3 Questions with a Future Physician Assistant
Like all of Chatham’s programs in the School of Health Sciences, our Master of Physician Assistant Studies is a degree with a strong reputation for producing healthcare professionals with advanced clinical skills and highly adaptable approaches to caregiving. Intrigued? We caught up with future physician assistant and current MPAS student, Clare Clifton to learn more about what she has gained in Chatham’s MPAS program and what she is looking forward to in her career. Check it out below—
What led you to decide to become a Physician Assistant and study in Chatham’s MPAS program?
Clare Clifton, Current MPAS Student
CC: My dad passed away from colon cancer when I was young, and this inspired me to want to go into medicine as a way to give back. Being a PA was the perfect way for me to do that, as it provides flexibility to switch fields and make a difference in multiple areas of medicine. Chatham was the perfect place for me because I love their problem-based learning approach and I love Pittsburgh!
What has been the coolest aspect of your PA training at Chatham thus far?
CC: Clinical rotations have been an absolute blast! We get to switch medical specialities every 5 weeks, and that has been an adventure to say the least. Most recently I learned that I’m in love with emergency medicine, which I had no idea about before PA school. I’ve also gotten to rotate in other fields such as surgery and oncology so far. I’m so grateful Chatham has given me so much variety in my clinical rotations.
“My main goal is to get a job in emergency medicine, rheumatology, or oncology after I graduate. I’d be happy with any job though, because I can switch specialties over my life thanks to the flexibility of the PA profession. Chatham has helped me so much by providing resume writing tips and by giving me opportunities to make connections for potential job offers.”
What advice do you have for students who are considering pursuing their Master of Physician Assistant Studies?
CC: GO FOR IT. I have never regretted my decision to go to PA school at Chatham. I absolutely love what I am learning and am so excited about what my future career is going to be like. If you love the combination of people and science, healthcare is the place for you… and I’d argue that becoming a physician assistant is one of the number one jobs you could choose in healthcare!
Interested in exploring Chatham’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program? Click the link to learn more.
