all-things-pac-blog

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Second time applicants, this one's for you!

Second time applicants, this one’s for you!

I get a TON of e-mails contacting me about what to do differently as a second time PA school applicant. My not so great answer is: It depends on where you were and what you showed the admissions committee last year.  But, for those of you looking for some more specifics (probably everyone) I’ll do my best here.  Also first, let me ease some anxiety.  I can tell you that I was fortunate enough to…

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Lack of nutritional education in PA curriculum

Why aren’t we taught about nutrition? I was talking to my boyfriend last night who told his doctor about what his diet consists of based on macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbs) amount per day.  His healthcare provider had nothing to say or add.  They were clearly not well versed on the topic.  And I can’t blame them.  It isn’t something we are taught (at least in PA school– I cannot speak for…

[all-things-pac-blog]

Lack of nutritional education in PA curriculum

Why aren’t we taught about nutrition? I was talking to my boyfriend last night who told his doctor about what his diet consists of based on macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbs) amount per day.  His healthcare provider had nothing to say or add.  They were clearly not well versed on the topic.  And I can’t blame them.  It isn’t something we are taught (at least in PA school– I cannot speak for…

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Top 5 Personal Statement Mistakes

I’ve been helping pre-pa students for the past 2 years with their personal statements.  During that time I’ve noticed some patterns that almost every statement I look at for the first time encompasses.   Lengthy personal stories Personal stories can be really great to use in your statement. As long as they contribute to why you want to be a PA, will be a good student or professional. Also, keep…

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On the Obesity Epidemic and What People Don't Want to Hear.

On the Obesity Epidemic and What People Don’t Want to Hear.

No one is going to like me for this article. Physicians, PA’s, NP’s, patients… basically all of America is going to hate me. But, sometimes we need to hear things we don’t like.  I’d like to start by saying that in America we are constantly bombarded with all types of consumption and choices.  Society at large has us set up to fail– to over consume in terms of nutrition and finances– and pretty…

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If you want to see a physician, I want you to see a physician.

“When will I see the doctor?” For those of us who are practicing PA’s, there is no shortage of this statement. Up and coming PA’s: get used to it. I know for me, I expected to hear it.  I have ZERO ego about someone who makes this statement to me.  If you do, consider a different career. I had a patient today who was fairly rude about the fact that I was not an MD/DO. “Well when are you finishing…

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5 Things I Wish Patients Took Seriously

Nutrition & Hydration So much wellness and healing can come by what we do or do not put into our bodies.  If you put garbage into your body, how do you expect to feel each day when you wake up?  LIKE GARBAGE.  Sugar, alcohol, drugs, juices, too much fat…. blah blah.  I could go on.  I can speak from personal experience that when I dialed in my nutrition and quit eating like an asshole all of my…

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5 Things I Wish Patients Took Seriously

5 Things I Wish Patients Took Seriously

Nutrition & Hydration So much wellness and healing can come by what we do or do not put into our bodies.  If you put garbage into your body, how do you expect to feel each day when you wake up?  LIKE GARBAGE.  Sugar, alcohol, drugs, juices, too much fat…. blah blah.  I could go on.  I can speak from personal experience that when I dialed in my nutrition and quit eating like an asshole all of my…

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What Specialty is Right For You?

What Specialty is Right For You?

Wow.  I feel like this is a huge one for me– and also will display a lot of how I have grown and developed as a person, student and now medical provider.  I am no where near the person I was in 2013– I am such a better version of myself and I grow, develop and learn everyday. Before I went into PA school I was “strictly surgery…actual medicine is so boring and for weaklings”.  I also thought…

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Recently I have had A LOT of questions about becoming a traveling or “locums” PA.  I decided to address everyone’s questions and tell everyone a little about my experiences to help out! Please leave additional question in the comments section and I will do my best to address them 🙂 FAQ: 1. Can I do this as a new grad? You can.  However I imagine there would be pros and cons to this.  As a…

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Reflections and a New Year

Reflections and a New Year

Someone recently brought a great podcast titled “Increase Your Impact”to my attention. As PA’s, PA students and Pre-PA’s I think a lot of us are cast from the same mold of goal and success seeking.  In today’s society sometimes it can be difficult to stop and realize that we have in fact come a long way in 365 days, because we continue to pursue more success.   I am going to answer the questions…

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America Has No Idea What They're Eating.

America Has No Idea What They’re Eating.

I recently started working 1:1 with a nutrition coach.  I’ve always been a healthy eater.  Recently,  I’ve cut out sugar and focused more on healthy foods and timing of nutrition.  When I felt I had done all I could on my own I hired a coach for a few months. Now I’ve weighed some foods before and eyeballed even more.  Let me tell you the first time you weigh or measure peanut butter or almond…

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Healthcare Culture: Everything Hurts and I'm Dying

Healthcare Culture: Everything Hurts and I’m Dying

There are a lot of issues being discussed in healthcare today.  One point I don’t hear a lot about, but see everyday comes directly from our patients mouths.  They come in to clinic with the mindset of “everything hurts and I’m dying”.  What this means is that if they have a headache they think and know that they have a brain bleed and they need and MRI.  If their child has a cough they…

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Breaking Down PA School Interview Questions XII

Breaking Down PA School Interview Questions XII

This week also features two questions.  Thanks to Abigail for e-mailing me!!  I love when you guys send me writing topics and questions you are asked at interviews, so keep it up! Q:What patient population do you least like working with gathering your patient care hours? What are they looking for That you aren’t going to bash anyone. Bias  Compassion (that you have it, duh!) What to avoid saying…

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Example amazon link

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testing

//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=allthinphysas-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1449665756&asins=1449665756&linkId=4756c672310726e4cdbabec436f27bd5&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff

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Breaking Down PA School Interview Questions XI

Breaking Down PA School Interview Questions XI

Focus on social media and internet self diagnosis! Q: Would you accept a Facebook friend request from a patient? What are they looking for? Understanding of ethics and patient interaction HIPPA Professionalism.  My program was HUGE on this, it was a percentage of every class grade.  What to avoid saying “Sure, I have drinks every friday with patients from the clinic I volunteer at” “Yes” without…