Why PA?
PA wasn't on my radar until after my freshmen year of college. After a 3-month research internship at an abalone aquaculture facility on the big island in Hawaii, I came back home to Maui feeling crushed. Though the internship was a great opportunity, absolutely none of my heart was in it. I didn't want to spend my life studying mollusks or running trial after trial for the same experiment. I felt disheartened and confused. I loved science but hated what I did that summer. For a short time, I felt really lost in regards to my career objectives. I reluctantly paid my old family practice a visit for some persistent urinary pain, frequency, and discomfort. My PCP was not in, and I wanted to be seen at the earliest available convenience. This is the moment I was seen by the first PA I've ever met. I was immediately intrigued by his role and scope of practice. He presented himself with a tremendous amount of cultural sensitivity and warmth. I left the exam roo...