Throughout the month of September, we asked physician assistants (PAs) across our Facebook and Twitter channels to help us celebrate PA Week by finishing the line, “I’m a PA because…” Check out part two of our results!
“I am a PA because I have had a lifelong interest in medicine. I went back to school when I was 40; it took me six years to attain my goal (four years of it working full time). I feel very privileged to be of service to others.” — Chloe LoBianco
“I’m a PA because healing and medicine are my passion!” — Sherry Wright Neighbors
“I’m a PA because God has given me the talent and desire to heal the sick of mind, body, and spirit.” — Amanda Dotson-Hile
“I also was a nurse and have been a PA for the last 11 years. I wanted more medical knowledge, more autonomy, and more money. Being a PA has fulfilled all my desires and then some.” — Terri Lynn Pryor
“I’m a PA because someone saved my life when I was a child. I owe my life to medicine.” — Danielle Bukovnik Hartle
“Even though I am retired I thoroughly miss being a PA. I enjoyed every minute of my career. It was such a privilege to be part of such a hands-on and caring profession. It filled all of my academic needs and put me in a position of service to others. I was very fulfilled. I spent 15 years as a hospital based cardiology P A. Fascinating stuff! Even though I loved cardiology, I would have chosen family practice or internal medicine if I had to do it again — more broad. If anyone is considering becoming a PA you will never be sorry or bored. Wish I could do it all again LOVED the PA program at UF.“ — Deborah Holmes Wadsworth
“I am a PA because I have a passion for medicine and helping others. I found my niche in surgery where I can use my hands and be a part of a team that brings healing to the sick and injured. I thank God for using me to bring such service to others. I am blessed to be in a profession that I love so much!” — Dan Sell
“I’m a PA because I can’t imagine doing anything else that would make me feel so fulfilled, so satisfied, so rewarded…” — Marie Maitre
“I’ve been a PA for 26 years. I love my job and feel thankful that I’ve found my purpose helping others.” — Nancy J. Warner
“I just retired after 40 years in this amazing profession. I love medicine and I love my patients.” — Deborah Cameron Pendry
“I have enjoyed this career, and continue to do so. I received a certificate from the NCCPA today, commending my 40 years of continuous certification — looking forward to some more.” — Ed Manning II
“I went back to school at age 37 to Northeastern University because I wanted to practice medicine. Working with veterans and loving it.” — Diane Assatly-Roche
“Forty-five years of practice September 15, 2015. I was an X-ray and OR tech USN. I wanted to do more in medicine: a great career. Not ready to retire yet. As long as I can help patients, I feel I should keep going.” — Mark Patterson
“I love what I do with a passion. I really wanted to make difference. As long as I have made a difference in one person’s life, I have fulfilled my mission and dream in my life.” — Jaime Romero