Traditional Interview prep - updated

what make you unique?

- my background, being a first generation college student - My parents immigrated here and started a restaurant. I remember relying on food stamps, chasing after the truck giving out free meals as a child. - We never had new things, everything we had came from the weekly Tuesday flea market. - I learned about the value of hard work - some of my earliest memories were doing my homework at one of the dining tables of my parent's restaurant and helping them make wontons. - programs that target underserved communities do work, my family is a testament to it. - I want to devote my education and my training to help others as my family have been helped.

Tell me about yourself.

- name - thank them - I grew up in Turlock, located inCentral California. My parents came here from China, I am a second-generation immigrant and first-generation college graduate. I received my BS in Biology from UCLA. I found out about the PA profession 2016. Over the past 4 - 5 years, I have been a first responder for South Los Angeles in underserved areas like Willowbrook, Compton, Hawthorne. I am currently an ER technician at Kaiser West Los Angeles. I have a passion for teaching and am a BLS and EMT clinical skills instructor with UCLA. Recently, I have also volunteered at a local homeless shelter, The People Concern, screening for COVID. In my free time, I like reading and staying active, like hiking, running, and snowboarding in the winter.

Tell me about some of your hobbies/what do you like to do in your free time.

I really enjoy being outdoors, so on a day to day basis, I run, bike, and hike. That's one great thing about being in LA, we can enjoy the outdoors all year around. On weekends I am not working, I usually try to plan trips with my friends and go to the beach, the desert, or explore the city. I also enjoy reading - mostly fiction books but lately I've started getting into non-fiction too.

Do you study best individually or in a group?

I study well in both situations. I prefer to study along when I am learning the material for the first time and when I am reviewing, I prefer to do it in groups so we can all quiz each other. During Human Physiology, we would gather in a group of 4 to teach each other concepts which I believe helped us all. In our group, I know we all passed and all of us received As or Bs.

Tell me about your support system?

My partner is extremely supportive and we live together in West Los Angeles. He has been with me even before this journey. When I would be taking evening classes and working weekends, he understood and supported me, even when we could barely see each other cause of our schedules. Most of my friends are in Southern California. Friends since college. Family is in Northern California. - education is extremely important growing up. getting a graduate degree was never a question for my brother or me. reason for immigrating from china.

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

Nursing model is the modality that registered nurses and nurse practitioners learn by. - holistic and patient-focused. - emphasize activities of daily living Medical Model, used by MDs and PAs. - traditional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of illness - disease focued - learn about organ systems - problem-solving to determine the cause of illness and disease

What have you observed while shadowing?

- Cara Walker, a USC PA alumni, first-assisted during surgery and had full autondomy during clinic, diagnosing patients, prescribing medications, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. - Jasmine Gasca, using medical spanish that she learned at USC, she had a positive open-door, PA-SP relationship. - Jesus Reyes, PA-run primary care/urgent care in South Gate. Only PAs were seeing patients there, the dr was off-site. Serving the community he grew up in. Focus on evidence-based medicine. - currently shadowing Amy Adams, an ER PA. I have seen her suture, incision and drainage, central line placement, and joint reductions. Noticed her interactions with the physicians she works with, consulting with them on tricky, complex cases.

How has your background prepared you for the intense physical and mental rigor it takes to become a PA? How are your time management skills? Tell me about a time you've had to multitask?

- During college I earned Dean's Honor roll while taking 19 units of upper division biology courses. - I have sought to challenge myself in my patient care experiences. I was working on average 60 hours responding to 911 calls in areas such as Willowbrook, Compton, Hawthorne, Inglewood, and Ladera Heights. They were 24 hour shifts, sometimes I would work back to back, resulting in 48 hours shifts to fit my school schedule. - While working, I was taking sciences courses like Human Anatomy and Physiology at UCLA Extension and receiving As in them. - all the while volunteering and shadowing.

What makes you a good candidate for our program?

- EMT/ER tech: improve my communication skills & thinking under pressure - passionate about learning, that's why I am continuously earning certificates like ACLS and PALS. - By taking science classes while working on average 60 hours a week strengthened my time management and organizational skills

What are your goals in medicine?

- Serve the underserved so I can help those like my family the health care system - practice in primary care so I can provide life-long care, develop connections and build trust with my patients. Being in the ER, I have seen the necessity of PCPs for the underserved so they don't receive their primary care in the ER or only receive medical care when it is too late. - I hope to become a mentor, preceptor, and professor later in my career. Education is extremely important to me, my mentors had a profound impact on me and I hope to encourage others as they did for me. - I aim to earn a Doctorate in medical science later on so I can teach others.

Why do you want to be a PA? When did you decide to pursue PA school?

- Start from the beginning - passionate about PH in college, helping communities and decreasing health disparities appealed to me - once I started working though, I realized I was missing the more personal component of caring for others, being able to connect with patients, know their personal story and contribute to their health. - Volunteering at Cedars Sinai ER in 2016, learned about PAs - cautious, started working in an administrative/research role with PAs, MD, RNs, NPs - PAs were passionate about their field, impressed me with their medical expertise. Other aspects: job flexibility through lateral mobility, which reduces burnout, astounding job growth, the medical education model. - Also the history of how PAs were established also drew me in. This profession was built to address the shortage of medical providers, to fill the need for quality medical care in underserved communities. It was exactly what I was looking for. - Since then, I absolutely love caring for patients. I was a first responder in South Los Angeles, in areas like Inglewood, Compton, Willowbrook, and Ladera heights. - I'm eager to learn more to make a larger impact.

What are you plans if not accepted to a PA program this year?

- Try again next year - take additional upper division science classes at UCLA Extension - continue working at Kaiser WLA and Volunteering at The People Concern - Am currently on the waitlist to volunteer at a primary care clinic, United Care Family Medical Center, so I can gain PCE in primary care

How does a PA fit into the healthcare team?

- advanced practice practitioner - increasing access to quality medical care for patients - a generalist who is able to diagnose, treat, prescribe. - someone with a collaborating relationship with a SP

Explain the role of a PA to a patient

- advanced practice provider. - we can evaluate patients, order labs and imaging, assist during surgery, diagnose, and form treatment plans. We are generalists - our education provides us the ability to work in every medical specialty, under the supervision of a physician. This can mean that the physician is off-site or that they are present with every appointment.

What study skills do you have?

- beginning of college was hard for me because I didn't develop mature, efficient studying habits. - Visual learner, I make study guides and flash cards - spaced repetition, active recall - quiz myself and track problem areas to redo - incorporate other learning styles: during physiology, with one other student, we would teach each other topics, which really help us understand the material - organizational and time management skills are also study skills for me

If you are not accepted into this program, what do you think would be the reason? /What would you do?

- first and foremost, the quality of the other candidates. Throughout this journey, I have met some extremely competent pre-PAs, and I know the best of the best are here today. It makes me excited for this field, but also nervous about my chances. - ask for feedback. I spoke to a wonderful counselor, Nare Yesayan, who gave me many tips - one of which to vet my references and choose those who know me well. - One aspect of my application I would change is the diversity of my patient care experiences. Most of my hours are completed in emergency medicine. Although I shadowed a PA in primary care and absolutely loved the experience, I have not had the chance to work in primary care. I am currently on a waitlist to volunteer at a primary care clinic, where my duties will include patient care and shadowing. I have also thought about looking for scribe positions. - learn to write notes, H&Ps, ordering tests. If I have to get a third job, I will do so.

What experience in your background will make you a good PA?

- first-generation student + second-generation immigrant - interest in public health - understanding the social determinants that can affect someone's health - EMT/ER tech for medically underserved, minority, low-income, passion for health care and helping others.

What is your biggest personality flaw? What would your co-workers say is your greatest weakness?

- not being able to say no - in college, I would sign up for everything that sounded interesting. With poor time management skills, it was difficult for me to maintain good grades. I have learned to temper my enthusiasm and properly schedule my time to make the most out of the activities I chose. - At work, I also have trouble saying no. I want to be the best employee I can be, and agree to help with everything. However, one time I was on night shift as the only tech available. Usually, there are 4 or 5 techs, each of us assigned to a specific pod, but it was during the pandemic and there was a hiring freeze. Whenever providers or nurses from other pods asked me to help with something, I agreed - I was the only tech. However, I noticed that the provider I was assigned to was getting frustrated because I was getting spread too thin and slowing down the flow in his pod. He didn't say anything, but after that, I would let other providers know, oh I need to check in with my pod first, then I can come and help. Or just set expectations, like I have a couple of things to do in my pod, can I come at a later time?

Why do you want to do primary care?

- practice in primary care so I can provide life-long care, develop connections and build trust with my patients. Being in the ER, I have seen the necessity of PCPs for the underserved so they don't receive their primary care in the ER or only receive medical care when it is too late.

What makes you diverse?

- second-generation chinese-american. emphasis on education, because that was one of the main reasons why they immigrated here. - first-generation college student - first interest was public health, but i quickly realized that I wanted to work directly with people, practicing medicine. PA - access to healthcare. etc

***How do you plan to practice as a PA?

- three qualities successful PAs have: Empathy, passion for helping others, and intellectual curiosity - Pt's respond positively when they see that you truly care for them and want to see them well. - ER tech, seeing them on their worst days and being able to make a positive difference, makes me enjoy my job and know that I changing someone's life. Taking the time to go above and beyond. Example with the 90 year old with chest pain at the ER. - Passionate for women's health. My time in the ER and also with fundraising for Sojourn and women's shelter. For me, health and social justice are tied together. - intellectual curiosity: evidence based medicine, continuously learning. to provide the best patient care. - I just received my PALS and ACLS. - I have continued shadowing and using virtual shadowing opportunities to learn as much about different PAs as possible.

How do you study best?

- visual learner - quick review of topic before lecture to set expectations. watch the lecture and review right after while the information is still fresh. - Later, ill review the slides a second time and that is when I make study guides, make my own problems to practice. - make lots of study guides - utilize online flashcards like anki. - When I'm learning the material, I prefer to do it alone. When I'm reviewing it, I prefer to do it with others, so we can quiz each other.

How do you stay organized?

- writing everything down - every week on Sunday I write out the week's schedule in my planner - I have a to-do list - when I am extra busy, like when I was in class, working, and volunteering, I would plan my hours in the day to be the most efficient. - use my icalendar

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

A dependent practitioner means a health care professional who is licensed by his/her respective licensing agency and who can only provide service under the direct supervision of a Supervising Physician. I chose this career because I enjoy collaboration. Through my shadowing experiences, I have witnessed a wealth of positive PA-SP relationships, from close-knit, one on one PA surgeon partnerships to more distant ones, where the SP is off-site, but available for consultation when the need arises at a PA-run HMO clinic. I respect the expertise and knowledge a board-certified physician brings, and appreciate the support PA-MD relationships provide. I am excited about the influence I will have on my patients though, as a PA with the training to diagnose and form treatment plans.

What is the biggest challenge facing PAs?

A major challenge for PAs is the lack of leadership roles, especially in hospital and community systems. With many healthcare leadership roles only considering nurses and nurse practitioners, I think this is seriously undermining opportunities for PAs and reducing our visability. I believe having more leadership opportunities will also help the issue of advocating for our profession and educating the public on our role in the healthcare system.

Why do you want to help underserved populations?

As a second-generation immigrant, some of my earliest experiences with the medical system was with me translating for my parents at 10 years old. At 16, I was driving my grandma to the doctors office because otherwise my grandma didn't have any way of communicating her problems. For us, healthcare was a source of anxiety, confusion, and distrust - especially when we got the bills. During college, I became passionate about public health. Through mentoring at-risk youth at public housing, I saw how similar those children were to me when I was young, and how these programs that specifically target the underserved are so effective. That passion is still in me but I want to now channel it as a PA, so I can provide quality medical care to those that may not have access otherwise. So I can use the opportunities given to me for others, to provide them the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives.

Have you applied elsewhere?

Yes. Ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant. - main factors: location, PANCE scores, facilities (cadaver lab), mission - USC is my top choice though. - work with urban underserved. in Los Angeles. - medical spanish - amazing faculty, top of their field, in research. - clinical sites from LAC-USC, community clinics, Cedars-Sinai - facilities.

What was your biggest accomplishment from undergrad?

During my Sophomore year, I co-organized a charity event for Sojorun's women's shelter, a non-profit for battered adults and children. We raised over $3000 through the charity event, combined with all other donations and activities we hosted, we raised $30,000. I had a variety of roles from outreach, to organizing the event's activities, such as catering, collecting donations, to setting up the event. I reason why I believe this is my biggest accomplishment: I knew that the money made a real impact on men, women, and children who were going through a really tough time. The shelter was free for those trying to escape domestic violence, and they offered tons of resources to help, such as social workers and lawyers.

What was the most challenging course of your undergraduate studies, and why?

Calculus 31B during my Freshman year. - second of the series as I had AP credit for the first one. - unprepared for collegiate level classes. had not developed good study habits, poor mental health Biochemistry was probably the most difficult in terms of material. However, by then I developed better study habits and time management skills.

What are difficulties PAs are facing? What are some of the significant issues PAs currently face and will have to face in the future?

Currently, healthcare in general is facing a host of difficulties due to the pandemic. From the loss of jobs in certain areas to not enough protection in others. PAs are facing both job loss and burnout, depending on the area and specialty. learning telemedicine and working around the limitations.

Can you explain your lower grade?

D in Calculus during my freshman year of college. - high school study habits - poor time management & organizational skills - resulted in poor mental health - Dean's list senior year, 19 quarter units of upper division biology classes

Describe a leadership role you have held?

During my Sophomore year, I co-organized a charity event for Sojorun's women's shelter, a non-profit for battered adults and children. We raised over $3000 through the charity event, combined with all other donations and activities we hosted, we raised $30,000. I had a variety of roles from outreach, to organizing the event's activities, such as catering, collecting donations, to setting up the event. I reason why I believe this is my biggest accomplishment: I knew that the money made a real impact on men, women, and children who were going through a really tough time. The shelter was free for those trying to escape domestic violence, and they offered tons of resources to help, such as social workers and lawyers. This role was also challenging because I was in charge of delegating tasks to other members of the organization. I realized that a couple of the members were having trouble meeting deadlines, so I had to reassign responsibilities at the last hour and take on some of them myself.

Is there a particular field that appeals to you?

Family medicine and Women's health in the underserved. In the ER, I see many come in for their primary care needs or come in because they haven't had adequate primary care and their medical conditions have become acute and overwhelming. I hope to help people in the beginning through prevention, education, and proper initial management. For me, health and social justice is tied. My experience working the people concern and Sojuron illuminated the need for providers who focus on women's health and well-being.

What kind of barriers besides financial, do you see involved with being a PA student?

For me, it would just be financial. - I have been working towards this for over 4 years. I am prepared to make any sacrifices to succeed. - I fortunately have a supportive partner.

If you never had to work a day in your life, what would your day look like?

For me, work is important in a lot of ways - it provides structure, sense of accomplishment, social interactions, fulfillment.... If I didn't have to work, I would still try to replicate those things in other ways. I would work out and enjoy the outdoors more, go on challenging hikes I've been wanting to do. Get better at surfing, snowboarding, climb mt. whitney. I would do this with friends and family. I would volunteer - I currently volunteer at The People Concern, which has homeless shelters all over LA. However, one thing I want to do but haven't had the time is to lead a class that is open to their shelter residents and to anyone who want to join. I've been wanting to lead a zumba class. There's also volunteer EMT or Search and Rescue. Get a pet.

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

Full time, Monday through Friday classes, possibly clinicals or other events on the weekend. - I expect to be in classes during the day and studying at night, as well as on weekends. - Quizzes and tests several times a week, if not almost every day - During clinicals, I expect will have day, evening, weekends and possibly on-call schedules. Studying in between, for end of rotation exams. - 33 months total, with 4 semesters of didactic

What is one thing your classmates dislike about you?

I am generally well-liked, I am friendly and try to get along with everyone. In my animal behavior class, there was a classmate who I was in a group project with, who I considered a friend since we were also in a public health internship together, who stopped talking to me because I did not side with her during an argument with another group project.

"When comes to dealing with patients what is your biggest bias?"

I believe to be a good clinician, we have to be aware of our personal biases so we can prevent them from affecting our interactions with our patients. When I first started working as a technician, I had a patient who was in pain, asking for pain medication repeatedly, but the doctor could not give her any more, as she had a history of abusing it. She was distressed and lashing out, and a bore the blunt of it - she called me every name in the book. I was new and froze, I didn't know what to do but to just take it. Thankfully, the charge nurse overheard and stepped in. I took it personally and felt really bad about myself. After, I was kinda wary whenever I interacted with patients who reminded me of her. I was always courteous and nice. I've started telling myself - many of these individuals are suffering from a physical and mental disorder. Many times, they have physical pain that started them on pain medication, and having an addiction on top of that means that they are under both physical and mental stress. It has really helped me become more compassionate.

Do you work better as an individual or with a team?

I believe when collaborating with others, we can combine strengths to achieve more than an individual. In the ER, physician, nurse, and techs all have our roles to provide the best patient care possible. I think together we accomplish more than what one person can.

****Why do you want to attend this program? Why did you apply here? What are you looking for in a PA program?

I chose this program because it's mission closely aligns with my own values and my goals as a provider. From talking to alumni, current students, and admission counselors, I can see that this program has a history of graduating PAs that work in underserved communities. I can also see in your clinical sites like LAC-USC medical center, MLK Community Hospital, etc. One particular aspect that USC stands out to me is how culturally and socially aware this program is. Spanish speaking providers are essential in California, so I appreciate that medical Spanish is incorporated in the curriculum. In addition, serving the community in meaningful ways is important to me, and I would be able to accomplish that through USC's student-run clinic and Union Rescue Mission. I would be remiss not to mention the world-class medical training offered here. The USC graduates I have shadowed all told me that they felt like USC prepared them well. I know I will receive the education to be a confident, competent PA here. I think I can bring a lot to this program too. I am looking to attend a program that I can make a difference with, through leadership roles and community outreach.

What is your life saying?

I have a couple. Currently I have a daily reminder: "We overestimate what we can do in a day but underestimate what we can do in a year." For me, it's about the importance of planning, time management, and setting realistic goals. I had a tendency to take on more than I could manage in college, and I got overwhelmed. Now, I'm very aware of the importance of scheduling, setting both short and long-term goals.

In your opinion, what will be your greatest challenge in completing PA school?

I have taken online courses, such as General Psychology however not at the graduate level. I think there will be a learning curve and I will need to develop new studying habits to stay on top of it.

Where do you want to work?

I hope to work in disadvantaged neighborhoods like the ones I worked in as a first responder in South Los Angeles. There is a serious need for quality medical providers there, many of the patients are very sick and unable to access medical care. That is one reason why I am interested in USC, is because of the requirement for medical spanish and the quality and locations of your clinicals.

Discuss a pasttime you enjoy.

I love running. - track and cross country - half-marathon + occasional races - goal is a marathon soon or a triathlon - love being active, which allows me to make the most out of my day, so I'm not too tired to do the things I love. So I have the endurance to get through a tough shift in the ER where I'm walking 8-10 miles a day. - setting goals and challenging myself to run faster or longer - whenever I go on a longer run, I feel like it's a reset and if I am having a bad day, I feel better about it - enjoy that endorphin rush

What are your thoughts on the name "physician assistant," and the change to "physician associate or medical care practitioner?"

I understand why physician assistant is a confusing term, especially for patients who may mistake it for medical assistants. I also understand that changing the name may cause more confusion and cost money. At the end of the day, it is our duty to provide quality care to patients and educating them on our abilities and training is part of ensuring their confidence in us. If it means that we need to change the name or perform better PR under the original name, I support whatever will allow us to provide the best medical care, establish trust, and accurately define our profession.

How would the class benefit as a whole from having you as a member?

I've always been active in organizations, from organizing fundraising events to participating in outreach events. The year I was on the philanthropy committee in a college organization, we raised over $3,000 for Sojourn, a women's shelter. As a public health intern, I've helped create a health education curriculum, introducing common pediatric ailments, encouraging healthy behaviors like exercise and good nutrition. I hope to do something similar while in PA school. My three years as an EMT has honed my ability to be a good team player. - found joy in helping others learn, lowering the learning curve as those before me have done. When I found out one of my fellow EMTs was struggling with making splints, I spent extra time with them to make sure they were doing it correctly. Diversity - perspective on being second-generation immigrant and first-generation college graduate. The hardships that minorities need to overcome to succeed & be represented. Studying, working, and volunteering at the same time honed my time management and organizational skills. I would create study guides and send to others in my prerequisite classes. My peers can count on me to keep track of the numerous quizzes and tests we will have in PA school.

what specific skills do you have that will benefit you or your classmates during PA school? What can you offer our program?

I've always been active in organizations. - As part of a public health committee, I help organize monthly events at the local Ronald McDonald House, bringing food for families, toys and games for children, and providing outreach. - Philanthropy committee - help our organization raise $30,000 for Sojourn, a domestic violence shelter, the most raised for an organization of our kind on campus. We also set up domestic violence awareness seminars on campus, to help educate others on this serious topic. - As a public health intern, I've helped create a health education curriculum for at-risk youth in public housing, & I hope to do something similar while in PA school. My three years as an EMT has honed my bedside manners and collaboration. I work well with others, communicate efficiently, and am reliable. Studying, working, and volunteering at the same time honed my time management and organizational skills. I create my own planner and write lists for everything I do. I've helped other pre-PAs plan to apply to PA school. My three years as an EMT has honed my ability to be a good team player. - found joy in helping others learn, lowering the learning curve as those before me have done. When I found out one of my fellow EMTs was struggling with making splints, I spent extra time with them to make sure they were doing it correctly. Diversity - perspective on being second-generation immigrant and first-generation college graduate. The hardships that minorities need to overcome to succeed & be represented. Studying, working, and volunteering at the same time honed my time management and organizational skills. I would create study guides and send to others in my prerequisite classes. My peers can count on me to keep track of the numerous quizzes and tests we will have in PA school.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? in 10 years? How do you plan to contribute as a PA professional when finished with the program?

In 5 years, I want to be part of an hospital system or clinic I admire - such as Venice Family Clinic or LAC-USC Medical Center. I hope to be practicing in women's health or family medicine. I hope to be mentoring pre-PAs through shadowing and outreach. In 10 years, I want to be precepting or becoming a clinical instructor and a leader in my organization. I hope to have received a doctorate in health sciences to become a professor or lecturer. My mentors have made a profound impact on my PA journey. It is why I have chosen to be a EMT and BLS instructor, I want to be a positive influence on others and encourage their passions. I hope to do this for the rest of my career.

What do you see as the future of PAs?

In California - SB 697 (PA Practice Act) - Practice-level model, where PA scope is determined at the practice model, according to their education, training, and expertise. PAs won't be tied to one particular supervising physician, thus "owning their own scope." - Practice agreement vs. delegation of services agreement - not requiring SP information on prescriptions - no co-signatures on charts or medical record review meetings - no practice-specific formulary is required to prescribe, allowing PAs to use their training to determine treatment plans - lessens supervisory protocols (like for diagnosis, management, procedures) Optimal Team Practice across the nation: - no PA-SP limits - Practice-level model - separate PA board or majority PA state board - medicare/medical reimbursement - Medical Care Practitioner? - independent practice

What is your biggest strength? Why should we choose you?

In my performance evaluations, the most common compliment I receive is that I have a cheerful, positive attitude, that I'm eager to help out with whatever needs to be done, and that I get along with my co-workers. An asset to this program. - during my anatomy and physiology classes, I enjoyed organizing small groups to study the material together. - PA school will undoubtedly be hard, I am eager to collaborate with others so we all learn as much as we can and succeed together.

Tell me about a time you have struggled academically.

My first year at UCLA was very difficult. I had poor grades and had to retake calculus. However, this experience taught me the importance of preparation, staying organized, and mentally healthy. - Dean's Honor List during senior year after taking 19 units of upper division biology courses.

What have you done to prepare for PA school and your future career as a PA?

Once I was set on this path, my three biggest goals were to gain patient care experience, improve my GPA, and learn as much as I can about the PA profession. I looked for jobs that would challenge me - I became a 911 EMT in South Los Angeles - working in areas like Compton, Inglewood, and Ladera Heights. Through this experience, I learned about caring for patients, how to communicate well under stress, and working together as a team. I now work at Kaiser WLA. At Kaiser, I made an effort to learn from the PAs and Doctors, constantly asking questions and trying to learn more about medicine. While working, sometimes averaging 60 hours a week, I took prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, as well as retaking sciences courses I didn't do well in during college. I earned A's in them. That helped my time management skills and organizational skills, which will help me succeed academically in PA school. Shadowing PAs - Jasmine Gasca, pediatric orthopedic PA - Jesus Reyes, primary care PA

What are the trends of healthcare in the United States?

One exciting trend is the growing popularity of the PA profession. #1 healthcare job in the US 140,000 practicing PAs trend towards optimal team practice: for example SB 697 Telemedicine - Due to COVID-19, many specialties had to resort to telemedicine, such as primary care. Although this is difficult for patients who may not have internet, I hope it may increase access by allowing for patients to be seen quicker by being able to be seen by a provider who may previously be out of the area. Repeal of the ACA - Currently the Supreme Court is hearing arguments for the Repeal of the ACA, which will decrease coverage for many underserved individuals - However, the court has said that they won't be repealing the entire law, just the individual mandate. Older Trends: - SUD (Substance Use Disorder): there is an opioid abuse epidemic in this country. - This is something that all providers, especially primary care providers will need to be aware and wary of

Why not MD/NP/RN?

PA makes the most sense to me. - job flexibility in lateral mobility, ability to manage your own patients (diagnose, treat, prescribe), astounding job growth, medical education model, 2-3 years of schooling, possibly another year if I consider additional training, less debt

How will politics influence PAs?

PA scope of practice and licensure is created through politics. Advocacy is extremely important to keep this field competitive, especially against other advanced practice practitioners. That is why I am a member of CAPA and AAPA and stay up to current events regarding the PA profession.

Are you aware of what a PA does?

PAs are advanced practice providers who evaluate patients, diagnose diseases, treat patients, and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician.

Pretend you are asked to speak to a group of high school students and explain the PA profession.

PAs are health care providers that had to complete 4 years of college and 2-3 years of post-college education. PAs generally have a masters now, and they have the ability to see patients, but under a doctors supervision. Not like doctors, (talk about schooling) And not like nurses (talk about schooling and scope). we all work together as a team to provide the best care to others.

Tell me what you know about laws for PAs in this state.

SB 697 - increases PA - eliminates a state-mandated PA-SP relationship through a DSA (Delegation of Services Agreement), Protocols and Formularies, and allows for a practice agreement - No longer mandates Chart Reviews or Requires Chart Co-signature; eases administrative burden - Prescriptions do not need the name, address and phone number for supervising physician

What are the negative aspects of being a PA?

So far, I have not seen any negative aspects to being a PA. My career is extremely important to me - I want to do something fulfilling that I would love for the rest of my life. I didn't chose this path lightly.

Tell us about healthcare reform.

The ACA (affordable care act) of 2010 made healthcare insurance more affordable to Americans by establishing state marketplaces that offered subsidized insurance policies. With recent years, certain aspects of the law have been made ineffective, such as the individual mandate, which fined anyone who did not sign up for an insurance policy. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case against the ACA, specifically the Individual Mandate. In California, SB 697, which repeals certain prohibitive aspects of the PA Practice Act such as: - eliminates a state-mandated PA-SP relationship through a DSA (Delegation of Services Agreement), Protocols and Formularies, and allows for a practice agreement - No longer mandates Chart Reviews or Requires Chart Co-signature; eases administrative burden - Prescriptions do not need the name, address and phone number for supervising physician

What do you know about the history of the PA profession.

The history of the PA profession is part of what enticed me to this career. PAs were created to improve and expand healthcare, as there was (and still are) a shortage of primary care providers. The first inaugural class was at Duke University Medical Center with Navy Corpsmen who had considerable medical training already. This profession was created to expand access to medical care and fulfill a public health need for more quality medical providers. This is why I want to be a PA. I want to decrease health inequity and provide a valuable service to my community.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read and finished was Medical Bondage. It is a research book written by a historian about the birth of American Gynecology and the role enslaved and poor immigrant women played. It looked into how the antebellum American ideas about race, health, and status influenced doctor-patient relationships. Doctors back then would advocate for patient consent, but how can an enslaved women give consent? What I took about from this book is that however unbiased and accepting healthcare workers try to be, we still bring our internal biases into our interactions. I believe to be a good clinician, we have to be self-aware of our prejudices and biases. I am also passionate about women's health - from working in the ER and my work with Sojuron Women's Shelter, i see a need for providers who can educate and empower women in their health. Similarly, I read "The Spirit Catches you and you fall down" and my main takeaway was similar. That our biases may compromise our ability to provide quality care, and we must be culturally competent to be good providers.

Standard of Care

The level of skill, knowledge, and care in diagnosis and treatment ordinarily possessed and exercised by other reasonably careful and prudent PAs in the same or similar circumstances at the time in question. With SB697 - PAs will be responsible to adhering to a standard of care.

Who is the most important member on a healthcare team?

The patient. - Everyone has an important role, from xyz. - However, we are all there to serve the patient. Everyone is a patient at some point in their lives, they are the ones who are coming to us healthcare workers and asking, please help me.

What has been the highlight of your undergraduate years?

Truly enjoyed my volunteering experiences, especially as a public health intern. - at risk youth - work in a group and made weekly visits to public housing - developed a public health curriculum, encouraging healthy behaviors, introducing health topics, encouraging further education - ignited my passion for public health. The ethos of PH still resonates with me, and is part of the reason for my passion to become a physician assistant. Increasing access to quality medical care decreases health inequity, and allows everyone a fair chance at life.

What extracurricular activity will benefit you most as a PA?

UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools I was a research assistant tasked with internet and library research on mental health and psychosocial concerns on school aged children. A project I was on was researching youth gangs in Los Angeles and their effect on student participation in schools. I learned to read and analyze academic papers and data. As a provider, I will have to be able to critically analyze medical papers and research to practice evidence-based research. In addition, in this role I saw another facet to health, which is the social determinants that can affect people's well-being. Doing well in school, having a supportive environment, whether its parents, teachers, or peers, having healthy food available, can all ultimately affect our health. As a PA, I need to be cognizant of my patient's social determinants to be the best provider I can be. Learn about my patients as a whole being, figure out their home life, their physical environment, and the choices available to them.

Why do you think you would be successful in PA school?

While working, at times averaging 60 hours a week, I took prerequisites like anatomy and physiology at UCLA extension and earned A's in them. In addition, I would shadow and volunteer. These experiences help me manage my time efficiently - I have become much more organized through using daily and monthly planners. Through working as a first responder in South LA and juggling my different responsibilities, I have learned to handle stress very well. I'm a planner and I try to be prepared - whether it is staying on top of my studies, making study guides as the class progresses and not just before an exam, to making sure all my rooms in the ER are well stocks at the beginning of my shift to knowing where all the equipment is for a code. I have the motivation and passion for this career. Ever since finding out about the PA profession in 2016, I have been working multiple jobs, taking classes, volunteering, and learning as much as I can about this field.

Have you been able to speak with current students?

Yes! - Sureshni - Many of the PAs I shadowed also graduated from USC. - great education, prepared for the workplace

Are there any laws you feel limit the PA profession unfairly? What law do you think limit PAs the most?

a couple of laws: 1. Mandating a specific PA-supervising physician relationship. 2. mandating chart review or co-signature 3. Delegation of Services Agreements, Protocols, and Formulates These laws diminishes the training PAs receive to make medical diagnoses and treatment plans. Thankfully with California's SB 697 both of these practices will be replaced with protocols for practice agreements that allow for more flexibility. 1 creates an administrative burden when hiring PAs and make this field less competitive to other providers. Relationships should be established on the practice level.

What qualities make a successful physician assistant?

empathy, passion for helping others, and intellectual curiosity, especially in medicine. The PAs I have shadowed that I admire all showed these qualities. Jasmine Gasca, orthopedic pediatric PA, would take her time with patients and their families. She used her medical spanish she learned at USC to make sure her spanish patients understand the procedures and what to expect. She called for translators for her Korean and Chinese patients, and made sure the family elders were present, which demonstrated cultural competency. She would have medical props in her rooms and toys in the waiting area. Many of the children and families are scared and suffering. Her calm and compassionate demeanor really set them at ease. Jesus Reyes, PA-C, worked at a PA-run HMO clinic in South Gate. I admired him especially because he was practicing in the neighborhood he grew up in. South Gate is underserved, with mostly hispanics and economically disadvantaged families living there. He used his PA education to go back to make a difference in his community. While shadowing him, he emphasized evidence-based medicine and keeping up with medical literature so patients receive the best care possible. Also generally, I believe being prepared and organized will help anyone, not just PAs be successful.