“I just implore everyone that is currently a student to keep your mind open to what you would like to practice. Don’t pigeonhole yourself. The options are abundant, so make yourself available to see what’s out there and what speaks to you.â€
Current Title:
I have technically transitioned to the Western Region APP (advanced practice provider) for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. However, I still technically function as a PA for the Western Region as a whole.
What made you realize you wanted to go into your chosen profession?
I think we all find ourselves in medicine because we are caretakers. We take into consideration the well-being of others, and we sincerely want them to live healthy, happy lives. Seeing someone else succeed is a success for me.
I was 30 when I decided to go back to school. I really enjoy working as a Physician Assistant (PA) because of the team mentality.
What made you decide to pursue a healthcare career?
Medicine is always changing and evolving. With each patient, you must consider what they are capable of and willing to do, and then apply the options available for their best outcomes. It’s a team mentality in most cases. You are working with someone to help them improve their long-term health and longevity. You’re also working with your team at your practice; nurses, pharmacists, MDs/DOs, therapists, admins, and on. I was an EMT for quite some time. I knew I was capable and competent in those situations.
How has your education at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ shaped your life?
³ûÄñÊÓƵ was the door that led to the best decision I’ve ever made. By walking through it I was granted the gift of helping people. I always say that PA school was difficult, but I would choose it again in a heartbeat.
Could you share some background information such as where you grew up, if you had family members in the healthcare profession, or if you were the first in your family to attend a professional school?
I am from a small town, Shiner, Texas. I was the first to attend post-graduate school, and the first to have a career focused on medicine. My undergraduate studies were in Mathematics.
What is your favorite memory from your time at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ?
I loved Anatomy and Physiology, specifically, the cadaver lab. Being able to understand the physical body through the kindness of those willing to allow us to learn was unbelievable. And of course, everyone remembers their first rotation. I went to the emergency department – it was jumping in with both feet from the get-go.
I also lived on campus. I was a resident advisor (RA). Being an RA as a PA student was challenging, but a lot of fun. I got to know a lot of other students in a lot of other disciplines. I got to check on people, see how they’re doing, and every time the dorm has an event everyone attends and it’s always fun.
In what ways have you given back to ³ûÄñÊÓƵ? How have you made a difference in your community?
I have always worked for non-profit agencies. I started at Cook County Jail in Chicago and currently work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Bastrop Texas. My career has solely been focused on helping the underserved through the correctional setting.
During one of my elective rotations through ³ûÄñÊÓƵ, I worked with a physician through Cook County. Just being able to be exposed to quality clinicians who are very influential through the elective program was what got my foot in the door with correctional medicine. Had I not worked with the clinician, I never would have known correctional medicine was an option.
What's keeping you busy now? Do you have any passion projects?
I transitioned into a new role as the Western Region APP (advanced practice provider) for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. I will have the chance to serve not only one institution but all of those within that region. In addition, I serve on a board within the Federal Bureau of Prisons that has the goal of advancing our profession through education, research, leadership, and advocacy. My hope is to shed light on what we do within the correctional setting and share how amazing and gratifying a career as a PA can be.
My go to out of office activity is mountain biking but also hiking and camping. I love to create opportunities to challenge myself physically and mentally.
Anything to add?
I just implore everyone that is currently a student to keep your mind open to what you would like to practice. Don’t pigeonhole yourself. The options are abundant, so make yourself available to see what’s out there and what speaks to you.
