What are your career goals / academic goals?

I am currently working as a family medicine Physician Assistant

Why did you choose to pursue your graduate degree at Marist? Why did you choose to pursue this degree program?

My sister received her undergraduate degree from Marist so I knew that Marist had a strong sense of community and that I would be well supported during my studies. It was really important to me to have a strong connection with my classmates and faculty and Marist is great at fostering those connections.

Tell us about a project or course that was particularly meaningful to your professional development / academic development.

Our physical diagnostics and clinical diagnostics labs during our clinical year were meaningful to my professional development because we were given the opportunity to practice clinical skills and scenarios under the guidance of faculty members and local practicing PAs who offered valuable feedback and advice.

Tell us about a meaningful experience you had at Marist as it pertains to your degree (whether that be with a Professor, Marist service, Scholarship opportunity, etc.).

My didactic year started in June of 2020 and was completed in May 2021. We were given the opportunity at the end of our didactic year to volunteer at Covid-19 vaccination clinics. This experience was meaningful to me because it was the first time I was able to interact with real patients after starting my medical education and also allowed my classmates and me to participate in protecting the community from the Covid-19 pandemic. Because the didactic year started so soon after the Covid-19 pandemic began I wasn’t able to spend much time working in the medical field through it, and it was very impactful to see how relieved many people were to be receiving protection from a virus that had been so life altering.

What advice would you give to a student considering pursuing this degree at Marist?

I would advise them to take full advantage of any clinical opportunities they had prior to school–ask healthcare providers questions when they have time, get comfortable talking to patients, etc. Any experience you have prior to school is so valuable, so try to make the most of it. Additionally, do lots of research on the schools you are applying to–ask current students questions and attend info sessions if they’re offered.

Please include any additional pertinent information as it pertains to your course of study and/or Marist experience.

My experience at Marist was better than I could have hoped for–you won’t find faculty who care more or are more invested in their students’ wellbeing than the faculty at Marist.