Episode 28: Interview with PA and Medelita Founder - Lara Francisco

In today's episode, we spend some time with Medelita creator, Lara Francisco. From PA to CEO, Lara has an amazing story and great advice for anyone interested in becoming a PA and pursuing other passions. 

Medelita - www.medelita.com - use code PAPLATFORM1 for 20% off of your order

Medelita Articles: 
How to Survive Match Day (from a Spouse's Perspective) - https://www.medelita.com/blog/how-to-survive-match-from-significant-other/
What I've Learned from International Medical Missions - https://www.medelita.com/blog/thepaplatform-medical-missions-abroad/
What I Learned About Medicine from a Rotation with a Breast Surgeon - https://www.medelita.com/blog/pa-rotation-breast-cancer-awareness-month/
Medelita M3 Ellody Lab Coat Review - http://www.thepaplatform.com/blog-2/jc5d5bkektkfzzxzbkannlpcjxknxd
Medelita + ERKA Stethoscope Review - http://www.thepaplatform.com/blog-2/d3rlxg5h9tnzgp4td6yw226wazxte4

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 27: Interview with Amber from @studyinginscrubs - Nontraditional USC PA Student

Check out today's interview with Amber from @studyinginscrubs on Instagram. She started as a Political Science major and ended up in PA school at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. There's bonus content at the end where we discuss thoughts on the new PANCE recertification options. 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/

The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 26: Interview with Former PA Program Director - Dr. Ken Harbert

Today, I'm joined by someone who I have learned a TON from and I'm excited for him to share his insights. Dr. Ken Harbert has held every position possible within a PA program and helped to start many programs across the nation. As a former PA Program Director, he shares his advice for the application process. If you want to schedule a personal phone consultation with Dr. Harbert to discuss your competitiveness or get some interview help, you can do so at this link  - http://www.thepaplatform.com/services/phoneconsult 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/

The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform

Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 25: FAQ: Gap Years? Healthcare Reform? GPA? Experience?

Today, we're answering some questions from Instagram and Facebook. If you have questions, make sure to ask before the next FAQ!  You can even leave a voicemail - https://www.speakpipe.com/ThePAplatform

• How does healthcare reform affect PAs and their patient populations? 

• How do you know when to apply? This cycle or next? 

• What should you do leading up to PA school after you've been accepted? 

• What struggles did I have during undergrad that impacted my journey to becoming a PA? How do you get experience at the same time? 

• When should you start preparing for interviews? How to prepare for interviews? 

• How far in advance can you start CASPA and put in information? 

• How should I keep track of patient care hours? 

• If I'm an EMT, should I try to become a paramedic before PA school? 

• Do patient care hours have to be completed by the time you apply? 

• Do volunteer hours have to be in a healthcare related field? 

• In your personal statement, is it okay to mention not wanting to go to medical school because of wanting a family friendly career and not committing to the length of medical school? 

• Why is it so hard to raise a GPA and so easy to lower it? 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 24: Interview with PA Student and "Atypical Presentation" Podcast Host Hannah

Hannah reached out to introduce me to her podcast, and we decided to do a double interview! Her journey is interesting because she will soon graduate from a 4-year combined PA program at St. John's University, which means she went straight into PA school after high school. To hear Hannah interview me, head over to her podcast "Atypical Presentation" on Soundcloud - http://bit.ly/2F6bFYj

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 23: International Mission Trips - Interview with Jessy from @skinmadesimple (Derm PA, Entrepreneur PA)

Check out this interview with Jessy (@skinmadesimple on Instagram) about his journey to becoming a dermatology PA and our mission trip to Kenya with Passion to Heal/Me To We. If you work in dermatology or ophthalmology, let me know if you'd like more information on the trip! And to see some pictures, make sure to check out my Instagram (@thePAplatform)! 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 22: Interview with @medicalmaven - Geriatric PA

Melissa, also known as @medicalmaven on Instagram, was kind enough to join me to discuss our jobs and journeys as PAs! She currently practices as a geriatric physician assistant. Unfortunately, we had some technical difficulties and the recording cut off too soon, but I still wanted to share what we got with you guys! Definitely follow Melissa on social media for some great tips. 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 21: Q&A - PA Mentors, PA Challenges

Micaela's Question - "From a practicing physician assistant, what are some of the greatest difficulties or issues that PAs and the PA profession face today?"

There's been a lot of chatter around "PA Mentors" lately, and I wanted to address this head-on. It's awesome to have someone to help guide you, and I consider myself a mentor, but I want you to be able to identify red flags when you are looking into finding a mentor. We'll tackle:

Should I have a mentor? 
Who should I get to mentor me?
Does it have to be a PA? 
Should I pay for a mentor?
What should I expect from a mentor?

Leave a Voicemail Question! - https://www.speakpipe.com/ThePAplatform
The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 20: PT vs PA - Interview with a Physical Therapist - Matt

I'm so happy to bring you this interview with my good friend, Matt, who is currently a traveling physical therapist. We dive into PT vs PA and discuss the differences in school and what it takes to get there. Matt also provides insight into what it's like working as a traveling PT.  

Episode 7: PA vs MD - An Interview with Dr. Ryan Gray from MedicalSchoolHQ http://bit.ly/2DQD8MX
Episode 13: PA vs NP - Interview with a Nurse Practitioner - Monica from @givememoremonica http://bit.ly/2DmrTLf

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/ 

Episode 19: Interview with Jourdyn (PA Student) from @thepa_life

Jourdyn is currently a 2nd year PA student on rotations and in this interview she shares her experiences, tips on surviving PA school and managing relationships during school, and her plans for the future. Make sure to follow Jourdyn on Instagram - @thepa_life 

Jourdyn's Blog: https://thepalifeblog.wordpress.com/ 
Guest Post - Accreditation, Location, and PANCE Rate, Oh My!: How to Pick a PA Program that's Right for You - http://bit.ly/2CKr5U2

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/ 

Episode 18: Interview with Ashley Kay (PA Student) from @withashleykay

Last episode of 2017! Ashley Kay is a current PA student about to start her clinical year. You can find her on Instagram @withashleykay.  We discuss her journey to becoming a PA, her interesting experience as a rep before school, and how it's been so far.  Make sure to check out her blog as well - https://www.withashleykay.com/

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/
The PA Platform on Instagram - @thePAplatform
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thepaplatform

Episode 17: Interview with Eryka - Pre-PA Student

I'm really excited to introduce you to Eryka, a Pre-PA student who is currently going through her first application cycle. We connected in The Pre-PA Club Facebook group, and she's done a great job of answering questions and helping out other students. Since she's knee deep in CASPA and all the fun application stuff, we'll follow her journey and check in every once in a while as I help throughout the process in whatever ways possible. 

Sponsor: www.myPAresource.com
Eryka's Instagram: Erykalaren
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/

Episode 16: Interview with Jamie - 2nd Year PA Student at Detroit Mercy

Jamie is currently in her clinical year at Detroit Mercy. We discuss her path to becoming a PA, her application process, what PA school has been like, and what her plans are for the future. You can follow Jamie on Instagram - @jamienicole_pa.s

Pre-Physician Assistant Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/prephysicianassistant/ 

Blog Posts by Jamie: 
Clinical Medicine Study Tips - http://bit.ly/2klB6Li
What's in My Medical Bag? - http://bit.ly/2B2xI1V 
Letters of Recommendation: How Do You Ask? and How Do You Get a Good One? - http://bit.ly/2z0j4GY
The Unexpected Expenses of Interviewing and Attending PA School - http://bit.ly/2AbaTpE
So You Failed an Exam, Now What? - http://bit.ly/2B10Jem

Episode 15: Interview with a Dermatology Medical Assistant and Future PA - Taylor

I'm excited to share a conversation with my work bestie, Taylor, who helps to make sure I stay on track everyday. We discuss how Taylor landed her position and the next steps she's taking to pursue her goal of becoming a physician assistant. 

Gust Posts from Taylor: 
10 Tips to Be the Best Medical Assistant (MA) - http://bit.ly/2iEbmNt
Why I Decided to Go Back To School - http://bit.ly/2iEAoMm

Episode 14: Med School to PA School + PA Residency - Interview with Courtney

Courtney has a very interesting story. She started medical school in the Caribbean, and when that wasn't what she expected, she found herself pursuing PA school. Courtney now works as an ICU physician assistant, and she completed a residency in this area after completing PA school. This interview is packed with a ton of great advice. 

The Pre-PA Club Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprepaclub/

Episode 13: PA vs NP - Interview with a Nurse Practitioner! - Monica from @givememoremonica

This is a highly requested episode! You guys have been asking for a PA vs NP episode and here it is. I reached out to @givememoremonica on Instagram because we are both Medelita H.I.P. Ambassadors, and she graciously agreed to chat with me. We discuss the similarities and differences in PA vs NP and what it takes to get there (and to be honest, I learned a lot too!)

Monica the NP - https://www.monicathenp.com/

Episode 12: Interview with @the_ortho_pa on Instagram

In today's episode, I chat with Andrew Beverly, also known as @the_ortho_pa on Instagram. He shares his advice for pursuing the PA profession and what his job is like as a PA working in orthopedics. Make sure to follow along on Instagram! 

Episode 11: Interview with The Skin Sisters - Brooke and Lauren

Today's episode is an interview with not one, but TWO, dermatology physician assistants! I'm talking with Brooke and Lauren, who are the sisters behind The Skin Sisters! (www.theskinsisters.com)

We discuss their journeys to becoming PAs, advice for anyone who is considering the PA route or dermatology, and we also discuss our favorite skin products! Here are some links to our favorite things! (These are Amazon affiliate links)

La Roche Posay Foaming Wash - http://amzn.to/2z9yDuH
Cetaphil Cleanser - http://amzn.to/2zbOdpw
Coola Mango Sunscreen - http://amzn.to/2zuQWO0
Coola Tanning Oil - http://amzn.to/2yr5SfK
Neutrogena Hydroboost - http://amzn.to/2AhG2rR
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm - http://amzn.to/2h041mT
Kiehl's Facial Cream - http://amzn.to/2zbXv4Z
La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF - http://amzn.to/2is5IKv
CeraVe PM Lotion - http://amzn.to/2yrpbFG

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and review on iTunes, and make sure you're following along on Instagram - @thePAplatform 

Episode 10: Why I Became a Physician Assistant + Q&A

In today's catch-up episode, I'll be going over some of the reviews that have come in and answering questions that were left in the reviews and sent through voicemail. I'll also be reading an article I did for www.doximity.com about Why I Chose to Become a Physician Assistant and not a Physician. 

Link to original Doximity article - http://bit.ly/2hdWBx8

Leave a voicemail question now! - https://www.speakpipe.com/ThePAplatform 

Episode 9: Military Experience + PA School - Interview with Lydia from @futurePA

Lydia Seibert from @futurePA on Instagram explains her process of going from the military to a civilian physician assistant school. We go over how the military can assist in paying for PA school and what to look for in a program if you already have a military background.