Danielle, UofT PA-S2
Danielle is a 2nd year PA student at the University of Toronto.
Danielle, a second-year PA student at the University of Toronto, we delve into her decision to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). From the serendipitous encounter with an article in Forbes Magazine to her comprehensive research on the PA profession, Danielle shares the insights that led her to choose her career as a PA.
Along the way, we explore the factors that shaped her choice, the qualities that made her a competitive applicant, and her perspectives on balancing personal and professional aspirations.
Discovering the PA Path
Danielle embarked on her journey towards becoming a PA during her second year of undergraduate studies in health sciences at the University of Waterloo. It was a fateful encounter with an article in Forbes Magazine that introduced her to the concept of Physician Assistants. She was immediately drawn to the idea of a career that encompassed everything she desired from medicine, without some of the challenges she wished to avoid.
"When I read about PAs, it sounded like everything I wanted from medicine without the things I didn't want. It was exactly the type of career I was looking for," Danielle recalled.
Seizing the Opportunity
Choosing to apply to the PA program in her third year of undergraduate studies wasn't an easy decision for Danielle. However, her passion for the profession and a well-informed understanding of the role helped her make the leap.
"I did spend a lot of time researching the profession. I even did an independent study course where I conducted a literature review on PAs in Ontario, familiarizing myself with the policies and laws surrounding the profession. I felt like if I wanted to do it, I should just do it now and see what happens," Danielle shared.
Competitive Edge for PA Admissions
Danielle's successful application to the PA program can be attributed to a combination of factors that made her a competitive candidate. Her strong GPA, in-depth knowledge of the PA profession, and diverse healthcare experiences all contributed to her appeal as an applicant.
"I felt that I had a really strong understanding of the PA profession, which I was able to demonstrate in my personal statements and during the interview. Additionally, my diverse healthcare experiences, such as working as an ophthalmic technician, provided me with a solid understanding of patient care and the healthcare system," Danielle reflected.
Danielle’s Pre-PA Health Care Experience
Discovering the Clinical World
During her undergraduate years, Danielle embarked on a quest to explore the medical field and gain valuable clinical experience. Her journey began when her best friend was applying to optometry school, sparking her interest in a more clinical job for the summer. "I was looking for a job where I could get medical experience without needing specific qualifications," Danielle explained. She secured a position as an optometry assistant, which proved informative but ultimately not the right fit for her long-term goals.
Finding the Right Fit
Determined to pursue a more clinical path, Danielle explored other opportunities in the healthcare industry. Her search led her to a position as a pharmacy assistant, which provided her with valuable insights but still left her yearning for a more hands-on role. Fueled by her passion for medicine, Danielle connected her previous experience in optometry with her desire to work in a medical setting. This connection led her to the field of ophthalmology, a specialty that aligned well with her aspirations.
Landing the Ophthalmic Technician Role
To her surprise, Danielle discovered that becoming an ophthalmic technician did not require specific training or qualifications. Armed with her experiences in optometry, pharmacy, and volunteer work, she submitted her resume to local ophthalmologists. One practice recognized the potential in her diverse skill set and took a chance on her. "It was a right place, right time situation. The ophthalmologist needed help, and my combined experiences made her willing to teach me," Danielle recounted.
Tips for Aspiring PAs on Obtaining Health Care Experience
When asked about advice for pre-PAs seeking healthcare experiences during their undergraduate years, Danielle emphasized persistence and a willingness to learn. "Don't get discouraged if you feel like you don't have specific qualifications," she urged.
Instead, she encouraged prospective applicants to highlight their transferable skills, such as patient communication and medical knowledge, gained through coursework and volunteer work. Employers value candidates who are eager to learn, as they are more likely to invest in their training and provide unique and valuable experiences.
Danielle’s Pre-PA Extracurricular Activities
Beyond her work in the medical field, Danielle actively participated in a variety of volunteer and extracurricular activities during her undergraduate years. One standout experience was her involvement with a hospital elder life program, where she provided bedside care and engagement to elderly patients. Reflecting on the program's impact, Danielle shared, "The goal was to keep the elderly patients as independent as possible and prevent delirium, so we engaged them with mind games, mobility exercises, and conversation."
She also dedicated her time to volunteering in the anatomy cadaver lab, preparing specimens for anatomy classes, and assisting as a teaching assistant. Additionally, Danielle demonstrated leadership by contributing to orientation week activities, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and community building.
Strategies for Balance
Despite her active involvement, Danielle managed to maintain an impressive GPA, which stood at an impressive 3.87 out of 4.0 on OMSAS when she applied.
Sharing her secrets to balancing academic excellence and extracurricular commitments, Danielle highlighted the importance of living at home with supportive parents. This enabled her to focus fully on her studies and activities without the added burden of household responsibilities.
To optimize her study efforts, Danielle engaged in group study sessions with like-minded friends for challenging courses like organic chemistry. They even hired a private tutor to reinforce their understanding of complex concepts. Creating their own multiple-choice questions and quizzing each other became a valuable method to reinforce their learning collectively.
Navigating PA School Applications and MMI Preparation
Applying to PA Programs
When it came time to apply to PA programs, Danielle decided to cast her net wide and applied to both McMaster and the University of Toronto programs. However, she received an acceptance letter from the University of Toronto before her scheduled interview at McMaster. The opportunity to stay close to home and benefit from the University of Toronto's distance education setup solidified her decision to decline the McMaster interview.
The Supplemental Application Process
Filling out the supplemental application for PA school was a rigorous task, requiring deep self-reflection and thoughtful responses. To navigate this process successfully, Danielle sought guidance from resources at her institution, such as an application advisor from the career center. "They really helped me tweak my supplemental application and personal statements to make them the best they could be," Danielle shared.
The process of crafting her responses was far from rushed; Danielle dedicated approximately six months to perfecting her application. She meticulously edited and adjusted her answers, drawing from her experiences and insights gained during her undergraduate years.
Choosing the Right References
When it came to selecting references for her application, Danielle prioritized those who could vouch for her clinical knowledge and abilities. Consequently, she chose the physician with whom she worked closely in ophthalmology. This individual had the best understanding of Danielle's capabilities and medical knowledge, making them an ideal reference.
Preparing for the MMI
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a critical component of PA school applications. To excel in this format, Danielle tapped into the resources offered by her institution. She accessed a curriculum focused on MMI preparation, which included informative videos and insights into the types of stations typically encountered in the MMI. Additionally, Danielle participated in mock MMIs conducted by her institution, providing invaluable practice and exposure to real-life scenarios.
A one-on-one session allowed her to answer MMI-type questions and receive direct feedback from her counselor, further honing her communication and problem-solving skills.
Navigating Career Choices, PA School, and Work-Life Balance
Choosing the Right Path
Before setting her sights on becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), Danielle explored various career options. "I was considering going into medicine as a physician," she revealed. While briefly entertaining the idea of becoming a French teacher, her passion for science and desire to make a difference in healthcare solidified her decision to pursue medicine.
Advice for the Undecided
For those grappling with the decision between pursuing a PA or MD path, Danielle offered valuable insights. She stressed the significance of assessing one's values, strengths, and passions. Additionally, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both professions, including the demands of each career and the type of work-life they offer, is crucial before making a decision.
Danielle’s Experience at UofT’s PA program
First-Year PA School
Building a Solid Foundation: As Danielle looked back on her journey through PA school, she highlighted the importance of the clinical experiences she gained early on. PA programs, including the one she attended, strategically immerse students in clinics from the outset. These experiences provided invaluable insights into real patient interactions and the dynamics of clinical settings. Danielle emphasized how these early experiences also contributed to securing placements in her second year.
Second Year of PA School
In the University of Toronto's PA program, students complete their rotations in both Northern and Southern Ontario. Half of the rotations are carried out in each region, covering essential specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general surgery. Students also have two elective rotations, allowing them to delve deeper into areas of interest.
The process of selecting rotations involves choosing a home location, either in Northern or Southern Ontario. Depending on their home location, rotations in the opposite region are considered swaps, allowing for housing and travel funding. Danielle's home location was Waterloo, enabling her to access funding when completing rotations in Northern Ontario, like her upcoming elective in Sudbury.
Competency Checklists and End-of-Rotation Exams: Each rotation requires students to fulfill a list of required competencies and diagnoses. These lists have been refined and simplified, making it easier for students to track their progress and experiences. At the end of each rotation, students write exams through the Physician Assistant Education Association, following the same format as American PA students. While some classmates review notes and textbooks to prepare, Danielle found that her rotation experiences equipped her adequately for the exams.
Memorable Rotations: Among the rotations, Danielle had an unexpected favorite – general surgery. Surprisingly, she discovered a passion for performing minor procedures, relishing the opportunity to practice stitching. This experience highlights how rotations provide a platform for self-discovery and exploring various specialties.
Tips for Success: For first-year PA students entering clerkship, Danielle emphasized the importance of being eager to learn. Inquisitive students who ask questions and show genuine interest tend to receive more opportunities for hands-on experience. Fearlessness in seeking opportunities to perform procedures or assist during patient care can further enrich the learning experience.
Transitioning from Student to Practicing PA: Preparing for the Next Step
Preparing for the Future
As Danielle nears the completion of her PA program, the focus has shifted towards preparing for her career as a practicing Physician Assistant. The program offers valuable guidance during the last residential block, providing essential sessions on topics like the Ontario Career Start grant, billing, medical directives, and self-reflection to align career choices with personal values and passions. This comprehensive preparation helps bridge the gap between being a student and entering the professional workforce.
Making the Transition
With the end of rotations and coursework, Danielle now finds herself with more time to focus on essential post-graduation tasks, such as working on her resume and securing references. As she enters her elective rotation, she plans to dedicate her efforts to polishing her resume and ensuring that it reflects her accomplishments, experiences, and skills acquired during her PA journey.
Looking Ahead
With just two months left until graduation, Danielle's enthusiasm for becoming a practicing PA is evident. As she embarks on her elective rotation and the final stages of her program, she stands on the threshold of a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare. The combination of rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experiences, and thoughtful preparation for the job market positions her well for success as a capable and compassionate Physician Assistant.
Final Notes
Danielle's journey as a second-year PA student at the University of Toronto has been a testament to her determination, passion, and thoughtful decision-making. Her initial exposure to the PA profession through an article in Forbes Magazine ignited a curiosity that led her to explore this exciting and fulfilling career path. Through her diverse clinical experiences, volunteer work, and academic achievements, she has cultivated a well-rounded skill set that will undoubtedly serve her well as she enters the world of patient care.
