My decision to pursue a career as a physician assistant started while I was in high school. I had always enjoyed science classes, especially biology and anatomy. This interest in the sciences, plus having many family members who are medical professionals, are what interested me in the physician assistant profession. While in college I worked as a patient care assistant (PCA), and it was those four years that confirmed I had made the right decision in striving to work in the rewarding career of medicine. We, as health care professionals, get to take part in people's lives, when they need help the most. It also means that I get to meet new people every day, and see different walks of life.

The next chapter began when I started my physician assistant studies. I can remember the day that I first had the opportunity to observe total joint replacement surgery in the operating room. I was hooked right away. At the end of my studies, I participated in a clinical rotation with the orthopedic team at The Christ Hospital. I learned that joint replacement changed the lives of patients by improving the quality of life, and I wanted to take a part in that. I am lucky to be able to help our patients enjoy life by making it possible to for them to play with their grandkids, play golf, or return to work without pain.

I choose to work in the medical profession because of the human connection it provides, and my choice in work location is no different. The team at The Christ Hospital cares about one another, we get to know each other, create friendships, and help one another. Everyone works together with the identical goal of providing the best care for our patients. It is this teamwork, which drew me to and keeps me here.

Did you know that Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and physician assistants? Learn more about APPs at The Christ Hospital Health Network.