Episode #28: Kelsie & Rachel, Manitoba PAS1 | Shadow, Apply, Thrive: Our Pre-PA Journey
Ever wondered if you can actually survive the University of Manitoba’s PA program without completely disappearing from your own life? In this episode I’m joined by Rachel and Kelsie, two current students who pull back the curtain on the "Master’s" side of PA education, from managing remote work during the didactic year to navigating the stress of the MMI.
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Part 1: Pre-PA Journey
0:16 About Kelsie
1:28 About Rachel
2:41 PA vs. MD - Why did you chose PA?
7:50 What advice would you give your 1st year university self?
9:34 When and how did you decide to become a PA?
11:08 How would you describe your class? (Pre-PA backgrounds)
Part 2: Life in PA School
12:22 Why did you choose to the UofM MPAS Program?
14:41 Bachelors vs. Masters Degree in PA Studies: What's the difference?
15:38 Working during PA School - is it possible?
16:32 1st year PA School @ Manitoba MPAS
20:46 What makes a strong candidate for Manitoba's PA program
Part 3: Applying to PA School - Admission Requirements, Interview Tips
22:34 Manitoba's PA program Admission Requirements
23:59 Manitoba MPAS PA school applicant GPA: cumulative or last 60 credit hours?
27:03 Accepting Out-of-Province Applicants
33:38 Resources for MMI Preparation
35:48 Preparation for the PA Panel Interview
37:49 Difference between a Panel Interview and an
MMI Part 4: Other Questions about Life as a Manitoba PA Student!
“It’s intense and a lot, but it’s also a lot of fun. There’s so much support, and the experience is incredibly rewarding.”
– Kelsie on PA School
Key Takeaways
Leverage the U of M shadowing program. If you are in Winnipeg, stop guessing what the job is like and apply for the WRHA's formal shadowing program; it affirmed everything for Rachel and will give you concrete stories for your interview.
Journal your "competency stories" now. Don't just read about the MMI; look at the PA competencies and the university’s mission statement, then write out specific life experiences that prove you align with them so you aren't digging through your memory mid-interview.
Choose references who actually know you. Pick people who have seen you handle a disagreement or a heavy workload rather than someone who will just list generic qualities; the admissions committee wants to see how you'll act in a real-world team.
Embrace the generalist mindset. Remember that unlike an MD who specializes early, you are being trained to move between fields; focus your "Why PA" answer on that flexibility and the desire for constant, frontline patient interaction.
Don't sweat the "perfect" undergrad degree. Whether it's Arts or Science, Manitoba just wants to see a four-year degree and high performance; pick a major you actually enjoy so you can keep your GPA high and your options open.
