Interview Prep
Can you tell us a little about our program?
-27 months long -102 credits total, 66 credits in the didactic portion and 36 in clinical -in 2019, class size was around 40 -Must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continue and graduate from the program -Minimum of C -In 2019, PANCE pass rate was a 90% for first time test takers
Do you see the healthcare system changing in 5-10 years? How will this affect PAs?
-Absolutely, we live in a time where things are constantly evolving -There will definitely be an expansion as our population continues to increase and more people will be seeking medical attention -PAs will me more utilized in response to this, as there will be an increase need for medical providers -It's possible that within 10 years, PAs may have more responsibilities, even schooling may be come 3 years as opposed to 2
How has your background prepared you for the intense physical and mental training to become a PA?
-Academics -Getting my EMT license in under 3 months -> completely new to me it was my first time actually studying medicine and healthcare and not just typical science courses -Vigorous, but I loved it -Working as an EMT and balancing my academics -Shadowing really opened my eyes to the profession - Attending CMEs
How would you cope with having to give bad news to kids/parents/ anyone?
-Be delicate but not in a way where you're coming across as emotional -Assure that I am being clear with whatever news I am delivering and displaying compassion -Remind them that I'm always here and I'm going to do my very best to take care of them and if other specialists are needed assure that I'm going to recommend the best ones and that they'll always be in good hands
What do you know about Pace University?
-Campus locations -> 3 in NYC & Pleasantville, White Plains (school of law) -Mascot is a Setter -Ranked #1 among private, 4 year institutions in the nation by Harvard University's Opportunity Insights -President=Marvin Krislov
What speciality are you interested in pursuing and why?
-Cardiology, Dermatology or Family Medicine. -> Cardiology bc of shadowing -> Derm bc of my personal interests/stories -> Family Medicine bc it's probably the #1 speciality that will allow you to see every patient population regarding age. Legitimately from newborns to elder individuals. Also serve as a patient's first contact for health concerns, love the variety you would see. -Also, family medicine is considered primary care and there is a shortage of primary care providers so if could aid in this issue, especially in underserved communities, my career would be that much more meaningful.
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?
-Coming from a rural area, I can see how some people living in the cities may say that they would be open to working in rural areas, but once they try it out, they realize it is not a fit for them, or they cannot adapt so they move back to more urban settings. -Rural settings can be difficult for some people, but once you understand the way of life and work, it can be a meaningful place to settle in to.
What are your strengths as an applicant?
-Communication skills -Effective under pressure -Proficient in time management -Dedicated, I'll do what it takes to get a job done -Respectful (combative pts) -Hands on learner and team player I thrive in collaborative environments -I want this, I want to learn and expand my knowledge I want to excel and pass the PANCE and make your program proud.
What do you feel is the single most important quality a PA should possess?
-Confidence and compassion, do I have to choose one? I'd say confidence. -PAs need to have strong patient assessment skills and good judgment. - They need to have confidence in their abilities and decision making. -Keep in mind that confidence does not mean "winging it" when you are unsure of what to do. Knowing when you are in over your head and need help is also a sign of good judgment -If a patient can see you're confident, then they're going to have more trust in you -Trust is one of the most important aspects of a patient/provider relationship
Sometimes PAs have to make tough choices for their patients. Can you think of a moral problem that may come up?
-Definitely a scenario where what a patient needs go against their beliefs or religion. -For example, I know if a patient were a Jehovah Witness and they needed a blood transfusion, this would be a sticky situation because receiving blood goes against their beliefs.
What 3 words would others use to describe you?
-Determined -Compassionate -Reliable
Name a quality you saw in a PA/doctor/etc. you shadowed that you no NOT want to embody as a physician assistant/
-Dismissing what a patient says -Belittling a patient because "you're the provider" -Making a patient feel as if they're crazy for having an opinion
History of PA profession
-Dr. Eugene Stead, who was a physician at the Duke University Medical Center is responsible for establishing the PA profession in 1965 he put together the first class of PAs who were individuals that served the military with medical training. -Originally the PA profession was created to improve and expand healthcare. -In the 1960s there was a shortage of primary care physicians and PAs were instrumental in aiding underserved communities as an extension of supervising physicians, to further provide high quality care to a larger magnitude of people. -The first PA class graduated from the Duke University PA program in 1967.
What makes you stand out from other applicants?
-Even after applying, I'm still trying to increase my chances of being accepted with online shadowing which further proves my dedication. -I know that I have the GPA and the hard skills and the qualifications to become a skillful PA, but I also know my competition does too. -But being a great provider is so much more than possessing the knowledge and expertise to treat patients at the physical level. -You also have to make patients feel safe and display that you're there through every aspect physically, mentally and emotionally. -I'm a people person.
Tell us about your overall academic performance. Where have you excelled, where could you improve?
-Excelled: -> the more interesting I found a class, the more I excelled/ I absolutely loved my A&P classes and labs, principles of human diseases -> Focus on the human body -> Thrived in courses that focused on team based learning -> Also my psychology courses I absolutely love and performed extremely well because of my high interest - Improved: ->classes with a chemistry component, not that I performed poorly I definitely had less of interest, studying kind of felt like a drag at times -> I had this not so wise mentality, particularly my freshman and sophomore year where if something was confusing me and if I sought help and I still wasn't getting it, I would focus on other things and pray to god it wouldn't be on the test
What parts of becoming a PA are you most excited about?
-Expand my knowledge and expertise, I love learning especially in areas I'm passionate about. -Francis Bacon once said knowledge is power and I am a firm believer with that statement. -I know that this is the career path I'm meant to do and I'm excited to grow within the classroom -Make relationships with classmates and staff
What would you do if a patient refused a blood transfusion due to their beliefs?
-First, I would make sure that they are in the right mind to make these decisions. If they are not a minor and are an adult and are in the right mind -Explain to them the risks of not getting it and really try to get it through to them that this could save your life. And if they fully understand that, and still choose not to, I would not do it. -I respect their decision. They have control of their own body regardless of what I believe is best for them.
What are your 3 biggest accomplishments?
-Graduated from my undergrad magna cum laude -Working with an accredited EMS agency and getting my current job -My fitness journey
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
-Hope to be a working physician assistant -Beginning to start my own family -Still in NY -Successul -Member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Why should we accept you?
-I am consistent, I am a great test takes-would pass the PANCE, -I work really hard, -I have an intense interest in medicine, so I would enjoy it. -I have leadership experience and tend to act as a leader -Professional, -love patients, - love volunteering and will continue to do so -Know how to build appropriate relationships with patients
Have you done anything to increase your chances of being accepted to the PA program?
-I know how immensely competitive it is to apply to PA school. That being said I have worked extremely hard to achieve high grades and get my GPA to a competitive level. -Also working in EMS has allowed me to interact with various patient populations and has showed me that I am able to effectively think and work under pressure -Taken a year off to gain more PCE -MA position to work closely with MD an NP for more medical experience -Continue online shadowing
Why should we accept you over another student with the same qualifications?
-I want to the be the best, I don't just want be a PA, I want to be a phenomenal one. -I want to be help your program be even more successful and further improve success rates and I truly believe with my dedication, I can do so -I am a people person and I have a special ability of connecting with patients and having then opening up and trusting me
What is something you were hoping we'd ask you? What is something you were hoping we wouldn't ask you?
-I was hoping if you'd ask if you truly thought I was ready for PA school, the answer is yes -I was hoping you weren't going to ask about my C+ on organic chem. That grade has zero reflection on my academic capability. -Also I'm really glad you didn't ask me to tell you a joke
Is your GPA an accurate representation of your knowledge base? It is very high. Did you actually retain all of that information?
-I would say yes it is, I worked immensely hard during my undergrad I can assure you that my grades aren't from impressive guessing skills -I have such an interest in science and medicine and the human body that when it came to studying it was easier to retain information because of my high interest with subjects. -Of course there's always going to be some topics that need some refreshing but I would say I do have an above average understanding in science subjects and this information was further reinforced as I'm healthcare worker
Your supervising MD tells you to do something you know is dead wrong, what do you do?
-I would take a step back and analyze the situation and try to understand the thought process of why the physician made that order -If I was still unsure, I would consult the ordering physician and determine why he chose that treatment. Perhaps it was by mistake by me or by physician If I know with 100% certainty that it is a mistake that can harm the patient I would not follow those orders and tell the supervising physician that I am not comfortable with performing. -Explain why I believe so and try to come to a consensus.
Do you know national and state level PA regulations?
-In NY, PAs have the ability to write prescriptions
What is Medicare vs. Medicaid?
-Medicare: medical coverage for those at least 65 that all citizens are entitles to -Medicaid: medical coverage based upon financial standing
What are your weaknesses and how do you plan to correct them?
-My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have trouble saying 'no' to requests and end up taking on more than I can handle. -"People pleaser" -In a PA program, if I'm putting in extra work for someone else, it's doing way more harm than good because then that person isn't taking the time to become a diligent PA. -I'll always help my classmates but if someone were to ask to send me an entire study guide I made because they were slacking off it would not be fair. -Being very critical of myself -> yoga, mediate, journal
Why are you interested in our program?
-My personal beliefs align with the mission -I admire the core values à commitment to quality care, cultural competence, inter-professional collaboration -I consider myself to be a hands on learner and thrive best in environments that concentrate on the application of knowledge -Understanding how to apply knowledge is, in my opinion, key to truly comprehending material, and is vital to the longevity of knowledge as well. -Not only do I consider myself to be a hands on learner, but I find myself more likely to succeed with enhanced student engagement as I excelled in my undergraduate courses that relied heavily on team based learning. -This accounts as to why I immediately became drawn to the ambitions of this program, as it strives for successful functioning of providers through inter-professional teamwork. -Not far from home
How does a PA fit into the healthcare model?
-PAs can be integrated in most parts of the healthcare field. -They're trained as generalists and can respond to changes in healthcare. -PAs fill the gap in medicine and can provide aid to underserved communities as they extend physician care. -Also PAs play a versatile role, sure they work within a team but they still face autonomy and can lead medical staff while supporting the physician. -They also promote health education and care coordination.
What are the pros and cons of EMRs an integrating more technology into healthcare?
-PROS : o Improved accessibility -> allows members of the healthcare team to access records more easily o Reduced errors -> errors that originated from misinterpreted handwriting or transcription errors. Also electronic charts pop up flags when something is entered incorrectly or missing o Improved efficiency -> there's quicker documentation which can benefit patients needing rapid treatment - CONS: o Technical malfunctions à if the system goes down, welp, there goes everything! o Less patient interaction à patients feel as if their providers are spending too much time staring at the computer screen more than they lay eyes on them o Cost -> EMRs are expensive. The software itself and then you have to train staff how to use the software
If you could choose another healthcare profession, what would it be?
-Paramedic, really loved EMS and working as a team
What issues do PAs face now or in the future?
-Patients wanting to see MD -Negative connotation with hearing the word assistant -Lack of trust and respect from people who don't understand our level of education/training as providers
What is primary care?
-Primary care is the day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider. -Typically, this provider acts as the first contact and principal point of continuing care for patients within a healthcare system, and coordinates other specialist care that the patient may need.
What part of becoming a PA do you think will be the most difficult?
-Sacrificing time away from family and friends. I'm ready to devote my time to my studies but I'm definitely not going to be able to see my loved ones as much I might experience some FOMO.
How do your personal beliefs align with our mission?
-Seeing that Pace's mission is to educate PAs to go into primary care, I believe that I would get the education I need to serve my future patients most effectively. -I believe and value in high quality patient care for all individuals, despite racial or ethnic differences. With that stated, I became further enthralled with this program as it works to educate students on the importance of effective patient interactions amongst diverse backgrounds. I admire this program's teachings of sensitivity to all patient populations, and promoting quality health care to underserved communities
What do you think are the 3 most important aspects in evaluating a PA program?
-Success/ PANCE pass rate -Values and mission of program -Curriculum, staff, class size
We want students who have a true passion for medicine. What appeals to you most about working in the medical field?
-The medical field empowers you to help people and make differences in the lives of everyday people and I can't picture any other career that would create such satisfaction -Also I love to challenge myself and medicine is full of challenges and medical anomalies I want to be presented a case that boggles everyone, and to be the one to solve it and say I did that.
Why did you choose PA over these professions?
-The more I learned about the PA profession, the more captivated I became to this career path -The idea of being trained as a generalist you have the ability to change specialties throughout your lifetime à that's a sense of versatility and flexibility you really can't see with any other healthcare career -I am definitely a team player; I work well on my own as well but I thrive in collaborative environments -I still face autonomy -> misconception of hearing a physician supervises you that they watch your every move - Continuously learning from team members -Being a female, I want to start my own family one day -> 2 years of schooling, allows me to really jumpstart my life and my career as I'll be caring for and treating patients in as little as 27 months.
How do you think physician assistants learn to be compassionate?
-Through patient contact and dealing with the not so fun cases. -We learn to be compassionate at a really young age and our compassion can be enhanced throughout or lifetime. For some people, however, that's not the case, some people are just cold!
What is the mission statement of Pace?
-To educate its students in a rigorous learning environment to cultivate graduate students that are dedicated to patient care and treating patients with the utmost respect and compassion. Also to educate students on diversity to produce exceptional providers who understand how to treat diverse communities. -Recognize and meet others needs -Emphasis on primary care
How do you plan to pay for your education?
Definitely by taking out loans. I've also been looking into the National Health Service Corps Scholarship
Why do you want to be a PA?
For starters, from early in my life, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. I was always so naturally inclined to help others and now at this point in my life, I want a career that is meaningful and fulfilling and will allow me to drive my passion to help people to the next level. I want to make a difference in a society and I have such an immense passion for medicine and the human body that I know deep down this is the career path for me. Why PA specifically, because you know even as an EMT I was helping people, but like I said I want to drive my passion and advance my education The more I learned about the PA profession, the more captivated I became to this career path -The idea of being trained as a generalist you have the ability to change specialties throughout your lifetime à that's a sense of versatility and flexibility you really can't see with any other healthcare career (lateral mobility) -I am definitely a team player; I work well on my own as well but I thrive in collaborative environments -I still face autonomy -> misconception of hearing a physician supervises you that they watch your every move - Continuously learning from team members -Team player, PAs work with doctors, nurses, medical assistants -Being a female, I want to start my own family one day -> 2 years of schooling, allows me to really jumpstart my life and my career as I'll be caring for and treating patients in as little as 27 months. -more job satisfaction vs .burnout -> career isn't as demanding I really do have a passion for medicine, you can never stop learning in medicine there's always something new
What role do you assume in a team setting? Give an example.
Leader -Great at communication and not afraid to speak up -When I become crew chief at my EMS agency I loved taking charge on calls (Paramedics loved that too. I remember this one call where I took initiative and the paramedic was like well you;re making my job a lot easier.) -Also when it came to school projects, I was 9/10 times the one to get the group together or start the group chat and be the voice of the group
What is a PA/ define what a PA does?
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision/ collaboration. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, assist in surgery, and in most states can write prescriptions. They work in a variety of settings from primary care to specialized surgery. -PAs play a vital role in increasing healthcare access as well as quality healthcare; holistically
What kind of stress do you see associated with the PA profession?
Profession: -Encounter a supervising physician that never sees eye to eye with me or always tries to change my plan of care. -I also see people requesting to see a doctor and thinking that I am unqualified to address their illness. -Lack of trust and respect from people who don't understand our level of education/training as providers
What is your opinion on socialized vs privatized healthcare?
Socialized- universal healthcare, makes healthcare more accessible, prevents people from going bankrupt from medical expenses. However, providers don't benefit as much Privatized- benefits provider over patient, but private insurance means things will get done faster
Would you like to work in a private practice or hospital?
This is something I have thought about -Hospital: provides more clinical activity and requires more team work and you're constantly going to be seeing different patients which is great because I like seeing different things and you never know what's going to walk through the door -Private: I can see developing more long-term relationships with patients as patients choose to see the same provider, it's also more of a controlled environment o I can see a PA experiencing more autonomy whereas in a hospital more frequently running things by your attending physician -At this point in my life, I don't have a solid answer and it's something I definitely about myself and my personal preferences while in PA school
What is the difference between an MD, NP and PA?
§ PA o medical school model background o attain a bachelor's degree in any major as long as you complete program prerequisites o obtain masters (2 years) o have a supervising MD o trained as generalist and can change specilities § NP o Nursing school model background o Have a bachelors in nursing and then proceed for masters o Take NCLEX after graduation to become an RN prior to moving forward o Obtain masters of science in nursing (2-3) years o Can work more independently or own their own practices o Trained in specific patient population v PAs and NPs both considered Advanced Practice Providers v Essentially they both perform the same tasks, but the main difference is an NP does not need supervision or collaboration with a physician (FPAà full practice authority state) § Doctor o Go through med school complete a residency o More autonomy than a PA as they supervise o MDs tend to work longer hours than their PA counterparts, are more likely to do on-call work, and have lower job satisfaction and fewer options to change things up if they begin to burn out in their chosen specialty. o Open their own practices