Every year from October 6th-12th is national Physician Assistant week. Since you are my friends, family, and patients, I thought it only fair to celebrate with you! Several times a year I get asked questions about if I like my job, what I do, and how long I went to school, etc. This is a great opportunity for me to answer a lot of these questions and shine some light on a great career.
The Physician Assistant profession was born out of the Vietnam War. Many soldiers, specifically medics came home from war with great skills but had no place in the states to use their new knowledge. In 1965 Duke University started the first Physician Assistant program with 4 Navy corpsman. My own alma mater, Saint Louis University, was one of the first 12 PA programs in the nation opening in 1971. Most programs have since transitioned from bachelor degree programs to masters level degree programs across the country. There are now 170 PA programs and counting, the state of Missouri having 3 SLU, Missouri State, and the newly formed UMKC program.
Getting into the PA school of choice can be a challenge, just ask my family! There are interviews to drive to, essays to write, and lots of medical hours to log. To begin you will have to fill out the online application called CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) This is one application you fill out online for all the schools you are interested in attending. It really simplifies the process. If you would like more information on how to become a Physician Assistant take a look at our national organization the AAPA's website they have an overview of the process here.
The career is becoming increasingly popular. Forbes Magazine named PA the #1 Most Promising Job of 2015 and we also make the top 10 list of the Best Jobs of 2015 in US Money and News Report. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows the job growth for PAs from 2012-2022 as 38%! That is more than triple the average job growth rate.
It is obvious that I am passionate about my career and continue to encourage young people to consider going into the field. This week I would like to take note of the best part of my job. As with all things in life the people you meet along the way are what you hold most dear. I personally celebrate my fellow PA's this week because they are some of my very best friends and I am proud to know them!
The information on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of medical advice. If you have orthopedic issues that need to be addressed please contact your physician.
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National AAPA Conference Class of 2010 Atlanta Aquarium
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PA School Kick Ball Team
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My best friends at Graduation from SLU -
Catching up with classmates
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