Reflection Paper: A Career As A Physician Assistant

Destiny Wrancher
PHED 1005 P01
November 15, 2017

Physician Assistant Physician Assistant is a fast growing field in America. I chose this field of study because the schooling is not long. I thought about becoming a doctor but the schooling takes too long and becoming a PA is the closest I’ll get to become a doctor. This will be a great field for me because I love to help people. I learned the importance of helping others from my mother and doctor. I am currently a caregiver who travels from house to house helping people with their everyday needs. This course will help me understand the history, philosophy and principles of the Physician Assistant program. The Physician Assistant program has some compelling history. The profession was to promote and enlarge healthcare. Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr. of Duke University Medical Center developed the first PA group in 1965. He came up with this group because the doctors and instructors realized that there was a deficiency distribution of primary care physicians. He selected four Navy Hospital Corpsmen who received medical training throughout their military service. On Oct 6, 1967 the first PA
class graduated from Duke University. The American Association of Physician Assistants located in North Carolina was founded in 1968. It was later named the American Academy of Physician Assistants located in Alexandria, VA. The Philosophy of the Physician Assistant program is to serve the public and the PA profession.
The professors’ philosophy is to guide the students to help them understand the actuality and the leadership of medicine today. The instruction philosophy includes the viewpoint of having regard to the independent convalescent and having a deep appreciation for them. When working in the PA field, one is constantly working with patients, so it’s important that a PA has the upmost respect for them. Companionship is key in this field. The patients need to know that someone is there for them through it all. This will prepare the students to develop problem solving skills that they will use in clinical settings. Overall, the philosophy of the physician assistant program is to prepare these physician assistants to excel in their
occupation. The principle of becoming a PA is that one should be attentive to helping others. Someone should not enter the field if their just in it for the money. When entering this field a person is making a devotion to strive for positive change. The goal of their job is to make sure that their patients are leaving their office with a healthier life. Becoming a Physician Assistant will be a great job for me because I want to make a difference in the world and I want to be inspiration to all of my patients. I also like the fact that I’ll be able to work with and learn more from a physician. Another reason this field is great because there are different specialties and choices available to choose from after graduating. I can’t wait to finish up with school and get started in the field. I think I’ll do a great job at changing people’s lives.