The top 3 reasons to become a Physician Assistant

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is no easy task, but it’s definitely worth it. As we celebrate Physician Assistants Recognition Week we asked some of our employees what their top 3 reasons to become a PA were. Here is what they had to say.

You’ll do something you love every day.

“For the past 33 years, I wake up every day to do something I love – taking care of people and making a difference. This is something that I have wanted to do since a very young age and the profession was quite young at that time. Now with the profession celebrating its 50th anniversary, I can look back and reflect on how happy I am to have been a part of it all of this time and to look forward to at all of the exciting things that are happening in the PA world. We are in a field that is growing exponentially. As the healthcare landscape is changing, so is the need for PA’s.”

-Matthew Shebes, Supervising Physician Assistant, Surgical Services, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

“Within these roles you will have direct contact to patients – in a physical and conversational way. These relationships drive you to come up with the best treatment plans to help them get better.”

-Martin Morales, Corporate Director, Physician Assistant ServicesYou will be challenged, in a good way.

You will be challenged, in a good way.

“Working in medicine is an ever-changing landscape that requires me to be up to date with the medical knowledge, and processes. There is always a challenge and boredom does not exist. I am also heavily involved in PA education. I am an adjunct at the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies and have been a preceptor for several of the PA programs for many years. To see students that studied under my tutelage go on to graduate and move up to prominent members of the PA profession is extremely rewarding.”

-Matthew Shebes, Supervising Physician Assistant, Surgical Services, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

“The key to any rewarding job is to be challenged. As a Physician Assistant, you are constantly tasked with assessing your patients’ problems and applying curative/preventative measures. The tiniest intervention can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life. Since PA’s are team players who are constantly interacting with various healthcare professionals, you also have the ability to impact your colleagues – whether it be doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, etc. One of the reasons why I love my job is the interactions I have with my patients, my coworkers and the privilege of influencing an individual’s life.”

-Jane Joseph, Physician Assistant, Mid-Level Providers, North Shore University HospitalFlexibility.

Flexibility.

“The PA model has become more autonomous over the years and this allows PA’s to develop exceptional skill in their area of expertise. Also, the ability to have a nice lifestyle, enjoy my family and make a nice living.”

-Matthew Shebes, Supervising Physician Assistant, Surgical Services, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

“The versatility of this career is amazing. You can choose any specialty you want without limitations and you can treat a wide range of patients. There will also be a shortage of PA’s within the next 5 years because demand is high and the schools can’t keep up – job security and compensation will never be better.”

-Martin Morales, Corporate Director, Physician Assistant Services

“Physician Assistants have the unique advantage of being able to practice in various medical specialties. This allows us to gain experience and constantly expand our knowledge base. We have the ability to find our niche and stick with it, or change specialties at any point in our career. It provides PAs with a wide range of options, a great job market, and lifelong learning.”

-Jane Joseph, Physician Assistant, Mid-Level Providers, North Shore University Hospital