I’m a PA Because of Patient Care

Throughout the month of September, we asked physician assistants (PAs) across our Facebook and Twitter channels to help us celebrate PA Week by finishing the line, “I’m a PA because…”

Check out the results!

“Happy PA week my fellow colleagues. I went back to school to become a PA because I love medicine and helping people” — Francesca Sessa

“I am a PA because I love patients.” — Shellie Parker

“I’m a PA because I love helping others.” — Beatrice Godbouldt

“I am PA because listening and helping other is my passion.” — Bethel Asres

“I am a PA because I make a difference in patients’ lives.” — Ian Gordon Cranmer

“I’m a PA because I love helping people (and getting to participate in surgery)!” — Liz Elander

“I love being a PA because it is a profession I can make a difference in peoples’ lives. Twenty years and it just gets better.” — Dale Ann Kuhen-Petersen

“I am a PA because I enjoy educating and enriching others’ lives to live healthier and happier. I learn something new in medicine and my patients give me life lessons in ways they don’t even know. I am proud to serve as an Army Reserve PA and as a civilian in ER and plastic surgery. Many are called but few are chosen. Happy PA Week!!!” — Renita White

“I am a PA because there is no greater satisfaction than caring for and healing another person!!!” — Jackie Bugdal

“I became a PA to help less fortunate and because God led me to this profession. I retired last year after 41 years as a PA and it has rewarded me beyond measure.” — Craig Sponseller

“I became a PA to make a difference in the lives of my patients and to change the way we do healthcare. I am happy to say I am effectively doing that now only seven years out of PA school.” — Jocelyn Cavender

“I became a PA for my love of people. Seeing someone in pain, and being able to actively improve their issues and see their tears turn to smiles is the best way I know to show that love.” — Brandon Dodds

“I am a PA because there had to be a better way to treat people. Seventeen years later and still doing my part to treat people with dignity and respect.” — Doug Young

“I’m a PA because I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. Twenty years and counting.” — Lisa Pennington

“I’m a PA because I enjoy helping people. PAs rock!!!!!” — Andrea Price

“I became a PA after realizing I can do more than be a medical assistant. I want to be closer to patient’s personal care with teaching them how to take care of themselves. I’ve been a PA since 1984 and made the best decision of my life career!” — Lydia Toy Ong

“I am a PA because I want to make a difference. The most rewarding comment from a patient is ‘you saved my life.'” — Marianne McKissick

“I am a PA because I wanted to be more involved in patient care. I was a respiratory therapist for 17 years at a level one trauma center working in ER and the trauma room where I saw amazing doctors do amazing things and felt, why not me. Today, I work with amazing doctors in thoracic surgery where our lung transplant program is quickly becoming one of the busiest in the country. Explore your possibilities and become a PA tomorrow. I did!” — Anthony Bolden

“Because I love making patients better!” — Kelly Robinson

“Because after three-and-a-half years of doing stand-up comedy, meeting Robin Williams, who to continue doing comedy if that is what make you feel fulfilled and happy. I thought about it and knew I was capable of giving back more to others. Now I blend a little comedy into my work to make patient fear the procedures I am doing less scary. At Hahnemann University, we learned to treat the whole patient. Loving what I do since ’93.” — Cameron Michael Bergin

“I am a PA because God has called me to care for the sick and it’s a privilege I enjoy!” — Rebecca Rivera O’Neill

“I’m a PA because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life! I am so privileged to work with so many great people in the ER and every day we make a difference!” — Wilma J. Mealer

“I retired after 28 years as a PA. I did it so I could provide the best care possible to my patients. And I did. The reward of doing good for others was awesome. The thank yous and hugs were the best payment I received. What a great career it was!” — Bryan Espinosa

“I love being a PA! Even with all the long hours there’s nothing like it when a patient ‘get’s it,’ becomes healthier, and their life better as a result of my helping them! It’s awesome !” — Marisa Wayt

“I have only been a PA for two years!! It has been tough. I love teaching people about their medical problems and helping them feel better. The pleasure in this professional is helping!” — Chatriece Lawson

“I enjoy hands-on interaction with patients, taking the time to find out what’s really wrong, and helping my patients get better!” — Robin Elizabeth LaBerge

“Because it is the best friggin’ profession EVER! It is so fulfilling making a difference in people’s lives.” — Leah Villemaire Belchamber

“I love serving my patients stateside and being able to use my career to serve missions globally!” — Shannon Heiling

“I’m a PA-C because I have always been in healthcare. I couldn’t think of a better way to help make a difference in others lives than to keep them healthy with preventative care and get them well when they are ill. I have a bond with all my patients in family practice. They are like my extended family.” — Sue Boland

“I’m happiest taking care of those that truly need me…” — Sherri Frith

“We have the honor of working as patient advocates!” — Jill Sinclair

“Because I love helping people to feel better and being a valuable member of the medical team.” — Armen Aghabegian

What is your favorite part about being a PA? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @bartonlocums!