Assistant Professor
Please share a little bit about yourself.
I am a native of Arizona and am happy to be home after receiving my education on the east coast and practicing medicine in various states throughout the USA. I am the youngest of five children and am mother to a toddler and fur baby.
How did you decide to become a physician associate? Do you have a specialty and/or favorite area of focus?
My father is a nurse and my mother is a physician, so I grew up surrounded by medicine. I’ve spent many holidays in the call room at the ED while my parents were working. I have always had a keen interest for the human body and understanding how it works. Medicine seemed like the logical pursuit for my curiosity and passion. I chose Physician Associate over other medical professions because I loved all of medicine and wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to focus on at the time I entered graduate school. That being said, once I discovered Neonatology, I absolutely fell in love with this discipline of medicine and have predominately worked within this specialty throughout my clinical career.
Can you share your education journey? We would love to hear about your coursework, practicum, boards, etc.
I attended the University of Arizona and completed a bachelor’s degree in Physiology, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2006. I pursued my graduate education in medicine, attending Weill Cornell Medical College Physician Assistant Program. The program I attended was 26 months in length. At the time, it was one of the longer programs and it provided a surgical focus throughout the curriculum. The first 12 months consisted of intense didactic studies with weekly exams. Clinical rotations followed the didactic year and consisted of 14 clinical rotations each 4 weeks in length. I had the opportunity to rotate through the great medical institutions of Cornell and Columbia in New York City. Following my medical education, I completed and passed the PANCE exam, which is the national certifying exam for physician associates. All physician associates are required to take a certifying exam every 10 years, as well as participate in continuing medical education annually.
What kind of licensure is required to practice? Can you share an overview of how you prepared?
The licensure of a physician associate varies from state to state but predominately requires that one has graduated from an accredited physician assistant program, has obtained their national certification, and is in good standing. To prepare for licensure, I completed the PA program and passed the PANCE exam. To prepare for the PANCE exam, I reviewed practice questions and attended a review conference. Following graduation from the PA program, I took an entire month and simply studied for the certifying exam by reviewing practice questions and making study guides. I took the exam within one month of graduation and passed!
What led you to working with Creighton University?
Throughout my clinical career, I have been fortunate to be a part of fellowships/residencies for PAs to obtain education and experience in Neonatology. It became apparent to me that I had a love and appreciation for teaching. With my relocation back to my home state, I applied to various educational programs in the area and was fortunate enough to obtain a position as faculty with the Creighton PA Program of Phoenix.
Are you part of any professional organizations or interest groups?
I am a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the PA Education Association (PAEA), and the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA). I am also a sitting board member for the Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers.
What is your least favorite part about being a physician associate? Conversely, what is your favorite part?
My least favorite part about being a physician associate is having to witness patients and families going through loss and death. It’s a moment when so much is needed and yet it will never be enough. My favorite part of being a physician associate is knowing that I actively played a role in making a difference and improving a patient’s life.
What’s something that people might not know about being a physician associate?
Physician associates are gaining more and more autonomy within medical practice and some physician associates even own and run multiple medical practices.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in starting their own journey to becoming a physician associate?
If you are going to pursue this career, you must be in it for reasons that matter to you. It will demand a lot of you and there are times it will be a thankless role. That being said, if you can maintain sight of your why, it is most rewarding and most fulfilling. I have no regrets.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to cook, run, travel, read a good book, and spend time with my son and fur baby.
Do you have a favorite book, television show, film, or podcast?
I am a sucker for podcasts so I am listening to ALL of them! As far as a favorite book, there are so many I love but one that is on the “to read” list is “When Breath Becomes Air." I never get tired of The Office. One day I hope to have a boss like Michael!