“To me the ideal doctor would be a man endowed with profound knowledge of life and of the soul, intuitively divining any suffering or disorder of whatever kind, and restoring peace by his mere presence”.
These were the words of the Swiss philosopher, writer, and poet Henri Frédérick Amiel that will always be my guiding principle as I pursue the field of medicine and become a physician assistant in the future. Early in life, I have heard my parents and relatives discussed issues related to medical procedure, health care and the need for preventive medicine. As there were some relatives who needed medical attention in those days, I felt that there was a strong force that ignited my curiosity to know about the causes of various illnesses, diseases and disorders and the steps that we need to undertake to help people such as my relatives get medical treatment, gain a better quality of life, and become productive members of our society.
My interest in being a part of the health profession did not end with my childhood curiosity. Whenever I find time, I read about healthcare, medical breakthroughs, advancements in medicine and technology as well as diseases and disorders that are affecting the public and healthcare services of the country. My readings are done through the internet, newspapers, magazines or articles that I can get hold of. To have a clearer understanding of hospital scenarios, emergency care, and medical treatments, I sometimes watch television shows, e.g. E.R., House, and Grey’s Anatomy. There was also a time in my life when I rushed a friend to the Emergency Room due to a minor accident that he had sustain as a result of a bad fall during a skateboard practice.
That was the first time that I had a real view of an emergency room and saw the urgency of medical services in saving the lives of people. It was also at that time when I met a healthcare worker who assisted a doctor in applying a cast on the leg of my friend. I was impressed with his treatment and the skills that he has acquired in the practice of his profession. At first I thought that he is an orthopedic surgeon but I was informed that he is a physician assistant. During my short stay in the Emergency room, I have witnessed the skills of the PA’s in diagnosing and treating illnesses, interpreting lab tests, and assisting in minor surgery. Due to this experience, my desire to be a physician assistant was confirmed as I felt that I have a passion to treat the sick and to be of service to the community.
There are endless issues about health care programs and while these issues are being addressed, I am thinking of some ways I can be of service to my community especially to those who are old, weak, and confined to their homes due to their disability, age related illnesses and lack of health care provider. Some may not have any family member or friend who can accompany them to a medical facility to receive medical diagnosis, preventive treatment, and proper medical care. As the needs of these people run through my head, my passion to serve them is strengthened as I desire to become a patient advocate, educator and physician assistant to help them achieve a better quality of life.
As our population increases each year, there are not enough physicians and medical personnel who can attend to the medical needs of everyone in the community. When I become a certified physician assistant, I will extend my services not only in the practice of medicine under a physician supervision but also in serving people in the rural communities that do not have health care provisions. With the help of the Physician Assistant program at Nova University, I will be qualified and confident to work in a variety of medical care settings with diverse patient populations. With my dedication and passion, I will work as a team in providing quality care and make a difference in the lives of people who are in need of health care services.