Here are my top 5 Proven Survival Tips for PA school: 1. Study hard, study early and study often. This is a no-brainer and if you have already gotten into PA school you probably arrived at that point by doing just that – studying hard. But it never hurts to say it again – so I will – study hard and study often. Studying in PA school will not be the same as in undergrad or your prerequisite courses. It will be harder, more intense and more important! Remember you are learning things to make you a PA. You have to know EVERYTHING! It’s not like American History 201, where you may learn just ..read more

The attributes that got you accepted to PA school may not be the skills that help you succeed as a PA student. What is the hidden curriculum of PA school? One of my many anatomy drawings. If you are starting PA school, you probably spent a substantial amount of time and energy on the application process. You practiced interview skills, polished your essay, composed your thoughts about what it means to be a PA and why you want to be that person.  Indeed, you practiced saying these things in a professional manner in front of a mirror. You managed deadlines, submitted ..read more

Podcasts while you drive Yeah sure, sometimes I have to relax to a few minutes of pop music or listen to my GPS so I don’t take the wrong exit– like I did this morning. But what I really like to do now while driving whether it’s around town or on the highway trucking off to clinicals is listen to podcasts that help me review for my clinical rotations and ultimately my PANCE. Brian Wallace talks you through about 20-30 minutes of straightforward review outlines on major topics of your choice on Physician Assistant Exam Review.  He is positive, perky and encouraging – a real cheerleader ..read more

Study Hacks Disclaimer:  study aids and tips are great, but as we all know  – there is no replacement for what I call “butt in the chair” time – sit down, focused and get-to-it work effort.  That being said – here’s a few tipss that helped me do just that. FOCUS Speaking of focusing – here’s the #1 thing I love- that my daughter taught me – Focus at Will This scientifically studied, brain wave reinforcing, background with a timer helps you stay focused. It has a phone app too.  Don’t take my word for it – do the free 30 day trial.  It’s truly awesome.  It r ..read more

How to handle that first job interview as a new PA: When is “no experience” really experience? Answer:  When you are a PA student on clinical rotations and you are working everyday seeing patients with and alongside your preceptor. Just because you haven’t tackled your first job yet, doesn’t mean you have NO EXPERIENCE. As a PA student, you have a unique and valuable experience (think how much you paid for it!).  You have seen the patients alongside your preceptor and had the benefit of your preceptors insight and instruction. So when you are interviewing for that f ..read more