“I hope my students learn from me that we’re all human and make mistakes and that’s ok. Because by making mistakes, especially in this supportive environment, we learn and grow.”
What is the most rewarding part of being a member of the Midwestern University faculty?:
The most rewarding aspect of this job is being able to help our students succeed in the program and achieve their goals of becoming Physician Assistants (PAs). I also enjoy getting to know my colleagues throughout the University. There are so many interesting, fun, brilliant people here!
How do you engage students in the learning process?:
I really like using humor to engage my students. It makes my job fun and helps me connect with the students. I would rather that the students roll their eyes at my humor than close their eyes and nod off.
What do you hope students learn from your classes?:
We’re often so afraid of how we are perceived by others if we make mistakes or are not perfect that we don’t venture out of our comfort zones. I hope my students learn from me that we’re all human and make mistakes and that’s ok. Because by making mistakes, especially in this supportive environment, we learn and grow. And it’s important to take risks and push the boundaries of your comfort zone because that’s where real personal and professional growth happens.
What lessons would you like students to take with them in their professional careers?:
Medical curricula are weighted heavily on teaching students the science of medicine. I hope to also provide lessons on the art of medicine such as communicating in a patient-centered way, connecting with the individual patients they serve and demonstrating compassionate care. I feel those skills are as important as their medical knowledge and clinical skills.
What about your profession should people know more about?:
The PA profession continues to grow and evolve to serve the patients we see. We work in every state and many countries outside the United States. PAs work in every medical specialty to provide care in a team-based medical model. The employment outlook remains strong into the future, and salaries are very competitive.
