical history if there are previous dementia notes within their file. ****If there is, then I would check if the patient has a POA (power of attorney) who would be in charge of making their medical decision. -----If there is no previous history of dementia, then it would be the patient's right to leave "against medical advice". -----However, it would be my duty to make sure the patient fully understands the risks of leaving without proper care, and try to convince them that it's in their best interest to stay for overnight observation.

You are caring for an obese patient on multiple medications, some of which are causing side effects. Would you recommend a change in medications or lifestyle?

----The pros of lifestyle changes include weight loss, increased overall health with a healthier diet, and focus on exercise, and possibly the need for less medications, which leads to less side effects. ----But this requires patient compliance and cooperation, and it may take time for the patient to go off medications. ---Pros of changing medications include a possible decrease in side effects but the new medications can also have side effects. ----I would encourage lifestyle changes for a certain time period before changing medications unless the side effects were debilitating or preventing the patient from making lifestyle changes.

You see a coworker taking medication from the dispense cart and putting it in her bag. What do you do?

----This situation would be wrong because the coworker could potentially endanger a patient by taking their prescribed meds, drug abuse problem could affect their ability to work, stealing, disregard for rules. -Go first to the coworker and give them an opportunity to explain, then approach supervisor

Define professionalism

----To me, professionalism is a quality everyone should strive for regardless of what industry you are in. It means treating every individual with respect and kindness regardless of their behavior towards you. It means remaining calm and collected to your best ability in every situation. ----It means having confidence in the decisions you are making while also knowing when to ask for advice from others to ensure you are producing the best quality outcomes.

Have you applied to any other programs?

----Yes, I have applied elsewhere. I would love to attend this program, but my ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant and I understand the competitiveness of the process. I applied to this program specifically because I believe it will help me become a competent and compassionate PA. ----A large part that matters most to me about a program is the sense of support and tight knit community that I feel when interacting with students and faculty. -I want the program that I ultimately attend to be supportive of my goals as a PA and push forth in helping me strengthen my clinical and academic knowledge so that I can best serve my patients

What is your biggest strength?

---Ability to work well in a team - I thrive and enjoy working in team-based settings in a variety of environments, such as in college I worked at a restuarant, at an athletic center and was involved in research as well as event planning and service organizations. In all of these positions, I feel that I am a supportive and open-minded team member and these qualities have helped me get a lot more out working in a group. --- I am a positive person and genuinely enjoy having an optimistic outlook on life. I think this helps me take constructive criticism well and using it to better myself --- I have strong time management skills. In college, I balanced involvement in leadership roles, research, work, and upper level neuroscience courses while maintaining a high GPA. As a full time student over the past year, I have balanced work with prerequisite courses and thus feel prepared to approach the rigor of a PA program.

You are leaving for the day and realize you gave a patient medication they are allergic to. What do you do?

---As a medical provider, my responsibility is to do no harm to my patients. So I would call the patient immediately to ask if they picked up or took the medication yet. ----I would explain the mistake to the patient and ask them not to pick it up or take the medication. ----If they have already taken the medicine, I would encourage them to go to urgent care or ER if they have a true allergy that would cause anaphylaxis ----I would then call the pharmacy and verify the status of the medication and whether the patient picked it up. I would cancel the prescription and let the pharmacist know about the allergy so an alert can be put on the patient's records. -If the patient doesn't answer: Contact every number available for my patient, and leave messages if necessary Leave my cell phone number and multiple ways to reach me, so that I make every effort I can do

You are a PA and you prescribed birth control pills for a 13-year-old. The patient's mother is angry about this decision. What do you say?

---First, I would want to understand the state laws surrounding the issue, what I am held to under HIPAA, and what I would be obligated to tell the parents. ---At that point, I may not be able to freely share with the parent if the child asked me not to, but as the healthcare provider I may help facilitate a conversation if both parties are willing. ---If the patient is then comfortable having this conversation with the parent, the reasonings behind the contraceptive could be talked about. ----It's very common to prescribe oral contraceptives for acne/PCOS. If this were the reasoning behind why I was prescribing it for the patient, I would explain the complications of insurance and that the pharmacy may inform their parents of the medication, and would encourage the patient to involve their parents in the discussion just to make sure everyone's all on the same page.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

---I would be the color blue because I feel like it is a color that is familiar to people all over the world as they look up at the sky or down at the sea. I think it represents open spaces, endless opportunities, freedom, and imagination, --- to me, it is also a very calming and peaceful color.

You are a PA in a clinic. You see a nurse stealing. What would you do?

---I would confront her and ask what was happening. Stealing is never, ever okay and can put the nurse, patients, and the hospital as a whole in danger. ----Maybe I was misunderstanding the situation. If she is not stealing and it is something else, this is solved. If she is stealing, I would encourage her to turn herself in and if she does not I will have to report her

Describe the history of the PA profession.

---In the 1960s, there was a shortage of physicians and there were issues around the geographical distribution of doctors (particularly in rural areas). ---At the same time, military medics were returning from the Vietnam War. These highly-trained medics, who were not fully-licensed MDs, did not have an equivalent role when they returned to civilian life, but their skills and abilities had been proven during their service. ---The combination of these events led to the development of a medical professional role that sought to maximize patient care and build a bridge for trained medical practitioners who had the knowledge necessary to provide such care, yet who had not attained an MD degree. ---The first physician assistant program was established at Duke University, by Eugene A. Stead, Jr., MD, in 1965.

How does a PA fit into the healthcare team?

---PAs fit into the healthcare team because they are medical providers who work collaboratively with doctors to establish a detailed treatment plan for their patient and also work with nurses to ensure that the treatment plan is carried out appropriately and efficiently. ----They have qualities that doctors have and nurses have, possessing leadership skills and great critical thinking skills that go into diagnosing and treating patients but also having amazing bedside manner that nurses possess.

What is your biggest weakness?

---Public speaking/nervousness talking in front of people that I think stemmed both from being reserved and from having to do speech therapy when I was young. ----What I did to overcome this: ----Purposefully enrolling in undergraduate classes that have a presentation component to them in order to put myself out there and force myself to speak in front out audiences. Taking on leadership roles helped me become comfortable in leading discussions and providing announcements Involvement in research helped as well as I often presented on recent findings Improving speed of talking/ fewer ums/likes There's a lot of things you dont notice until someone points them out to you

Ways to respond when you do not know an answer

---That's a great question. I haven't thought about that before. I'd like ot do some research and learn more. ---That's an interesting question. Let me think about that one for a second. ---Gosh, that's a tough one, would you mind if we came back to it?

Who is the most important member on a healthcare team?

---There is not one member that is more important than the other in my opinion because each fills their own unique role to function cohesively as a strong medical team. ---In reality, the patient is the most important member and each healthcare worker provides essential skills and knowledge to help care for the patient. ---If PCP like doctors and PAs didn't exist, there wouldn't be a treatment plan or plan of action for the patient. -If nurses and nursing staff didn't exist, there would be no one to carry out the plan and monitor the patients' changes on a day to day basis.

What makes you a good fit? What would you bring to the class?

-I am an extremely supportive classmate, colleague, and friend. I genuinely enjoy helping people and talking through things, whether the topic is academics or personal life. I love to help others and learn from others. In undergrad, I liked to create study guides and resources to help everyone succeed -I want to foster a supportive united classroom environment instead of a competitive one because I think everyone succeeds better when we push each other up rather than put others down. -Whether it is sharing study resources, motivating my classmate who is feeling doubtful of their abilities, or helping classmates on clinical skills that I am confident in, I plan to be a supportive asset. -I know my personality and communication skills will allow me to interact well with my future classmates which will contribute to an enjoyable and team oriented learning enviorment -I bring positivity. PA school is rigorous and hard and I am aware of that. But I hope to bring some light and positivity to my classmates during tough and stressful times.

What is primary care?

1. Primary care is often the first-contact care for persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern; 2. well-equipped to manage chronic illnesses and coordinate complex care with specialists. They work with patients to maintain their day to day healthcare and to prevent future illnesses

What courses did you enjoy?

1. Sociology of diagnosis 2. Neurological disorders seminar

Why PA over medical school or NP school?

-Lateral mobility within fields MD choose residency in a field NP specialize in a field as well, although more broad, specialization is required -Medical Model Approach --> I enjoy learning disease pathology and focusing on cures that are stemmed by pharmaceutical research -Collaborative based approach

How do you deal with high stress situations? Give an example.

1. Talking things out with other people. 2. Taking deep breaths, going to a quiet area. 3. Example: people we need to consent, recruit on that same day while running study visits.

If you had a patient with a language barrier, how would you assist the patient?

-Preparation is key. I make every effort to learn about different culture so if I am ever in this situation, I have a basis for understanding -But in this situation, I would try and find a translator. Many hospitals have translators on staff. I might also try to work with family members who speak English and hope they can assist. I would watch nonverbal communication closely and make sure that I don't upset the patient. I would try and find new ways to calm him or her (calming facial expressions, smiling, etc.). I might draw pictures and diagrams. Example: roommates from international program / speaking to grandmother

What patients have impacted you?

.

What are your strengths?

1. Ability to communicate with others Example: 2. Team player and leader

Time you made a mistake

1. Accidentally sending clinical lab samples with research samples - quick communication with the nurse's station and the lab team to ensure accurate transport of sample.

What characteristics or qualities would you look for when selecting an effective teacher?

1. Approachability 2. Kindness 3. Organizational skills 4. Passion / enthusiasm

If I asked your coworker or fellow students to say three positive things about you, what would they say?

1. Approachability/easy to talk to 2. Organizational skills 3. Always excited for any new opportunity to try/open-mindedness

What 3 people would you invite to dinner? What would you serve them?

1. Comedian 2. Someone with a lot of stories 3. Someone related to science

What are your plans if you are not accepted?

1. Continue to complete prerequisite courses 2. Increase shadowing in diverse fields/environments 3. Diversify my patient care experiences through volunteering in healthcare environments

What is something difficult you have had to discuss with someone?

1. Discussing a coworker's potential firing 2. Telling a patient that their MRI scan was lost and that we would be asking them to come back in for another one if they are willing (live one hour away, a teahcer)

How will being a younger applicant affect your performance in the program?

1. Feel very comfortable with modern technology 2. Study habits from college still fresh in my mind + have kept these up with current courses

What is the biggest responsibility you have ever been tasked with?

1. Finishing up enrollment of research participants - those who do not return calls 2. Managing day to day operations of senior thesis project

A patient is not proficient in english, and you are unfamiliar with their language. How can you assist?

1. If interpreter/translator is available, utilize them 2. Provide handouts on their diagnosis and written instructions so perhaps a family member or friend can help at home.

Questions for them

1. What do you like about working here? 2. How are students evaluated academically? How are clinical evaluations performed? 3. What made you decide to come teach here? 4. In your experience, what is unique about this program? 5. Are students involved in community service? 5. Interprofessional learning? 6. What does the day to day schedule look like? Do you fin that your graduates are more likely to work in a particular field? What influenced you to choose your specialty? Why did you choose to enter academia?

What is the most selfless thing you have ever done?

?? including new roommates in social events

You are a PA. You are at a baseball game and the woman in front of you has a suspicious mole you suspect could be a melanoma. What do you do?

Approach the situation slowly. Try to start friendly conversation and get to know the person. If the opportunity arises and I feel comfortable, gently suggest they visit primary care or dermatologist.

How do you handle blood and gore?

As a phlebotomist in my current role, I am very used to the sight of blood and while when I first started, the sight was a little startling, that feeling quickly went away.

Discuss a time when you were rejected

CLS program - applied twice to study abroad in Morocco or Jordan, second time I met with the representative at my university and received her help on my essays but still did not get in. I really wanted an immersive experience. Sometimes things do not work out the way you envision them to and that is OK.

Discuss a current medical ethics issue

Choose issue, why is it controversial, why people disagree, making your case on the issue -------------------------------------------Pros: patient autonomy and relief of suffering. patients accustomed to making their own health care decisions throughout life should also be permitted to control the circumstances of their deaths. 2. At its core, medicine has always aimed to relieve the suffering of patients from illness and disease. Cons: doctors have a moral responsibility to keep their patients alive as reflected by the Hippocratic Oath. They argue there may be a slippery slope from euthanasia to murder, and that legalizing euthanasia will unfairly target the poor and disabled and create incentives for insurance companies to terminate lives in order to save money. compromises the sacred trust between physician and patient, which should be based on healing, not based on killing." societies that authorize suicide as a 'choice' for some people soon end up placing pressure on them to 'do the right thing' and kill themselves... Seeing suicide as a solution for some illnesses can only undermine the willingness of doctors and society to learn how to show real compassion and address patients' pain and other problems. f doctor-prescribed suicide were legal, patients wouldn't know if the doctor's ultimate motive was to heal them or end their life. The doctor's duty is to kill the pain - not the patient."

If a patient has aids will you still treat them?

I believe that as a healthcare professional, it is vital that we have a non-judgmental attitude and disposition, and treat everyone the same. There can be no biases on how you treat patients, because everyone needs treatments and checkups throughout their lives, and has the right to equal treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or chronic disease such as HIV/AIDS.

Describe a disappointing moment from your life.

I did not get into the critical language scholarship program after applying 2 years in a row.

If you could be an animal, what animal would you be?

Elephant: they are focused, family-oriented, and loyal. They work together in their small groups, with an incredible amount of determination on even the smallest of objectives They also have amazing memory of paths to food sources and can distinguish between human languages. They also can demonstrate empathetic behavior through calls and touches

What is your biggest regret?

I applied to and got accepted to a week long backpacking trip called SUMMIT sponsored by the summer before my freshman year. I was so excited about it, but at the time I was really anxious about never having gone hiking before and the college experience in general. Instead, though, I joined the outing club that had smaller events occurring (hiking trip) went by myself, enjoyed it a ton

What qualities make a successful physician assistant?

From shadowing a PA, I saw firsthand what it takes to be a successful PA. She patiently listened to her patient's concerns and was incredibly empathetic. She was well-organized and communicative with nurses, residents, and physician. Each individual respected the PA without a doubt and She was compassionate and confident. -flexible, able to succeed in different kinds of environments.

If you were dressing up for a halloween party for kids what would you dress up as and why?

Hermione from Harry Potter - big harry potter fan, recently rewatched all of the movies, she's intelligent, is a great friend, fearless, skillful

How would you describe your personality?

I am a motivated individual with a positive outlook on life and experiences.

How do you handle criticism?

I use it constructively. I try to always remember that I learn best by getting feedback. --- We cannot grow as individuals unless we open ourselves up to feedback and acknowledge that there is always room for improvement -- lifelong learning requires a lifelong pattern of accepting criticism and seeking the positive sides of feedback. --- Important to be able to decipher constructive criticism from just plain, hurtful criticism and maintain a positive outlook on yourself - remain confident

If you were a car, what would you be and why?

I would be a minivan - definitely not the most stylish but - have a lot of memories from childhood of long road trips with my family, - trustworthy, stable, family-oriented

What kind of tree would you be and why?

I would be a redwood tree because they have strong roots while also supporting the roots of the other redwood trees. They are literally holding each other up. These qualities would be really useful in PA school because as a PA student I would strive to be a supportive classmate. I want to be in a collaborative rather than competitive program because the goal of this profession is to be a vital member of a team. This way, everyone can succeed.

If you had to be a member of the healthcare team other than a PA what would you choose?

I would choose the doctor because I like being able to diagnose, treat and make decisions concerning the health of my patients while still focusing on a medical model approach to medicine.

You are a PA. A patient on your schedule insists on seeing an MD. How do you handle it?

I would introduce myself and answer any questions they had about my role. Ultimately, it's their choice whether or not they see me or an MD but the physician's schedule may be too busy for them to see this patient on that day, and I would explain this. I would explain my role in the clinic and how I help support the physician, and if they still asked to see an MD, I would suggest to them rescheduling or making a follow up appt with the physician. I think this stems from a misunderstanding of the PA's role in healthcare that is not the patient's fault, and I would make sure to address my role as clearly as possible without being rude or aggressive.

You are in a surgery and the anesthesiologist begins to make inappropriate comments about the patient once they are asleep. What do you do in this situation?

I would let their supervisor or my clinical rotation coordinator know. It is never ever okay to make inappropriate comments about any patient in any setting. This behavior lacks professionalism and harms patients' trust in medical providers.

What would you do if you hit your neighbor's dog?

I would speak with my neighbor immediately if they're home and if they're not home I would call them and own up to my mistake. I would also offer to take the dog to the vet if they were unable to at the moment, and pay for the vet bills.

How would you feel in PA school if you were doing poorly in a subject that you excelled in during undergrad?

I wouldn't feel great but I would not feel discouraged because I would be knowledgable about the resources at my dispense. - I would reach out to the professor and open a conversation about ways I could improve and perhaps go over things I did not understand on previous assessments 2. I would strive to find a study group to join 3. Assess my study habits and see what changes need to be made (am I studying frequently enough, am I actively studying rather than more of a passive way like just reading notes)

Tell me about a time you used teamwork to solve a problem.

Juggling study visits on a busy Wednesday when we consented someone on the spot? Recruiting participants - having different people use different methods of communication

You have diagnosed a patient with HIV and they do not want to tell their partner. What do you do?

Legally some states where you must report to at least the CDC or the partner. If there was this law, I would absolutely follow this law. As much as Id like to respect your confidentiality, I must report this. If it was not a law, I would try my best to explain how important it is to disclose this information, but if i am not legally required to do so, then i would not disclose this information. Ultimately, it boils down to what am I allowed to do within the law. Do my best to educate the patient and the steps they can take

If you were a candy bar, what would it be and why?

Milky Way? Inspires curiosity

Tell me about yourself

My name is Gabriella Dagher, and I am from Maryland. I grew up in a small town in between DC and Baltimore. My parents are Lebanese immigrants and I have 3 older sisters and was fortunate enough to grow up in a very close knit and supportive family. I went to the University of Delaware where I majored in neuroscience and minored in Arabic. While there, I was involved in the leadership of event planning and service organizations as well as a global community program. Since graduation, I've worked as a clinical research coordinator in a neurology department. My time here has helped further my desire to become a physician assistant as I have connected with patients and providers over time. In my freetime, I love trying new recipes through cooking and baking and enjoy being outside, whether that's playing volleyball, soccer, or hiking. I'm also an avid reader of psychological thrillers.

Would you accept a Facebook friend request from a patient?

No, I would not feel comfortable doing so. I feel it would blur the lines between professional and personal lives. I wouldn't want anything I see on social media or anything my patients see to implicitly affect treatment of patients

What is the difference between an NP and a PA?

PAs are educated in general medicine, which offers a comprehensive view of all aspects of medicine. NPs must choose a "population focus," e.g., pediatric nurse practitioner or women's health nurse practitioner. - PAs are trained to practice medicine using a curriculum modeled on medical school education. NPs are trained in the advanced practice of nursing - The nursing model looks more holistically at patients and their outcomes, giving attention to a patient's mental and emotional needs as much as their physical problems. - The medical model places a greater emphasis on disease pathology, approaching patient care by looking primarily at the anatomy and physiological systems that comprise the human body. - NPs do not require physician supervision, they can practice autonomously - PAs must in collaboration with physicians

What is a PA?

PAs are healthcare professionals who evaluate patients, diagnose diseases, treat patients, and prescribe medications in collaboration with a physician. Some do procedures or assist in surgery as well and they can work in a wide range of settings from primary care to psychiatry. PAs play a critical role in facilitating patient treatment, ensuring patient education, and working with the patient as part of a multifacteted healthcare team.

What are your thoughts on online PA programs?

PRO --> applicants in more remote locations would be able to attend a PA school --> might be good for family oriented individuals who have at home responsibilities CON --> decrease effectiveness of hands on classroom setting [produce PAs that are under prepared and can effect the patient provider relationship] As a hands on learner, I do not think that online programs are effective as in person programs --> as a result I am hesitant that a few training days could produce as effective providers as traditional formatted PA programs

As a PA, what would your goals be for the future?

Provide quality healthcare to individuals 1. Get into a program that aligns well with my goals 2. Receive a job in a specialty that I am highly interested in 3. Increase my level of knowledge and expertise in this area, build a family, engage in community events, learn new hobbies

Tell me about a time you received negative feedback and how you used it to improve yourself.

Receiving negative feedback about my presentation skills for my thesis defense.

Discuss a time you had to resolve a conflict.

S: At my current job, a new coworker joined the team and I organized meetings to help orient him to the job responsibilities while also providing him with study protocol documents. He unfortunately would show up very late to these meetings and each time, I would notice he was not taking notes and thus not able to recall information we had discussed on the previous day. As a result, my coworker and I had to keep answering the same questions he asked multiple times. In time, this became frustrating because we were taking the time to train him but not really progressing in his knowledge. Rather than holding this frustration in, I decided to initiate a conversation with him to express my feelings and to also figure out the best way for him to learn.

What do you think will be a personal challenge for you as a physician assistant in the future?

Seeing bad things happen to good people. Right now, working with individuals with MS I see how the disease has affected their day to day functioning which is disheartening to see, but I also get to see the wonderful relationships physicians have with their patients.

Describe a time you had to overcome adversity.

Speech issues when I was young led to a lot of anxiety and struggles with speaking in front of a classroom. - didn't really like the idea of people paying so much attention to me - had braces for over 7 years, had glasses, took a long time to have confidence and I still definitely have a ways to go. - becoming editor in chief of my high school newspaper helped a lot because i had to lead meetings -then in college really putting myself out there to join various groups.

What type of superpower would you have and why?

Telepathy 1. I would love to be an amazing storyteller, but I don't really have that natural gift. If I could just share a story telepathically that would be amazing! 2. Would be really cool to share thoughts with someone else who speaks a different language and not have things get lost in translation 3. This definitely relates to patient-provider relationships

What are the 3 most important aspects in a PA program?

The mission statement - does the program value collaboration, a humanistic view of patients that includes understanding social and psychological determinants of health, serving the community? PANCE pass rate - does the program prepare its students well in becoming a certified PA? Staff to student ratio

Tell me about a time you have been judged unfairly.

The time someone in high school basically assumed I would be studying psychology and not neuroscience because he assumed I was not smart enough to do that / used stereotype of women studying psychology

What do you expect a typical week in PA school to look like?

Very intense -Class M-F 8/9-5/6 -After class I would study an extra 1-2 hour per day each night. -Extra 6-8 hours on the weekend especially if there is a big exam coming up. - At least 1 exam per week since the course is very accelerated and there is a lot of material to cover. -However even with school work taking most of my time, I will make sure to incorporate some time for things that I enjoy to make sure I do not get burnt out. Ex: exercise, taking walks, speaking to my family, and eating healthy, playing sports, reading.

Why do you want to attend this program?

There are multiple reasons why I am a good fit for this school and why i applied here specifically. -Opportunity to engage in clinical experiences in the didactic year through the DeSales Free Clinic. I really liked that there is the opportunity to learn from older students as well as to teach younger students. - Do not have to relocate for rotations, I can really get to know the community in which I go to school in - Human anatomy lab and simulation rooms with manikans - Opportunity for an international rotation or 1 week mission trip, think it will be an awesome opportunity to see first hand barriers to health in low resource areas and how to be resourceful with limited options. -obviously the pance pass right is extremely high in this program and it is important to me to attend a program that will provide me with the resources to succeed. Location: within driving distance (3 hours) of home - close to my family and friends who will help support me through the program To know: 5 week rotations, 9 different disciplines, and 8 that are required and 1 elective. 28 month program, first class started in 2017 Student-centered/collaborative environment Focus on Interprofessional context -Work with other healthcare students across campus to gain a cohesive and holistic approach.

Would you still want to be a PA if you won the lottery?

Yes! I want to be a PA because i am passionate about science, health, and people. No amount of money would change me wanting to utilize those passions to become a PA.