onmywaytopa-blog

[onmywaytopa-blog]

I Don't Have Much but....

In celebration of application season, I'd like to give away a brand-spankin'-new book that will help ANYONE write a personal statement: Princeton Review's Medical School Essays that Made a Difference.

So if you aren't sure how to begin writing your personal statement, or just need a little inspiration, this might be the book for you!

Either like this post or send me some mail (not anonymously of course!) and I'll randomly choose a lucky individual at the end of this month and announce our winner.

Just cause I love my followers... You've all been so supportive!! Thanks!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Hi! I just graduated with a BS and do not have any certificates. I recently switched over from pre-med route. I plan on applying next year, but I now have concerns about HCE. I accumulated ~600 hours through CCE, but I quit to start a new volunteering gig closer to my college that ended up being much less hands on. I've also thought about becoming an EMT, but I probably can't meet the physical requirements. I weigh just under 100. I've also heard that scribing doesn't really count? Suggestions?

First, just cause you weigh 100 pounds does not count you out! A good friend of mine is 5 foot, weighs about the same as you, and works full time as a Paramedic!

If you're convinced it isn't the right option for you, you can look into becoming an MA and try to land a back-office gig. Another route would be to get certified as a nursing assistant. Both have plenty of job opportunities. Many require previous experience, but your CCE hours should somewhat suffice and get you a foot in the door somewhere!

Best of luck!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Hi! I've been following your blog for a while :) Your tumblr's been very helpful for me in determining whether or not PA is for me. I was wondering though... after you took the EMT class at UCLA, was it easy to find EMT job? I live in SoCal as well and I was just wondering :) Oh, and how was the EMT class at UCLA? Was the course load heavy? Thank you! And keep up the good work with your blog! I'm sure other people find it really useful as well :D

Aw, such sweet words. Makin' me blush :)

After finishing UCLA's EMT program I was actually offered a job with an ambulance company (apparently they're always looking for female hires, even if they're not allowed to say so). Unfortunately with my existing work/school schedule the 12-24 hour ambulance shifts just wouldn't work out. I've been trying to find a job as an ER-tech in a hospital, but that is proving to be pretty difficult (even with my 2 years experience doing CNA-related duties).

I highly recommend UCLA's program. I did the weekend-only course and enjoyed it very much. I didn't think it was difficult. I passed all of the tests (both skills and written) without trouble. It prepared me very well for the NRMET which I finished after about question 70-something (pretty quick). I'll probably be going back to UCLA's program for my refresher course. Can't beat that Bruin education :)

Best of luck!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Hi! I have an interview at HOAG Hospital for CCE coming up, and I was wondering if you have any advice. I was researching about the interview process and some people on forums said that the essays were pretty difficult. Other than the basic advice (dress appropriately, don't be nervous, be on time, have a nice handshake, smile, look them in the eyes, etc.), any advice on how to be selected? Like what qualities they look for? How we should go about answering the questions? Thank you!

Congrats on taking the next step! Hoag is a beautiful hospital and I'm sure they'll be lucky to have you as a volunteer.

Professionalism is key. Passion for healthcare is a given. Stress your desire not only for the (personal) experience but also to provide a service for others. Remember: patients always come first!

In any interview, when answering questions one should always strive to 'paint a picture' and not just state your answer. Try to incorporate personal experiences that demonstrate your strengths and motives (while also giving them a little insight on who you are as an individual). Give them reasons to want you! Be sure to listen to all parts of the question so you answer all parts.

Good luck!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Progress...

Maybe it's become tradition. 2 years have gone by since I first created this blog. It's nice to know I have an audience who not only appreciates the blabber I come up with, but who also shares the journey. So let's start crossing more things off this list!

Well, here’s where I stand:

Graduated UC San Diego with a BA in Human Development

Science GPA: too low to brag.. but slowly improving!

Major GPA: 3.4; which is alright…

GPA of last 60 units: 3.84

Pre-reqs for PA programs: incomplete currently enrolled in my final prereq TOTALLY COMPLETE! now just working on bonus science courses

Hours of direct patient care: 80-100ish 600ish ~900 hours

GRE: not yet taken, but I did commit to a test date! with above average performance

Certifications: BLS (and in half a year, EMT-B)

Volunteer experience: LA Food Bank, CareNow LA, Geriatric Long-Term Care Facility, Church in the Valley, Habitat for Humanity, etc. Alta Med

Current leadership positions: none :( Department Coordinator for DOU and Medicare (managing ~25 interns) & PA Shadowing

Loan debt: $21,000 temporary pay-off, courtesy of my loving parents

Part-time research position in a lab focusing on intraocular lenses

Internship with Hospital HR

Operating Room privileges

Medical Mission trip to Nepal

Revising my personal statement before submitting to CASPA

Plans to improve:

Re-take and complete pre-reqs to boost that GPA: micro, anat, nutrition, Spanish, speech, physio, med term, molecular/cell bio, genetics

Continue interning at hospital: Med/Surg, ER, NICU, Triage, PA Shadowing, OR

Re-Take GRE and perform excellently even better apparently I did well enough that it would be a risk to re-take in the event I score below my first attempt

Complete and pass my UCLA EMT-B class (which starts in January)

Find a job as an EMT ER Tech and accrue more hours of clinical care and be paid so I can pay off undergrad loans (booo)

Continue to volunteer in underserved areas

Apply/join CCE’s L-team as either a department coordinator or be part of the special projects team both get checked off.

Shadow a PA employed in a clinic directed toward underserved populations

Build relationships/connections for LORs and program pull

Enroll in an EKG course and/or ALS

I know what I want. And I will get it. Eventually.

[onmywaytopa-blog]

SooOOo Difficult

About ready to hit that 'SUBMIT' but I'm so nervousssss.

I think I've completely revised my narrative about 5 times now...

Lord give me strength!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Little snippet of what's been happening. Radiology, dental, CT, micro lab

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Namaste

Greetings from Kathmandu, Nepal!

After 30+ arduous hours of flight I've finally reached my medical volunteer destination and have settled in. The hospital/clinic so far has been humbling. It's amazing to witness healthcare professionals diagnose and treat with such little technology and far-from-advanced supplies.

I'd love for some of my patients/coworkers to witness the conditions in these 3rd world hospitals. It instantly grounds you and forces appreciation of our lavish and posh hospitals. Obviously HCAPS doesn't exist in Nepal.

Aside from the poor conditions, the people really create the most hospitable environment. Always peaceful and kind, always hospitable and polite.

My next 3 weeks will be more than a learning experience, it will be a transformation.

[onmywaytopa-blog]

The Schlump

The journey is taxing.

Sometimes we all fall into this schlump where we can't help but feel hopeless. The enthusiasm fades and we are faced with a pile of "too many things to do". You feel like the odds are against you and you'll never get to where you need to be.

It's normal.

BE RESILIENT. Re-discover your passion and remind yourself of why you chose this path. Yell out your purpose in life. Make it your mantra.

You won't get anywhere if you don't take that next step. So stop with the time-wasting sulking, self-pity, and self-doubt. Just pursue it and CHOOSE to be an inspiring person.

30 years from now, you may be telling your story. What will it be?

[onmywaytopa-blog]

PA Virtual Fair

I know, it's a little last-minute... but if you have a chance, it'll be ongoing from today till tomorrow!

http://caspa.careereco.net/students-alumni/virtual-fair-registration/

[onmywaytopa-blog]

On My Way

Just created my CASPA account.

Happy (early) birthday to me!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Sweet Jet-Lag

It's official. My biological clock will be so devastated from my Summer travels, but I couldn't be more excited.

2 weeks in China + 3.5 weeks in Nepal + 3 days in Japan + 1 week in Hawaii

Total travel time (on plane + layovers) is 61 hours. That's plenty of time to finalize my personal statement and any secondaries. Once I set foot back in LAX, I'll be ready to hit that 'SUBMIT' button for CASPA.

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Medical Relief Trip: Nepal

So, the USNS is struggling to support volunteers onboard, forcing our Summer mission trip to be cancelled. But I didn't even have enough time to be sad about it...

Instead, I'll be going to Nepal as an assisting medical volunteer. There, we plan on providing medical relief in clinics and hospitals, health education to local communities, and extensive work in the village orphanage. We will be primarily based around the urban areas of Kathmandu, but will also venture into rural villages.

We'll be staying for 3.5 weeks, spanning most of July and a few days in August. Two words = Monsoon Season. Can't wait to embark on this adventure half-way around the world.

It's so exciting to be a part of a bigger plan. I couldn't think of a better memory to add to the year I turn a quarter-of-a-century old!!!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

The Big Day

April 17th 2013

CASPA Opens.

Let the race for the seat begin!

[onmywaytopa-blog]

How much shadowing in terms of hours do most schools expect?

Each PA program has its own unique requirements. You’ll definitely want to look on the program’s webpage. Just for a general feel, programs range from “not required, but recommended” to a min 200 hours (CUNY Upstate) with an average of around 30-50 hours.

But like I said, each program has its own list of must-haves. Gotta do your research! :)

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Peeved

If you're going to aspire to become a PA, please know that it's "Physician Assistant" and not "Physician's Assistant"

Unless you mean an MA?

This is not a mistake you want to make during interviews or when talking to a PA-C.

They don't belong to anyone.

[onmywaytopa-blog]

Where did you find a PA to shadow? I am having trouble, and not sure if it is proper to just call PAs I find on online directories. Also, just wanted to thank you for your blog--it's been SO informative and inspiring. I am literally going through the EXACT process as you have, but I think I am one year younger. I think I'm even from the same area, just judging from some of your blog posts. Anyway, thanks :)

Thanks! I'm glad it's helping someone else other than myself :)

PA Shadowing is a tough thing to come by. I am lucky enough to be involved in a student volunteer internship that provides us with such a rare opportunity. If you do live in the LA/OC area check it out: Clinical Care Extender

Otherwise, if you've already exhausted your personal family practitioner as a resource, you will need to contact PAs yourself. Many of my colleagues have done this with great success. I would suggest going to their place of practice to introduce yourself, and your purpose (with professional resume in hand). If they are busy, suggest an appointment. Most PAs are willing to provide this opportunity, the only issue may be with HIPPA rights/company policy.

Hope this helps, and best of luck! Let me know if you have any more questions!