Why do you want to be a PA?

The question I have been asked at least a million times + a look at my personal statement.

This is my 'why', what's yours?

You know that question. The one that seems so obvious and simple to answer in your mind, but impossible to put into words. For me, that question is "Why do you want to be a PA?"

Whether you have recently decided, or known what you have wanted to do your entire life, explaining your reasoning to family, friends, or admissions committees can be difficult.

This is a short glimpse of my life and an attempt to put in to words my passion for medicine.

My older sister, Krissa, was born with Spina bifida and was left paralyzed from the waist down due to the neural tube defect. I was able to experience the way that medical teams collaborated to diagnose and treat her on numerous occasions at Children's and Shriner's Hospitals; extending what was supposed to be a very short life into a long and happy one. This was the initial spark for me and my interest in becoming part of a team that could make a difference in patients and families lives.

Fast forward a few years to when I was in high school researching options for my future. I am from a rural town in Oklahoma and realized that my primary care provider was a PA so I asked her what the letters stood for and what she had to do to earn them. This was another spark.

Jump ahead a couple more years when I was attending the University of Oklahoma to complete my pre-requisites for PA programs. I decided to volunteer at the Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center to sort of pay it forward for the years of care and generosity my family received. My role as a Patient Pal in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit was what ignited those previous sparks into a flame that motivates me daily.

I think about my sister's life, the role my PA played in the community, and my experience at Children's anytime I am feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by the process. What drives you to keep moving forward in your academic and personal pursuits?

**Below is my personal statement used for applications when asked why I want to be a PA. I hope this provides a little inspiration for those of you working on your own.