Shada, McMaster PA-S1
Shada is a 1st year PA student at McMaster University. She sat down with us for a Facebook Live to share how she decided to become a PA and how she prepared for PA Admissions.
Discovering the PA profession
Shada first encountered the PA profession while attending the Ontario University Fair in downtown Toronto. Amidst exploring the health sciences program at McMaster, she stumbled upon the PA booth and engaged in conversation with one of the students representing the profession. "I had no idea in the 12th grade what a physician assistant was," Shada admits, but she decided to keep the pamphlet she received, intrigued by the role PAs play in healthcare.
The Pre-Med Dilemma
As she pursued her undergraduate studies, Shada initially leaned toward the traditional pre-med path. Engaging in volunteering, shadowing, and other pre-med activities, she dedicated herself to building a career in medicine.
However, when the time came to apply to medical school, a sense of uncertainty crept in. "I was a little bit nervous and I didn't know why," Shada confesses.
This pivotal moment led her to reflect on her goals and consider what truly resonated with her.
Shada's decision to reassess her career path was not without its challenges. For many, pre-med becomes an integral part of their identity, and detaching from that path can be daunting.
"It was almost like a piece of my identity had been taken away," Shada shares. Nevertheless, she decided to fill this void by exploring different healthcare professions through shadowing and volunteering. The desire to help others remained constant, but the route to achieving this goal was still uncertain.
Rediscovering the Physician Assistant Profession
Shada rediscovered the PA profession during her journey of exploration. As she researched, shadowed, and spoke with PA professionals, she realized that the PA role resonated with her deeply. "It almost felt like fate because I had learned about it so long ago," Shada reflects.
Taking the time to introspect and align her career goals with her passions brought her clarity and led her back to considering the PA profession.
Shada’s Reasons for Pursuing PA
Shada found herself drawn to the PA profession for a multitude of reasons.
One pivotal aspect was the allure of lateral mobility within the profession. "I love the idea of keeping things interesting and switching," she explains, highlighting her desire for a career that allowed her to explore various specialties without committing to a single track for an extended period. The PA role's flexibility aligned perfectly with her adventurous spirit.
Moreover, the PA profession's focus on bridging gaps in healthcare and working with diverse communities resonated deeply with Shada. She saw herself playing a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities and working with underserved populations, particularly in rural communities. This aligns with her passion for public health and her desire to make a meaningful impact in people's lives.
Shada emphasizes that she considered various career options beyond the traditional MD route. Rather than fixating on a single profession, she approached her exploration with an open mind, shadowing and volunteering with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. This broad exposure allowed her to compare and contrast each profession, leading her to the realization that the PA role combined everything she desired: building patient relationships, diagnosing, and treating patients.
The opportunity to practice medicine in a unique way, following patients through their healthcare journey, treating and diagnosing them, solidified Shada's conviction that becoming a PA was her true calling. Her extensive research and exposure to various healthcare professions helped her make a confident and well-informed decision, enriching her understanding of the diverse healthcare landscape.
Navigating Peer and Family Expectations
Shada's decision to pursue the PA profession was not without its challenges, especially when it came to discussing her career choice with her family. Coming from a Middle Eastern background, the term "physician assistant" didn't translate well, and misconceptions about the profession arose. "You're too smart to be an assistant," her family members exclaimed, misunderstanding the nature and importance of the PA role.
Peer pressure and familial expectations are common challenges faced by those considering non-traditional career paths in healthcare. Shada admits that being surrounded by pre-med peers who were set on becoming doctors influenced her thinking.
However, she emphasizes the importance of listening to one's own heart and not conforming to external pressures. "Maybe this isn't for me," Shada remembers thinking, acknowledging that it was crucial to confront this realization head-on and find her authentic path.
It takes courage and self-reflection required to choose a non-traditional career path, especially one that might not be well-known to others.
Shadowing a PA: A Defining Experience
Shada's decision to explore the PA profession wasn't limited to online research; she was determined to experience a day in the life of a practicing PA firsthand.
During the summer of her third year at the University of Guelph, Shada set up a shadowing opportunity by reaching out to the CAPA student representative through email. Her request was met with enthusiasm, and Cathy, a practicing PA, agreed to host her for a day at a family medicine clinic.
"It was wonderful. I worked with Cathy for about eight hours for just a day in the week. I was able to sit in the room and watch her do patient histories, whether they be focused or comprehensive. It was so nice to see like she knew all of her patients by name. She was able to ask, you know, like, 'How are the kids? How's your dog?' It was nice to see the relationship that she had with with her patients"
Throughout the day, Shada had the opportunity to witness Cathy's diagnostic and prescribing capabilities. She marveled at the range of medications Kathy prescribed and the diverse medical situations she handled with confidence.
After each patient encounter, Cathy debriefed with Shada, asking for her observations and sharing insights into her decision-making process. Shada adds, "Every time I saw a patient with her, we would go back into her office and she would kind of debrief with me and ask what I thought."
The interactive learning experience left a lasting impression on Shada, reinforcing her passion for becoming a PA. "It was honestly one of the most special days. I will always be thankful to Cathy for letting me do that," she shares with gratitude.
Shada stresses the significance of shadowing in shaping her decision to pursue the PA profession. While online research and discussions with PAs on social media were valuable, the hands-on experience of witnessing the daily responsibilities of a PA solidified her choice.
According to Shada, "That day, if I didn't have it, I wouldn't have known the profession was for me. And everybody's different. You know, sometimes you can do the online research and just think like, ‘yep, this is the one for me’. But I'm someone who needs to see the day-to-day to understand the tasks that the profession is actually going to be faced with."
Standing out on PA Admissions
Nurturing Confidence and Soft Skills
As Shada delved into her journey of becoming a physician assistant, she shared her experience with the admissions process. When asked about her application cycles, Shada revealed, "Yes, so I did apply one cycle and I ended up getting into McMaster." She explained that her decision was influenced by the unique curriculum at McMaster, which offers a problem-based learning approach—a transition she was eager to embrace.
One aspect that significantly contributed to Shada's successful PA admissions was her confidence. After engaging in extensive shadowing and volunteering experiences, she felt assured in her decision to pursue the PA profession.
She emphasized the importance of self-reflection and research, which played a vital role in showcasing her conviction during the application process. "If I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna go all in. I'm gonna be confident and I'm gonna think positive things," Shada shared. This self-assuredness shone through in her supplementary application and the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
Shada acknowledged the significance of communication skills and offered valuable advice to pre-PA students seeking to develop these soft skills. "Stepping out of your comfort zone" was key, and she elaborated on different avenues to achieve this. Whether it was volunteering, reaching out to individuals for conversations, or seeking feedback from mentors and employers, Shada emphasized the importance of building positive relationships and seeking growth opportunities.
Work-Life Balance in Undergrad Studies
Shada's undergraduate journey was not without its challenges, especially when it came to maintaining good grades. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared how her first year at the University of Guelph posed significant hurdles. The transition from her hometown of Brampton to a new city, living in residence, and tackling demanding courses took a toll on her academic performance. However, she did not let setbacks define her path.
As she progressed through her undergraduate years, Shada learned valuable lessons from her peers and discovered the power of creating a well-planned schedule. "Having a schedule set out for myself, planning time to even have little things for fun...they really help me stay on track," Shada explained. Rather than drowning in endless study hours, she found a balance by allocating time for leisure and self-care. This work-life balance not only improved her mental well-being but also had a positive impact on her academic performance.
Shada emphasized that quality of study time trumped quantity. By identifying study techniques that worked for her and dedicating focused and efficient periods to her coursework, she saw notable improvements in her grades. "Quality over quantity," she asserted, was the key to her success. Her newfound approach allowed her to excel academically while still making time for personal relationships and activities.
On GPA and Admissions
As Shada embarked on her journey towards becoming a physician assistant, she recognized that her GPA might not have been the highest, but it was competitive enough to open doors for her. Beyond academic achievements, she shone in other areas such as extracurricular activities and previous experiences. By striking a harmonious balance between academics and life, Shada not only improved her grades but also cultivated the necessary skills and qualities that would later distinguish her as a strong candidate for PA school.
While a competitive GPA is essential, it is not the sole determinant of success in PA admissions.
Shada's own journey demonstrated that other factors, such as experiences, communication skills, and holistic growth, play pivotal roles in the selection process.
She advised applicants not to become overly fixated on GPA but rather to focus on becoming well-rounded individuals, continually seeking opportunities for growth and improvement.
Tips for Standing out on PA Admissions
Preparing for PA admissions can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when facing supplemental applications and interviews. Shada's journey to becoming a physician assistant involved a meticulous approach to readiness, honing her communication skills, and addressing nervousness head-on.
Seeking guidance from experienced PA students was Shada's first step. She took the initiative to connect with as many PA students as possible, gleaning advice and strategies from each encounter.
Self-Filming to Practice for Admissions
"The number one thing that helped me with my communication skills was filming myself," Shada explained. Initially cringing at the thought, she overcame her reservations and recorded herself answering interview questions.
Watching the videos allowed her to notice patterns in her speech, such as not smiling or fidgeting with her hair due to nervousness. These observations became invaluable in refining her interview style.
Reviewing the recordings, Shada identified areas for improvement and devised a plan to tackle them. She practiced answering questions repeatedly, noting the changes in her responses. "At first, it feels unnatural...you'll get frustrated, but over time it gets so much better," Shada shared. The process of filming herself answering questions, though initially awkward, eventually boosted her confidence and helped her acclimate to being on camera.
Moreover, Shada highlighted the significance of practicing in front of friends and family. Although awkward, these sessions provided her with valuable feedback, giving her the opportunity to gauge how well she communicated her ideas and responses.
Beyond self-filming, Shada explored other avenues to enhance her readiness. She researched the Kira talent interview questions and sought advice from PAs regarding their preparation techniques. Their insights, though not revealing specific questions, offered valuable guidance on how to approach the process effectively.
In the end, Shada's preparation and dedication to improving her communication skills paid off. The online format of her PA school's supplemental application, through the Kira talent interview, allowed her to face her fear of being filmed and perform with newfound confidence.
Shada's advice to aspiring PA students centers on the importance of seeking guidance, reflecting, and practicing. Through deliberate self-filming, she was able to refine her communication skills, address nervousness, and develop the poise required for PA admissions evaluations. Emphasizing the impact of quality preparation, Shada's journey serves as inspiration for prospective physician assistants striving to make a strong impression on their admissions journey.
Navigating McMaster’s PA program
Entering PA school was an intimidating experience for Shada. The transition to online classrooms and virtual interactions added to her nerves, particularly when facing imposter syndrome. She worried that her classmates, with their diverse backgrounds, might be more knowledgeable and experienced than she was. However, as she began to connect with her peers, Shada discovered that their varied experiences brought unique perspectives to the cohort. This realization eased her anxieties and emphasized the value of diversity within the program.
To combat the challenges of online learning, building relationships with classmates played a crucial role for Shada. Despite the limitations imposed by virtual platforms, she made efforts to socialize and connect with her peers through online socials and group chats. Living with two of her classmates provided an additional support system, enabling her to share both struggles and victories, making the journey less isolating.
The instructors encompassed a mix of practicing physician assistants and other healthcare professionals. This diversity allowed students to gain insights into different professions and perspectives, enriching their learning experience.
Acclimating to Online Learning because of the Pandemic
Online fatigue was a pressing concern for Shada, given the countless hours spent in front of screens. To manage her time effectively and avoid burnout, she emphasized the significance of creating a structured schedule that included breaks for relaxation and socialization. Engaging in activities outside of academics, such as watching TV shows with roommates or taking walks, provided a much-needed mental break from the screen.
Additionally, staying connected with her peers proved invaluable in navigating the challenges of online learning. Shada's PBL group, initially formal in their communication, gradually became a supportive community where they shared not only academic resources but also jokes and personal experiences. This camaraderie played a vital role in alleviating burnout and enhancing motivation.
A supportive online Canadian Pre-PA Community
The PA community is built on the ethos of giving back and supporting aspiring PAs on their journeys.
Shada shared how her initial exposure to the profession came through a PA student who graciously sat down for a coffee chat, providing valuable insights. This encounter underscored the significance of mentoring and fostering connections within the PA community, prompting Shada to reciprocate by offering advice and support to others.
Even online platforms like the Canadian Pre-PA Facebook group played a pivotal role in creating a sense of community and camaraderie among applicants from diverse backgrounds.
For those considering the PA path, Shada emphasized the importance of seeking support and advice when needed, whether from experienced PAs or fellow applicants.
The PA community is open, receptive, and eager to uplift one another, turning the application process into a shared journey rather than an isolating experience.
Final Notes
Throughout her journey, Shada demonstrated the significance of community support and the power of paying it forward. Her initial exposure to the PA profession came through a caring PA student who took the time to share her story, inspiring Shada to do the same for others.
This sense of camaraderie and mentorship within the PA community highlights the importance of fostering connections and building a strong support system during the application process.
Moreover, Shada's emphasis on a holistic approach to the application is a key takeaway for aspiring PAs. While a competitive GPA is essential, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Shada's journey exemplifies the significance of well-rounded experiences, effective communication skills, and a growth mindset.
