interviews

If you are a physician assistant and you post a status on Facebook that offends one of your patients, how do you handle the situation?

First, I would hopefully have taken care to avoid this situation as I would not become friends with patients on social media unless I have known them in a separate, social context. That being said, were this to happen I would remove the post and if they had been vocal about their unhappiness I would attempt to communicate with them so that I could understand their side of things and apologize if and when appropriate.

If a patient was brain dead and on life support, how would you make the decision on whether to discontinue life support?

First, I would need to consult with neurological experts to confirm that this patient was without a doubt brain dead and unable to recover. Second, I would discuss with the patient's family the realities of discontinuing vs. continuing life support as well as gather any information there may be about what the patient's or the family's wishes would be in this situation. In the end, it is not my decision, I am only able to present the facts as it is ultimately up to the patient's family or loved ones.

If you were a villain, which would you be?

Hades. A god who contrary to popular belief was not necessarily "evil." In fact, his role is vital in maintaining balance in the world.

If you were an element, which would you be and why?

Helium. Not only is it a noble gas, making it desirably stable, it has also been used to bring joy and laughter to parties for decades!

If you had a pencil, tell me three things you would do with the pencil beside write or erase.

Keep behind my ear, tap on the table, knot my hair back.

If you can agree with me that a transaction takes place when you go to a physician assistant (your insurance or your cash pays the doc for his service), then what is the product that a physician assistant provides in one word?

Knowledge.

Would you rather be a catcher or the pitcher?

Personally, I would rather be the catcher as from their position one can see and evaluate the entire field. And while there may be no great glory or recognition as a catcher it is an important, steady role in ensuring success for the entire team.

How do you feel about not being close to a mall?

Proximity to a mall is really a non-factor for me as I live close to one now and rarely ever go. Also, nowadays there are almost more online shopping options than one could ever need!

What type of cookie would you be?

Sand tarts (a kind of mix between a sugar cookie and shortbread). Make them every holiday season with my grandmother so I associate them with family and good memories.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Spiderman. Has been my favorite since I've been young and even more so now that I'm older. Perfect balance between great, serious responsibility and a positive, humorous outlook.

Why do applicants frequently tend to say they want to work in rural areas, but we still have a lack of providers in these areas?

Well, I don't believe that this phenomenon is the result of intentional deception on the part of the applicants but rather simply a lack of experience. What I mean is that most applicants from more urban or suburban areas likely imagine rural areas to be different than they truly are, perhaps more glamorous for lack of a better term, so that after spending actual time in these places they no longer desire to provide care there for some unexpected reason or another.

As a PA school instructor, should I recommend my students offer abortions?

I believe that as an instructor one should be providing a neutral eduction. In the case of abortion or other similarly controversial topics like assisted suicide, the information should be presented completely and objectively so that students are able to decide for themselves what they are and are not comfortable with offering as a medical provider based on their individual values and beliefs.

How would you solve the obesity epidemic we see in America?

I do not believe that there is any simple, single answer to this question as I am not sure America's obesity epidemic can just be "solved." I do believe though that there are many, many things we can do to educate the public and encourage them to live healthier lifestyles not just for themselves but for those around them. For instance, teaching nutrition more extensively in schools, providing nutrition literature or brochures at grocery stores, and widely circulating information to combat the stigma that eating healthier is too expensive.

Thirty-percent of PA students report symptoms of depression during PA school. How do you feel your experiences will aid you if you experience similar symptoms during school?

I have already over the past ten years experienced rough patches related to schooling, but these experiences have helped me to grow so much. I am now more in touch with myself and my mental health and am confident that I will be able to recognize the possible warning signs and symptoms of depression early so that I may make the changes and seek the help necessary to avoid it becoming too severe.

How do you feel about abortion? Contraceptives?

I support both abortion and contraceptives, as long as they are being sought out or used only by patient choice as well as under the appropriate medical conditions.

What would you do if one of your patients came up to you on the street before a long weekend and asked for their prescription? The only other option they have is a $300+ emergency visit.

I would do all I could to properly and safely help my patient get their prescription. This may involve me heading to the office (assuming it is open), reviewing their chart, and calling in their prescription as long as it is appropriate given the timing and my patient's current health status. Obviously, this scenario is highly dependent on what exact medication and dosage my patient is asking for.

I'm a father of four, and you found out I have stage IV pancreatic cancer how are you going to tell me?

I would first discuss this diagnosis with you privately. I would certainly do so with a great amount of compassion though I would make sure to remain professional and tell you in a straight forward manner. Along with the diagnosis itself, if desired by you, I would discuss further what treatment and/or support resources may be available in addition to discussing if and how you would like your family to be told.

You have discovered your patient has non-treatable cancer, and his wife and son request you not tell the patient the truth about his diagnosis - what would you do?

I would kindly and professionally explain to my patient's wife and son that my patient is my priority and that this diagnosis is theirs so they have a right to know the truth. I would continue to explain to them how keeping the diagnosis from my patient could negatively affect their care and further treatment decisions. I would also gladly discuss with my patient's family the way in which they think it would be best to disclose the diagnosis and after making sure my patient would indeed like to know what was discovered I would proceed in telling my patient the full, true diagnosis in their preferred way.

How would you consult with a family who has a son that needs a leg amputated?

I would present the family with the facts of the case while empathetic but still professional. I would also offer to provide them with resources that may help in this case, such as therapists or support groups, and, if time permitting, possibly offer the option of a second opinion given that it is quite a serious "diagnosis."

Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world and why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world I would love to go to Tuvalu, which is a small island nation in the South Pacific.