My Desire To Continue Education In Francis Marion University

If there is one thing I have mastered in these four years of intense schooling, it’s how to keep my sanity. I made the mistake of choosing a huge 4-year university to attend, and had up to 120 students in each of my classes. The crowds were overwhelming to me coming from such a small high school, and I remember never feeling comfortable to ask questions when I didn’t understand something, or reach out to any of my classmates. I overcame this trial was by joining small SI groups, and tutoring sessions. It was there I was able to meet other students, and reach out for help. Something I now look for in my universities of choice, are small teacher to student ratios, and a variety of student organizations. After looking into the PA Program staff, and campus student organizations, I was overjoyed to know that Francis Marion would be able to offer me this. I am especially interested in FMU’s Sociology Club whose focus is to make an impact on the community no matter how big or small. It is people like this, whose heart is in the wellness of others that I would choose to surround myself with.

As a Physician Assistant, I am hoping to channel my energy towards the wellness of others, and I am primarily interested in working in primary care with underserved populations. I was happy to see that Francis Marion is an advocate of my interest, requiring students to serve in such communities for one rotation, and with a strong goal of producing many primary care healthcare professionals. The beauty of the PA profession definitely lies in its flexibility, allowing one to gain experience in all different areas of medicine in a less amount of time than other professions. This key difference will be my strength when working in primary care, and it is this same difference that allows a PA to impact health care as much as they do now. Statistically speaking, it has been said that the presence of just one physician assistant, can increase the efficacy of primary care by 50%. In line with the Sociology Club’s focus, I am also trying to make an impact in impoverished communities no matter how big or small.

My passion for working in underserved communities stems from my volunteer experiences. What I witnessed solidified my desire to become a physician assistant. During my time at the Open Arms and Mission Arlington Free Clinics, the necessity of affordable primary care became clear. I witnessed how lack of access to care, intensifies the catastrophic health disparities low-income communities are already struggling with. I was able to assist at the clinic department that oversaw the care of homeless individuals. It was there I was able to see the synergistic combination of disease, lack of shelter, food, and social support take a consequential toll on individual’s mental and physical health. For example, glucose level test and nutrition counseling services were offered to all patients in attempt to screen for and prevent type II diabetes. However, these services alone were not enough to prevent many of our patients from developing the illness. Other variables such as economic, social, and environmental factors contributed to further development of the disease. Factors such as living in area without access to healthier foods, or not having the finances to explore better dietary options.

Regardless of location, status or income, quality health care should be in reach. While physicians fulfill a key role in providing care, I have learned that health neither begins nor ends at the doctor’s office. I strongly believe that preventative care, frequent patient wellness visits, and education is the best care I can offer to those in need. Many are called to practice at large upscale facilities and many are called to practice in less fortunate areas. Despite this difference, both have the opportunity to do something great.

With this knowledge in mind, I pursue my individual goals with great pride. The mission and values of the Francis Marion program align with my own and I feel that Francis Marion can offer me an environment and education that other schools cannot. I am confident in my decision to apply to FMU, and I am looking forward to visiting the campus, and viewing its beautiful scenery for myself. I’m ready to be a physician assistant, and just as ready to be patriot!