Students Corner
We have the fortunate opportunity to be a part of one of the most rapidly growing professions both in the United States and internationally. To have the opportunity to be a part of such a compassionate and service oriented profession speaks profoundly of those who choose to undertake the rigors of PA programs. PA’s have traditionally been known as filling in the currently increasing gap between physician shortages, growing patient demand, and specialization in the United States. Our focus on bettering society through healthcare and providing care to those communities with less access to care sets the profession apart from other medical career opportunities. The unique patient centered medical model of PA’s as active learners creates a unique niche in the increasing demands of medicine. This model has slowly grown to become recognized internationally and accepted fully in places like Canada, the UK, and Australia. The nature of the profession draws passionate, motivated, and altruistic individuals. It is not a surprise that many students are also drawn to working internationally to globally serve those who are in need of health care. As students we have the unique opportunity to be representatives of the PA profession internationally and pave the way for increased awareness and opportunities globally. As countries become more globally connected this will be an increasingly important part of our future as practitioners.
PAGH is an essential resource for creating a network of practicing PA’s and PA students serving patients internationally. Being a PA student is the best time to get involved with current PA’s serving internationally. Whether you have served abroad, are interested in an international career or short term opportunities, or want to learn more about what it means to be a PA serving abroad then I encourage you to join PAGH. You will meet many passionate PA’s and learn more about how international medicine will fit into your future career!
Some of my goals as student representative include:
- Be a liaison to connect students interested in serving abroad with PA’s who currently serve internationally
- Develop resources for students to find out about more international opportunities upon graduation. It is currently hard for students to navigate opportunities for PA’s internationally.
- Increase student awareness, membership, and involvement in PAGH
- Create a network of PA students (as future practitioners) dedicated to serving internationally
- Create a list of schools that currently have international rotations and hear from students about their experiences and decision to do an international rotation.
- Use popular media to connect students with information, updates, and experiences of PA students who have worked or rotated internationally.
- Increase student attendance at the annual PAGH conference.
Please contact me with more information on becoming involved as a student, to share your international experience, or volunteer with PAGH.
Good luck in the remainder of your education and please join us to be pioneers of the PA profession!
Brittany Collins
Duke University PA-S1
PAGH Student Representative 2010-2011
Stay tuned to our website and our monthly newsletter, The Nexus, for articles and student rotation information.
