Eden, Manitoba Haematology-Oncology PA
Eden is a Manitoba PA Graduate and currently works in Acute Leukemia, Bone Marrow Transplant as a Physician Assistant!
Eden shares her path to becoming a PA, the pivotal moments that shaped her decision, and the appeal of this dynamic profession.
Discovering the PA Profession in Canada
Eden's passion for healthcare and science emerged during her undergraduate years. Having earned her degree in Microbiology, she joined a National Microbiology Lab, delving into the intricate world of viral STDs and bio examinations. However, it was her later transition to the Bio Repository Laboratory that sparked her curiosity about other career possibilities.
"I heard about [the PA profession] twice. The first time was during my undergrad, but it required prior healthcare experience, which I didn't have at that point," recalls Eden.
Her second encounter with the PA profession occurred while working in the lab.
Faced with some downtime, she explored alternative paths, considering a master's in medical microbiology or pursuing medicine. A serendipitous moment unfolded when she discovered that the PA program no longer mandated prior healthcare experience, igniting a newfound interest in this versatile field.
Choosing to pursue PA
Eden was drawn to the PA career due to its multifaceted nature. One of the key aspects that appealed to her was the opportunity to work in various medical specialties, enabling continuous learning and growth.
She expressed her excitement, stating, "What really drawn me to the physician assistant career is that it allows you to work at different specialties, especially if you want to learn different things."
The quality of life that the PA profession offers was also a significant factor in her decision. Unlike the prolonged years of medical school, the PA program spanned a concise two years, providing an optimal balance between rigorous study and practical experience. Eden emphasized the flexibility in working hours, from call shifts to daytime shifts, which added to the appeal of the career.
Applying to Manitoba’s PA Program
For aspiring students eyeing Manitoba's PA program, Eden DuPont offers valuable advice on how to stand out among the pool of applicants.
She emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and engaging in activities that demonstrate passion and originality. "I find that we look for people that have that drive to do a little bit more," she shares.
While having a strong foundation in basic sciences and a dedicated work ethic is essential, the program also seeks candidates who have conducted thorough research on the capabilities of a PA, showcasing their commitment to the profession.
Eden’s Learning Experience in Manitoba’s PA Program
1st year of PA School
Eden's experience in the PA program was nothing short of intense and immersive. The first year of the program, divided into three semesters, requiring students to absorb vast amounts of medical knowledge.
Starting with the fundamentals of biochemistry and physiology, the curriculum gradually introduced medicine and continued to build physical examination and clinical skills.
Early exposure to shadowing PAs and doctors each week allowed students to witness the profession in action.
The program kept students on their toes, with weekly tests and presentations from various courses. There was also a research component to the program that encouraged students to explore their interests in healthcare. Eden fondly recalls the camaraderie and the learning atmosphere during the first year, as students bonded over their shared passion for medicine.
Challenges of 2nd year of PA School
The second year of the PA program presented a new set of challenges as students went on rotations. While the first year was spent closely knit with a group of 12 peers, the second year separated students as they ventured out to different hospitals for their core rotations.
Eden highlights the adjustment required when working with med students and physicians who might not fully understand the role of a PA.
"It was quite a big learning curve to get to that level," she explains. Nevertheless, the PA program had prepared Eden to have these conversations and educate her supervising physicians about the extent of a PA's capabilities.
Early exposure and witnessing PAs in action were instrumental in providing students with a solid understanding of their potential in the field.
The Capstone Project: Culmination of Learning
One distinctive aspect of Manitoba's PA program is the Capstone Project, a research endeavor that students undertake during their second year.
The Capstone Project can either be a review of research papers in a chosen specialty or an original piece of research focused on PAs' roles and responsibilities.
For her Capstone Project, Eden conducted a survey among ten PA graduates across Canada, evaluating their preparedness for emergency medicine. The project allowed her to explore an area of interest while contributing valuable insights to the field.
Eden’s 1st PA Job: Working as a Hospitalist PA in Rural Manitoba
Stepping into the Hospitalist Role
After completing her PA program, Eden DuPont embarked on her professional journey as a Hospitalist PA in rural Manitoba. The role involved working closely with one supervising physician, managing a patient load of around 30 individuals across two floors of the hospital. The first floor primarily catered to surgical patients, while the second floor handled complex internal medicine cases.
"I was in charge of the first floor primarily," explains Eden. She began her day early, conducting her own patient rounds and devising treatment plans before the physician's arrival. The level of autonomy afforded in her position allowed her to handle tasks such as patient discharges independently. Additionally, Eden was always ready to support her supervising physician on the first floor when needed.
Embracing Autonomy in Rural Healthcare
Working in a rural healthcare setting provided Eden with a unique and empowering experience, as it demanded a higher degree of autonomy. The limited availability of physicians on-site meant that PAs like Eden took on more responsibilities in patient care.
"I did a lot more discharge planning, a lot more family conferences with the family," she shares. As the primary point of contact for her patients, Eden led the coordination of care and ensured smooth communication with the patient's family members.
In this setting, Eden found herself making crucial decisions regarding patient management, including ordering tests and investigations. She was responsible for handling patient admissions and managing their care during the week. While the supervising physician remained informed about the patients, Eden had the autonomy to independently care for her patients until the physician's presence was required during overnight calls.
Contrasting Rural and Urban Hospitalist Roles
Eden highlights the key differences between her role in rural Manitoba and a hospitalist position in a bustling urban center like Winnipeg.
In the rural setting, the intimate and close-knit team structure fostered an environment of collaboration and autonomy. As one of the few healthcare providers on-site, Eden's role extended beyond traditional hospitalist duties, including more family conferences and patient coordination.
On the other hand, working in a larger academic center in Winnipeg involved a more formal approach to patient rounding. Patients in urban settings often presented with specialty cases, leading to more interactions with various medical services. The multidisciplinary nature of urban hospitals necessitated a greater level of coordination between different healthcare teams.
Eden’s 2nd PA Job: Switching Specialties to work as a PA in Hematology-Oncology
Embracing Change
After a rollover accident, Eden DuPont found herself reassessing her professional choices. The accident, fortunately, left her without physical injuries, but it prompted her to explore job opportunities closer to home in Winnipeg. It was during this time that her husband, a pediatric pharmacist in bone marrow transplant, sparked her interest in the specialty, describing it as "magic science." With newfound passion and curiosity, Eden decided to pursue a role in acute leukemia and bone marrow transplant, a section of hematology-oncology.
Entering the World of Acute Leukemia and Bone Marrow Transplant
Eden's career switch led her to a rewarding role as a Physician Assistant in the ward specializing in acute leukemia and bone marrow transplant. This specialty primarily dealt with blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas, as well as patients requiring high-dose chemotherapy that necessitated hospital admission.
Given the uniqueness of this specialty, the onboarding process was tailored to suit the role of a Physician Assistant. Eden was fortunate to have the guidance of clinical assistants who previously held similar responsibilities, providing valuable insights and training. Procedures such as marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures with intrathecal chemotherapy, and bone biopsies were taught through a combination of shadowing and independent learning.
"A lot of it was independent learning," explains Eden. Whenever encountering new cases, she dedicated time to thoroughly research the details and chemotherapy drugs involved. With her husband's expertise as a pharmacist, they collaboratively compiled a comprehensive list of potential side effects and their management, ensuring the best care for her patients.
Learning and Growth
As the only five Physician Assistants in the department, they worked collaboratively and followed a shift-based schedule, including call shifts. A typical day in the ward commenced with pre-rounds, dividing patient care responsibilities among the team members. The morning rounds involved an intensive gathering of health professionals, including pharmacists, dieticians, social workers, and nurses, to discuss each patient's needs and formulate a comprehensive care plan.
Eden's responsibilities also extended to performing lumbar punctures with intrathecal chemotherapy and assisting in bone marrow harvests during certain cases. The knowledge-sharing culture in the department allowed her to learn these procedures under the guidance of experienced colleagues.
Collaborative Teamwork: The Role of PAs in Interprofessional Settings
Trust and Teamwork with Physicians
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a pivotal role in healthcare teams, and their interactions with physicians are characterized by trust and effective communication.
Eden DuPont emphasizes the significance of this trusting relationship, especially since PAs often spend more time on the ward and directly interact with patients. Working as a team, PAs and physicians complement each other's expertise, making patient care more comprehensive and efficient.
Allied Health Collaboration
In the dynamic world of healthcare, collaboration with nurses and other allied health professionals is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. For Eden, building trust with nurses is essential, particularly when she's on call and relies on their updates about the patients' conditions. A positive relationship with nurses fosters seamless communication and ensures timely responses to critical situations.
In her department, PAs work closely with social workers, who manage financial and social aspects of patient care. Discharge planning, a crucial part of their role, involves collaboration with physiotherapists and occupational therapists, ensuring a smooth transition for patients from hospital to home care.
Navigating the PA Journey: Tips and Advice for Success
Fostering Trust and Learning when working with a PA
When hospitals or departments decide to work with Physician Assistants (PAs), Eden DuPont emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of trust and effective communication. PAs benefit greatly from close contact and one-on-one teaching when starting out, which builds their confidence and competence in managing cases. As time progresses, giving PAs more autonomy and responsibility fosters two-way communication, enhancing the overall collaboration and patient care.
Continuing Education and Staying Current
In the dynamic field of hematology-oncology, keeping up with current knowledge and advancements in therapies is crucial. Eden diligently stays updated through various avenues, including up-to-date resources, CME lectures, and online credits.
Additionally, she actively seeks guidance from attending physicians when encountering unfamiliar situations, recognizing the importance of knowing when to ask for help.
Enriching Learning through Conferences
Attending conferences has been an enriching experience for Eden. Conferences like the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) and Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC) allowed her to learn from fellow nurse practitioners and PAs in her specialty. Exploring the diverse approaches taken in different centers and witnessing the roles of various practitioners offered valuable insights into optimizing patient care.
Tips for New PA Graduates and Students
Eden provides valuable advice for new PA graduates and students embarking on rotations or entering interprofessional settings. She emphasizes the importance of active listening and open communication with allied health professionals. By listening to and understanding the unique perspectives and insights of other team members, PAs can effectively contribute to patient care and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
Being receptive to feedback and eager to learn from colleagues in different healthcare fields enhances a PA's ability to work efficiently within an interprofessional team. By embracing this learning process and leveraging the strengths of each team member, PAs can collectively work towards the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Final Notes
Eden’s journey as a PA exemplifies the dynamic and fulfilling nature of this profession. From her early days in microbiology and volunteering to her discovery of the PA career path, Eden's diverse background has equipped her with a unique set of skills and a passion for learning.
Her transition from a hospitalist to specializing in hematology-oncology showcases the adaptability and resilience that PAs possess in embracing new challenges and excelling in different specialties.
