Working with a PA Student Advisor: Mentee Tips
When you start in PA school, it is common to be paired with a graduate from the PA program you are attending. This PA alumni serves as a “PA student advisor”.
A PA student advisor is a currently practicing Physician Assistant (PA) who serves as a mentor and guide for you during your PA school education. They offer support, advice, and valuable insights based on their own experiences having gone through PA school and working as a practicing PA.
The role of a PA student advisor is to help you navigate through the challenges of PA school, provide guidance on academic and clinical matters, offer career advice, and foster professional growth. Through regular interactions and mentorship, PA student advisors play a pivotal role in helping shape your future career as an aspiring PA.
I. What to expect from PA Student Advisors
a) Insights from a Practicing PA
Your PA student advisor is not just a guide; the can be an instrumental part of your growth as a future Physician Assistant. Embrace the mentor-mentee relationship with enthusiasm and openness, recognizing the immense potential it holds for your personal and professional development.
Perspective as a former PA student: They can provide you with perspective from their experience as a former PA student having gone through the same curriculum, evaluations and clinical clerkship. They can discuss what they found helpful while studying.
Perspective as a former new PA Graduate on the Job Hunt: They have gone through the PA job hunt, secured employment, and now have experience as a practicing PA. They can provide advice on obtaining references, cover letter and resume writing.
Networking Opportunities for Clinical Placements/Rotations: One of the most significant advantages of working with a PA student advisor is gaining access to their professional network. As you build a strong rapport, they may introduce you to Physician Assistants and other healthcare professionals, potentially opening doors to observerships, clinical rotation preceptors, and potential job opportunities.
With your questions, you can expect practical advice, resources they found helpful, and encouragement.
b) A Personalized Support System
Although it may feel intimidating to reach out to your PA student advisor keep in mind that all PA student advisors have volunteered their time to work with PA students just starting in their careers.
Don’t be afraid because you aren’t sure what to ask, or because you’re afraid you are bothering them. You are not. PA student advisors are there and available because they want to be - to get to know you, listen, encourage and support you.
PA student advisors are not just mentors, they are caring and invested in supporting your growth.
Your PA student advisor is not just a mentor in a professional sense; they are a caring and invested supporter of your growth. They are there to listen to your concerns, celebrate your achievements, and provide encouragement during challenging times.
II. Initiating and Nurturing the PA Student Advisor-Advisee Relationship
Building a strong and productive mentor-mentee relationship with your PA student advisor requires active participation, open communication, and a sincere desire to learn and grow. Here are a few steps you can follow:
Initiate Contact with Enthusiasm: Take the initiative to reach out to your PA student advisor early on in your PA school journey. Whether it's through official channels provided by the school or networking events, don't hesitate to express your interest in being mentored. Approach the interaction with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn, as this will set a positive tone for the relationship. See section below for some sample email templates you can use with your PA student advisor.
Be Clear About Your Goals: Before meeting with your PA student advisor, take some time to reflect on your academic and professional goals. What do you hope to achieve during your time in PA school and beyond? Being clear about your objectives will help your advisor tailor their guidance to your specific needs and aspirations.
Have a Candid Discussion: Initiate a candid and open conversation with your advisor about your aspirations and expectations for the mentorship. Discuss your short-term and long-term goals, and seek their input on how they can support you in achieving them. Are you seeking assistance with academic challenges, career guidance, or overall personal and professional growth? Understanding the scope will help your advisor tailor their support to your specific needs.
Open Lines of Communication: Be proactive in initiating regular check-ins with your advisor (e.g. every few weeks). Whether it's through face-to-face meetings, email, or virtual calls, maintaining open lines of communication will ensure that you stay on track and receive timely feedback.
Be Open to Feedback: As you work closely with your PA student advisor, be receptive to feedback and constructive criticism. Embrace each opportunity to learn and grow, as feedback is a vital component of your professional development. A willingness to accept and implement suggestions will demonstrate your dedication to improvement.
Seek Guidance on Challenges: Don't hesitate to seek your advisor's guidance when facing challenges or uncertainties during PA school. They have likely encountered similar obstacles in their own journey through PA school and PA career and can provide valuable insights to help you overcome them. Remember, they are there to be your ally through the ups and downs of your journey.
Be Proactive in Your Learning: Take an active role in your mentorship by coming prepared to your meetings with thoughtful questions and topics for discussion.
Show Gratitude and Appreciation: Always express your gratitude and appreciation to your PA student advisor for their time, guidance, and support. A simple thank-you note or a heartfelt acknowledgment of their impact can go a long way.
III. What to ask your PA Student Advisor
Actively seeking guidance from your PA student advisor is essential for maximizing the benefits of mentorship during your PA education journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn from their expertise and real-world experiences, and don't hesitate to discuss both academic and personal challenges.
Here are a few examples of what you can seek guidance around:
Discuss Academic Progress: During your interactions with your PA student advisor, discuss your academic progress openly - whether its good or bad. Share your achievements and areas where you feel you need improvement. Your advisor can offer strategies and resources to help you excel academically, whether it's study tips or additional learning materials.
Seek Advice on Challenging Situations: Encountering challenges is an inevitable part of any educational journey. Don't hesitate to seek advice from your advisor when faced with difficult situations. They have likely faced similar challenges in their own career and can provide valuable insights on how to overcome them.
Time Management: PA school requires a substantial amount of studying and academic rigor, which can be overwhelming for some students, especially when balancing multiple courses and assignments simultaneously. Advisors can offer study tips, time management strategies, and resources to help students manage the rigorous academic demands of PA school effectively.
Stress Management: The fast-paced and high-pressure nature of PA school can lead to stress and anxiety you strive to meet academic expectations and excel in their clinical rotations. PA student advisors can provide advice on stress reduction techniques, self-care practices, and coping strategies to help you navigate the high-stress environment of PA school. They can also be a supportive ear if you are dealing with uncertainty, stress, or personal challenges, offering empathy and understanding.
Balancing Personal and Academic Life: Finding a balance between personal commitments, social life, and the demands of PA school can be challenging, requiring effective time management and prioritization skills. Advisors can offer guidance on achieving a healthy work-life balance, setting realistic expectations, and managing personal commitments alongside academic responsibilities.
Long Hours and Clinical Rotations: You will often have long hours during clinical rotations, which can be physically and mentally demanding, especially when adapting to different healthcare settings. Advisors can offer guidance on achieving a healthy work-life balance, setting realistic expectations, and managing personal commitments alongside academic responsibilities.
Clinical Decision-Making: Clinical reasoning (coming up with what investigations to order, assessment and plan) is skill acquired through PA school. If you are struggling with this aspect on tests or during clinical rotations, your PA student advisor can provide advice and guidance on how to master this skill.
Handling Feedback and Evaluations: Receiving constructive feedback and evaluations from preceptors and faculty can be challenging, but it's essential for personal and professional growth. Advisors can assist you in interpreting feedback constructively, setting goals for improvement, and fostering a growth mindset in response to evaluations.
Adapting to Different Clinical Settings: You have to adjust to working in various clinical settings with different patient populations and healthcare teams, which can be a learning curve. Advisors can share their experiences in clinical rotations, offer tips for adapting to different settings, and provide mentorship during challenging clinical scenarios.
Preparation and Performance on Exams: There are multiple evaluations you will have during PA School (written tests, OSCE, Clinical Exam Skills). Advisors can suggest study resources, review strategies, and offer encouragement during your exam preparation.
What elective rotations to complete: In addition to mandatory core rotations (e.g. Family medicine, Internal Medicine, ER, Surgery), there are a few elective rotations where you get to pick. You can ask your PA student advisor for suggestions or advice on where to pick your elective.
Navigating Uncertainty in Career Paths: Some students may face uncertainty in selecting their desired specialty or deciding between various career paths after graduation. PA student advisors can provide career guidance, discuss different specialty options, and help students navigate the process of deciding on a career path after graduation.
Explore Additional Learning Resources: Beyond the formal curriculum, your advisor can recommend additional learning resources to broaden your understanding of specific medical topics or enhance your clinical skills. These resources may include textbooks, online courses, medical journals, or reputable websites that offer valuable insights into your areas of interest.
Arranging an Observership with your PA Student Advisor: If possible, inquire with your advisor about the potential to shadow them during their work hours. Shadowing expose you to real-world patient care scenarios, allowing you to observe different medical practices and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Leverage Their Professional Network: Your PA student advisor's professional network is a valuable resource for your future career. They may introduce you to other healthcare professionals, potential mentors, or job opportunities.
Seek Career Guidance: As you progress through your PA education, your career aspirations may evolve. Don't hesitate to discuss your career goals with your advisor. They can offer guidance on different specialties, potential employers, cover letter and resume writing, and opportunities for growth.
IV. Sample Emails to send to your PA Student Advisor
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Dear [PA Student Advisor's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am thrilled to be starting my journey as a PA student at [Your PA School Name].
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with a seasoned and experienced PA like yourself.
As I begin this journey, I would truly appreciate an opportunity to connect [via email or a phone call] to discuss my goals, challenges.
I believe your guidance and insights will be instrumental in guiding me towards success in both academics and clinical practice.
Please let me know if you are available for a meeting at your earliest convenience. I am flexible and willing to work around your schedule. Additionally, I would appreciate any advice you may have on how I can make the most of this mentorship experience and contribute positively to the PA community.
Thank you for considering my request. Your mentorship means a great deal to me, and I am genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to learn from you.
Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Contact Number] -
Subject:
Seeking Guidance on Approaching Learning in PA SchoolEmail:
Dear [PA Student Advisor's Name],
As I progress through my studies, I have some questions regarding the best strategies to optimize my learning experience. I would be immensely grateful if you could spare some time to share your expertise and offer guidance on the following:
Time Management: How can I effectively balance my academic responsibilities, clinical rotations, and personal commitments? Are there any specific time management techniques that have worked well for you during your PA education?
Study Techniques: What study methods do you recommend to retain information effectively and perform well in exams and clinical assessments? Are there any resources or study materials you found particularly valuable during your PA education?
Clinical Exposure: I have the opportunity to reach out to different HCPs to arrange for half day observerships during first year. Do you have suggestions on which clinical areas/practice settings I should got exposure to?
Your insights on these matters would be invaluable to me, and I am genuinely excited to implement your advice to enhance my learning experience in PA school. Your mentorship means a great deal to me, and I am eager to learn from your expertise and experiences.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Contact Number] -
Subject:
Request for Half-Day Observership OpportunityEmail:
Dear [PA Student Advisor's Name],As I progress in my PA education, I am seeking opportunities to gain valuable insights into different specialties and clinical practices. Your wealth of knowledge and dedication to patient care have made you an inspiring role model for me, and I believe observing you working as a PA in [specialty] would be a valuable learning experience.
I am writing to kindly inquire if it would be possible to complete a half-day observership with you at your convenience. I understand that your schedule may be busy, but even a brief opportunity to shadow you would be immensely beneficial to my growth as a future PA.
During the observership, I am keen on observing your interactions with patients, your approach to clinical decision-making, and the collaborative nature of your work with other healthcare professionals. I believe witnessing these aspects of your practice will provide me with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of being a Physician Assistant.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if a half day observership would be feasible, and I will be more than happy to discuss further details at your convenience.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Contact Number] -
Subject:
Selecting Elective Rotations for 2nd year PA SchoolEmail:
Dear [PA Student Advisor's Name],I hope this email finds you well. As second year of PA school approaches, we were provided a schedule for our 2nd year PA school clinical rotations. I am faced with the exciting opportunity to select elective rotations in specialties that will shape my path towards becoming a PA.
I am reaching out to you as my esteemed PA student advisor because I greatly value your experience and insights in the medical field. Your expertise and dedication to patient care have been an inspiration to me, and I believe your guidance will be invaluable as I navigate this critical phase of my education.
The wide range of clinical elective specialties available is both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. I am eager to make well-informed decisions that align with my interests, strengths, and long-term career goals. I would be immensely grateful if you could spare some time to offer your expertise and advice on how to select a specialty to complete my elective rotations in.
A few questions I had include:
Assessing My Interests: How can I evaluate my interests in different medical specialties? Are there specific factors I should consider when choosing my clinical electives?
Aligning with Future Goals: How can I ensure that the clinical electives I select align with my long-term career aspirations? Are there any specialties that may provide a strong foundation for my desired career path?
Diverse Clinical Experiences: Should I prioritize exploring various specialties or focus on deepening my experience in a specific area? How can I strike a balance between diverse exposure and specialized knowledge?
Overcoming Uncertainties: If I am uncertain about a particular specialty, how can I approach the decision-making process with confidence and open-mindedness?
Your mentorship in this matter would mean the world to me, and I am eager to learn from your experiences and insights. Your guidance will undoubtedly contribute significantly to my decision-making process, and I am excited to embark on this journey with your expert advice.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Contact Number] -
Subject:
Seeking Guidance on Finding a Job after PA SchoolEmail:
Dear [PA Student Advisor's Name],As I approach the completion of my PA education, I am both excited and slightly anxious about the prospect of finding a job that aligns with my passion and career goals.
As I prepare to transition from PA school to the professional world, I would be immensely grateful if you could share your expertise and advice on the following:
Timing of Applying for PA Jobs: At what point should I start applying for PA Jobs? Should I wait until I finish PA school or start before I graduate?
Cover Letter and Resume Writing Tips: Do you have any tips or examples of cover letters or resumes that would help me showcase my skills and qualifications? Would you be willing to edit or review my cover letter and resume?
Navigating Job Interviews: How can I prepare for job interviews and present myself confidently as a qualified PA candidate? Are there any common interview questions that I should be ready to address?
Evaluating Job Offers: When evaluating job offers, what factors should I consider to ensure the position aligns with my long-term career aspirations?
Evaluating Job Offers: When evaluating job offers, what factors should I consider to ensure the position aligns with my long-term career aspirations?
Thank you for considering my request. Your mentorship has had a profound impact on my growth as a PA student, and I genuinely look forward to the opportunity to seek your advice on successfully navigating the job market upon graduating from PA school.
Warmest regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Contact Number]
Final notes
Remember, as an advisee/mentee, you hold the reins to your own growth and success. Your dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm will determine how much you gain from this valuable mentorship experience. Utilize the guidance and support of your PA student advisor to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
