Working in the Emergency Department as a Patient Care Technician, my job entails assisting medical practitioners. To some this might seem too much of a responsibility, but I relish the opportunity to interact with these professionals as I nurture my intrigue and curiosity. I have come to understand their perspectives and philosophies undergirding their professional commitment. In a way, my interaction with them has sharpened my resolve to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA).
My reasons for settling for a PA are subtle, but nevertheless very close to my heart. As a practicing PA, I will be joining the medical field with potential to change specialization without having to go back to the basics of medicine. As a PA, I will be able to practice Surgery for some time and possibly switch to Dermatology or OB/GYN without committing years to Residency. Besides, my passion for working alongside others in a team is greater, and I would want my career to give me this satisfaction of team work.
Whilst acknowledging that I stand disadvantaged from my academic credentials and financial situation, my commitment to this career and a past of service to my people sets me apart. Way back in my childhood, on a normal day while taking a stroll around my neighborhood, I came across a boy almost my age who was bleeding from the nose, despite the initial shock of seeing so much blood, I acted the doctor and directed him to a shade to try and help him. Somehow his bleeding stopped. I was hailed a hero; but more significantly, my fascination with medicine had actually taken root. After high school, I joined the Navy as an undesignated sailor assigned to an Aviation Unit. Without any professional training, my role in the unit was limited to odd but often tough job. I enrolled for an advancement course offered by the Navy. Upon completion, I got a new job as an Aviation Electronic Technician.
At the end of my last tour of duty in Iraq, I came home having remembered a missing piece. I still wanted to join the health profession. I enrolled to an Emergency Medical Technician Class and got an EMT certificate.
I have learnt a lot about this profession first hand, working alongside a PA in the ER. I admire their versatility and professionalism. This profession is unique. It entails practice of medicine as part of a team. The training gives an all-round overview of medicine. The program does resemble that on the medical class, but there is no residency as a mandatory requirement to achieve certification.
I hope to join this profession upon attainment of my degree. In the meantime I will learn as much as I can from my mentors. In the ER you will see me having my scrub on, doing my part in the race to save life. I am one of the cogs in this wheel. This is my destined career path.
