My ultimate career goal would be to work at a family practice in a rural area. Arkansas has many areas with under-served populations that need healthcare providers from all disciplines and practices to come fill the gap and provide their services. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I will complete the Physician Assistant program in August of 2018. After graduation, I would like to take some time off to travel and then start working at a family practice clinic close to my hometown.

I love traveling to new places. I only have two continents left to see, however, there are always new adventures to go on and places to explore. My other hobbies include reading, photography, hiking, kayaking, and spending time on my family farm. I’ve had countless teachers, professors, preceptors, physician assistants, and friends that have influenced and supported me on this journey.

The best way to change the world is starting in your community with your patient population. One patient at a time. Being a provider gives us the potential to change people’s lives while also fulfilling a passion within ourselves. My philosophy has always been that any problem can be solved with hard work and perseverance. Another important tool is team work. Medicine and patient care should be a team-based approach with different healthcare specialties utilizing their talents for better patient outcomes.

The drive to enhance my education, to learn medicine, and my desire to help others fuel my motivation for finishing PA school and getting a job as a Physician Assistant in Arkansas. The PA program is very challenging, but is also very rewarding. Don’t lose sight of your goals and take pride in the fact that you have worked hard to get to this point in your education.