Because I am in school and learning how to become proficient at working in health care, I enjoyed experiencing the same aspects of care I've been learning about from another important perspective. I've obviously been a patient several times throughout my life, but after recently investing so much of my time in PA school learning how to provide proper care, the experience of being a patient takes on a whole new meaning. 

Having the chance to step over to the other side of the provider-patient relationship left me feeling reassured that I was receiving excellent care from experienced health care professionals who impressed me with both their notable skill and genuine concern for my wellbeing and understanding. Even though I was lucky enough to have such positive experiences with my care, this time has served as an important reality check for me, because I had forgotten what it's like to be the one seeking out high-quality care. When we get caught up in how to go about providing the right care, we often lose sight of what we are looking for as individuals in terms of patient care and how we can bring that to the table in our own endeavors. I believe that, as future providers, it's extremely important that we stop every so often and put ourselves in the shoes of those we serve. After all, by taking into consideration the things we need as patients, we can improve our standards of care when it comes to providing for others.

As I listened to each student's reasons for choosing the group they did, I noticed that everyone seemed particularly passionate about their topic. Even though we had many other things to worry about last week, this project elicited great pride, enthusiasm and enjoyment from my fellow classmates.  It was refreshingly inspiring to see how excited everyone was to express themselves and share their hopes with the rest of the class.

I had a few days off before the start of the new semester, and during that time I reflected on my own reasons for choosing to focus on the organization I did and why it meant so much to share the organization's mission with my peers. I can't consider the important role medicine plays in my own life without remembering all of the events that have inspired me to get to this point. At the same time, I am so grateful for the enlightenment I received from some of my peers as to where they've been, what they've seen and what they have come to care about.

This week, I found the time to appreciate the fact that, even though my classmates and I have all been exposed to different things and hold different interests and dreams, we are all connected by the common thread of trying to make a difference in medicine.    

In PA school, especially during finals week, it seems as though I've found myself frantically cramming all of the information studied throughout the semester into my brain yet again. I have to admit that even though I knew this program was going to be intense, it's hard to prepare for how emotionally and psychologically draining this week can be. With one test to go, all I can think of is the brief sign of relief I'll get over our three-day weekend before winter term begins.

When I started school in June, I thought that because of the fast pace, and the fact that I was digesting more information in one sitting than I ever have before, it would be difficult to truly absorb all of the information that we'd need to know. I have to say that despite being exhausted, I feel strangely, confidently prepared.  While I've been writing my papers, doing my presentations and sitting down to take my finals, I feel exceptionally more knowledgeable than I was before. It's obvious that we will know more with each coming semester, but I think it's easy for us to lose sight of how much we really are taking in and storing for the day that we'll need it in practice.  

Even though it can seem unfeasible that we'll be able to remember so much in such a short amount of time, we can take notice that perhaps we are absorbing more than we think. I know that this week, even while counting down the hours until finals are over, I'm taking comfort in the fact that with each semester that's come and gone, I feel even more prepared to be as knowledgeable a provider I can be.

As one can imagine, knowing about certain diseases always puts the patient at better chance of survival (as with breast cancer, skin cancer, etc.). One of the most popular examples used to demonstrate how knowledge can be harmful to the patient involves prostate cancer screening. My father is a recent survivor of prostate cancer. I was shocked to learn that screening for PSA (prostate specific antigen) isn't always the right choice for every patient being treated. While in some cases, as with my father, screening is lifesaving, we learned that in several cases it can lead to more invasive testing and unnecessary treatment that will negatively affect the future quality of life for that patient. In cases when screening was harmful--when the cause of a patient's problems was benign or if the disease was so extremely slow moving that it wouldn't have led to death within that patient's lifespan--it was obvious why screening everyone across the board isn't always the right choice to make.

When it comes down to it, screening for a disease is difficult to do for the general population, because the true usefulness of a screening test depends on the outcome for each specific patient, thus taking us back to the individual. I'm beginning to realize that while so much of medicine is pure knowledge--the application of tests and interpreting results--an even greater part is remembering that each individual patient is different and should be treated that way.

In other words, while screening for some disease may be good for some of our patients, it may not be the best choice for others. As health care providers, it will be our job to offer what we know or what we are continuing to learn to each patient so that together we can make the right choice for their future health as individuals.

Over the past few months, and as the material gets more intense, it's more and more obvious that we are all getting closer. Despite the fact that we were all strangers in June and that we all come from different areas, backgrounds and age groups, we have already formed a strong connection. 

The difficult experience of PA school is causing us to bond, not only because we spend so much time together, but because at times it seems like no one else can really understand the demands we face unless they, too, are experiencing them firsthand. As cliché as it sounds, our small group of 55 students is becoming more like a little family unit every day. While my loved ones are as understanding as they can be, I've already experienced the difficulty of trying to explain to those around me why I can't do some of the things I used to.

Despite feeling as though I am always working hard, I get to share my experiences with 54 other students who will always completely understand what I'm going through when times get tough. Every week, I learn more about the members of my class and through it all I am forming friendships that I know will last well after PA school. This past week I've been reflecting on how the teamwork and peer support that we'll hopefully experience someday in practice with other health care professionals has already begun here in PA school. 

 It's hard to believe that a little over 40 years ago, the first PA class, made up of only a handful of students, was just graduating. Although our profession is fairly new in comparison to other professions in health care, it's incredible to see how over the years, the profession has exploded in terms of its popularity and utility in our society.  As we learn about the history of the profession in my class, I am realizing, more than ever, that the PA's role is so vital and constantly evolving to meet our country's needs. As I'm sure many who work in medicine would agree, it's hard to imagine the medical workforce today without them.

This week, I think it is important for all of us to take a step back and recognize the impact that PAs are making in our country each and every day. We must acknowledge those we know within the profession who are dedicating their lives to improving patient care.  My hope for this week is that we all remember not just over the next few days, but every day, to show our continuing appreciation to those in this line of work who have made the profession what it is today! As a student, I know it's also important to be thankful to those who have inspired so many others to pursue this profession in their own lives.

Now that I'm in school, I am so proud to be even a small part of PA week, knowing that someday my classmates and I will be contributing to this magnificent line of work! Thank you, PAs!

From now until finals in November, we will be subjected to at least three quizzes or exams, a practical or patient encounter, and a paper or presentation due each week. On top of that, our professors keep telling us it's only going to get more intense and to be prepared.

It's becoming increasingly obvious, as it did around this time last semester, that each and every one of us deals with our workload-induced anxiety in a different way. So far, I've seen everything from the visibly and vocally overwhelmed students to those who internalize their worries only to have their stress manifest through the body in the form of sickness, insomnia, panic attacks or stomach ulcers.

We all know that long-term stress is unhealthy, and even though we are only subjecting ourselves to this kind of fast-paced and demanding course load for a short period of time, we need to stop and ask: What price do we pay for constantly pushing ourselves to the limit? I'm not saying that working hard and getting good grades isn't important, but first and foremost comes one's health. Students need to know when to take a break, stop studying early to get a good night's rest, or even just do something they enjoyed doing before they started this crazy thing we call school. I feel like while we are in PA school, it's so easy to lose sight of anything other than becoming a PA, but you have to--once in awhile, for yourself. As much as I fall victim to becoming enveloped in school and only school, we have to know our own limits, whether physical or mental.

The key for us, even as we venture out into the workplace, is to find ways to efficiently relieve our stress. At my school, students can attend fitness classes, join a multitude of extracurricular activities or speak to a counselor. For all of us, whether it is doing something completely unrelated to school for an hour per day or, as my class often jokes, scheduling in some ‘mandatory fun,' there are many ways to keep a healthy mind and body throughout it all.

Our class has focused on how there is a need for primary care providers in our country, but there are just so many choices these days with all of the specialties. I have always been back and forth between what I thought I'd pursue, but I thought that when I started school I would narrow it down some. However, it seems that the more I learn about the different areas, the more I just can't make up my mind. I am finding so many fields to be interesting, which is excellent because it's further reassurance that I'm where I'm supposed to be, but it also leaves me feeling a little lost because the majority of people in my class already have a solid idea of what they want to do. Adding to my difficulty in making a choice is the fact that now it seems like the possibilities for PAs are endless when it comes to employment in our country, and even overseas. PAs are employed everywhere from private practices to hospitals, clinics, shelters and even on isolated islands as primary care providers.

As much as I'm feeling as though I should have a better idea by now, I am constantly reminded that this is the beauty of the PA profession and one of the reasons why I chose it in the first place. There is a certain extent of freedom in that we constantly have the opportunity to learn, improve and grow as health care providers.

For example, I know that in theory I can always train in a new field if I end up deciding I want to be somewhere else. Unlike doctors, we don't have to return to school to work in a different area. In fact, I take comfort knowing that several of the PAs that I know, including some of my teachers, work multiple jobs or moonlight places, giving them the opportunity to work in multiple areas of medicine.

I understand that I am just beginning my journey, and that I have more time to make up my mind, but I suppose I'm just waiting for a defining moment in which I finally realize which field is right for me.

Editor's note: Last week, we published Jenna's first five tips for applying to PA school. Read on for the remaining five.

6. Be aware of what’s going on in our country. It’s always a good idea to be aware of political events in our country that may be related to the medical profession. After all, once you are working as a PA, these will be the things that affect the way you practice every day.

7. Dress appropriately. I am talking professional business gear and no open-toed shoes! Obviously, we are not talking about entering a beauty contest, but the way that you dress and present yourself in that attire has a great influence on how someone perceives you.

8. Find your confidence and own it! There an art to being calm, cool and collected without being too full of yourself. Even though you will feel as though you are trying to sell yourself in your interview, try not to puff your feathers in a way that may be deemed “know-it-all.” At the same time, have total confidence in why you want to be there and in what you’d have to offer.

9. Be yourself. When someone has experience interviewing people, it’s not very hard for them to tell when you are being phony—it’s never an attractive quality. After all, you’ll have to be able to establish rapport and form real relationships with patients someday. I’m not saying let it all hang loose and be casual. Let them see an appropriate but genuine side of your personality. Your best bet is always to be yourself.

10. Practice, practice, practice. I know it seems silly, but if you just can’t seem to calm your nerves before your interview date, try to set up a mock interview. Whether you practice with a friend, family member, etc., run through a few possible scenarios just to see how you react under pressure and on the spot. Try to think about what they may ask you. You never know, you may be thankful for those practice runs on the day of your interview!

Remember: There is no easy button or secret answer on how to get into school, but there certainly are tips on keeping calm and bringing all that you have to offer as an applicant to the table throughout the entire process or on your important day. If this is truly what you want, try not to get discouraged. Take a deep breath and keep at it! Good luck!

Since I have started writing my blog, I have received a lot of questions about the interview or applying process involved with getting into PA school. Each day in class, my fellow PA students take around a different group of new and hopeful applicants aspiring to make a good impression on their interview day. For me, those nervous feelings aren’t all that distant, as it was just a little over a year ago I was sitting in that same interviewing room.

I know that sometimes the application process alone is enough to intimidate someone who is thinking about applying to school, but for those fortunate enough to get an interview, the combination can leave you feeling flustered. Although I wouldn’t say that I am an expert when it comes to interviewing, there are a lot of things that I’ve come to realize may help you throughout the entire process. Knowing that I also have access every day to a classroom full of people who went through the same process, I asked several people in my class for their suggestions to help build my list. Whether my peers were remembering what they would have changed if they had the opportunity to go back in time or suggesting a method that worked for them, here are a few tips that may help someone struggling to find a sense of calm or direction throughout their own journey to get here.

1. If you can, apply early! PA school has gotten rather competitive over the years and classes are usually small. With such a large pool to choose from, and so many qualified students, it can be discouraging the longer you wait. I know there is a lot of paperwork to submit, recommendations and transcripts, etc., and that it’s not always under your control, but if you can apply early, I’d say this is the most important tip.

2. Know why you really want to be here. Now, I know that everyone has their own reason why they want to go to PA school, but the majority of people will tell you because they want to “help people.” I’m not saying that this is a bad response, it is honest and a great reason to get into the profession. In fact, I would say if you didn’t want to help people, go into a different line of work. However, be specific. If you don’t elaborate, it will just seem a cliché that you are saying because you think it’s the correct response.

3. Know the history. It’s always good to get an idea about how things got started. It will also teach you a lot about how the profession has progressed and developed over the years or possibly where it will go in the future.

4. Know the role. A lot of people out there still do not know what a PA is or what their jurisdiction is in different settings. Make sure you do. It’s important to be knowledgeable about something that you could very well be doing in a few short years.

5. Bring something unique to the table. Obviously, people will tell you to make an impression, but at the same time, standing out too much can be a bad thing. The way I see it, everyone has their own story about how they became interested in attending a PA program and it’s interesting to see where people were before they got here. In my class we have everything from students who worked in a morgue, to people who served in the army, to people who were paramedics. Try and find something unique that might help you stand out, but in a good way.

Editor's note: Jenna has 10 tips for her readers; visit the blog on Monday for her remaining five.

Now that summer classes, like anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, are all over, the fall semester brings an entirely new set of subjects. One class in particular has me thinking about a lot of heavy issues. The class involves studying problems that are prevalent in the communities surrounding us. Each week, we have a different PA-C guest speaker come in and talk to us about a different striking issue.

Our first lecture detailed the ongoing prevalence of child abuse in our country and how we will not only encounter cases if we work with children, but how we'll learn to identify or deal with the situation in a professional manner. Needless to say, the lecture was informative, but for me-and the majority of my class, I'm sure-a little disturbing. However, it wasn't just the pictures we were shown that disturbed me. The scariest part was feeling my own internal reaction to what I was seeing and hearing. Not only could I not physically or emotionally understand how someone could do those things to their child, but I was appalled at how so many cases could go unnoticed, unresolved or ignored. The only emotions I could find at that instant were those of hatred for the inflictors (mostly parents) of abuse, sympathy for the children whose lives will be forever changed, and gratitude for my own upbringing. The lecturer explained to us that it took him a long time in his line of work to get to the point where he doesn't go right to that place of disgust for the parents. He now understands that there are explanations for why this still occurs. Whether the abusers were the product of a similar environment, they lack education, or they simply don't know another way to deal with the stress of raising a child, his point was not to justify the behavior, but to help explain it. I am sure we will have lectures to come on other controversial things like drug abuse or domestic violence, but I can already see myself feeling the same frustration.

My question is, in a profession in which we are expected to be confident, even-tempered, unbiased, trustworthy, and, to some, all-knowing, how do we get to the point he has reached? How do we restrain ourselves from displaying the emotions that are only human for us to feel? How do we adjust or temper our reaction appropriately to these things we are going to encounter and not let our biases or prejudices infect our encounters?

I know that although many professionals in this field learn to become truly detached, there are a lot of us who will still feel these things on the inside. Is being detached better? Or is it better to hope that with time, it's not that I will become completely desensitized, but instead will learn to harness my energy into finding the resources to do something about issues like this, rather than being enveloped in those negative emotions?

Although allopathic physician assistants working with MDs have had this ability since 1993, this is a big step out into the light for the profession as a whole. The fact that PAs working with MDs were granted this ability long ago has, in many ways, set them at an advantage over those in osteopathic medicine, but not anymore. Not only does this bill provide equal opportunity to care for patients as osteopathic PAs with the same educational background as ones who work with MDs, but it resolves the confusion many people have about whether or not PAs can write prescriptions here in Pennsylvania.

It also sets PAs on the same level in terms of which doctors want to hire them. For example, a doctor may see hiring a PA who can write prescriptions as more efficient and less time consuming. Thankfully, this ability will now allow all physician assistants across the board to provide more equal and efficient patient care in our state.

As a student at an osteopathic school, this was big news for my professors and fellow classmates, as I'm sure you can imagine. We've already discussed in class how equality among physician assistants is a long time coming in our country, as we all know that passing a bill can be painstakingly slow, and that each state has its own regulations on what a PA can and cannot do.

The general consensus among my superiors was that this was something that should have happened a long time ago, but nonetheless it's a settling relief to know that it's finally in order. The authority of some physician assistants in certain states still differs, but at least now one more state is on the way to bringing everyone to the same level of care. After all, we are all here for the patient. Now, equal responsibilities among the PAs caring for them is one less thing patients have to worry about in searching for a good provider.

So far, everyone who has offered me advice has been right. PA school quickly and fiercely takes hold of your life. But, believe it or not, I say that in the very best way. Even though it's only been a few months, I can see what every field PA meant when they told me that PA school would be the toughest and most fascinating two years of my life. I just recently finished my first semester, and I definitely get what they meant. School is challenging, all right. While I am studying more (and sleeping less) than I ever have in my entire life, I am soaking up material better than ever. Each day I am learning more and more about the vital and growing role that PAs take on in all areas of medicine.

I went into my undergraduate career knowing that I wanted to do something with science and that, ultimately, I wanted to work in a hospital where I could apply that knowledge to help people every day. Still, I wasn't quite set on taking the limited pre-med route. Knowing that I wanted to work in medicine without the restrictive lifestyle of a physician, I did some research. After discovering the role of physician assistants in local hospitals, clinics and medical offices through several different internships with PAs, I realized it was a perfect fit for me. It was a career choice that would allow me to work hands on in so many ways, to perform procedures, assist in surgeries and see patients every day under the supervision of a doctor and in the area of medicine of my choice.

When I first considered blogging for ADVANCE, I wondered what I might have to offer, considering I am just starting my endeavor to become a PA. I decided to write not only because it's a great opportunity to reflect on my own experiences and listen to other points of view, but also for anyone out there who may be interested in hearing about the day-to-day life of a PA student. I am hoping this blog is a good way to reach out to others, whether it's a fellow PA student who is sharing in my experiences , a clinical PA who has some helpful input or advice, or just someone interested in the profession looking to get an inside scoop. I look forward to getting the chance to discuss the PA world as a current student and to hearing some feedback from all of you!