Michaela Foster
Congratulations on being selected for the NHSC Scholarship Program! What attracted you to applying for this opportunity? What are you most excited for? What role will you have as a Scholar?
When I decided I wanted to become a physician assistant and realized the investment I would need to make in my education, I started looking for scholarships to assist with the expense, which is how I found out about the NHSC Scholarship Program. The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend. In turn, I will commit to serving in a healthcare facility that is underserved for two years after I graduate. Considering I am from southern West Virginia, I’ve seen what it’s like to not have access to healthcare, so I was excited to be able to give back to these communities with the help of this scholarship.
Tell us more about your current position or academic program. How does it relate to your graduate studies at WVU? What skillsets are you utilizing from what you learned? What are your favorite/most challenging aspects of the new academic opportunity?
I am currently a second year physician assistant (PA) student who is finishing up didactic year and preparing for clinical rotations that start in May. We’ve been able to use our knowledge and skills a few times already at the hospital working on patient rounds and our documentation skills. In a few months, we’ll be able to work in hospitals and clinics of varying specialties to advance our knowledge and skills even further. My favorite aspect of this program is being able to learn hands-on procedures from the very beginning and continue throughout the entirety of the program. What’s challenging is keeping up with all the information we have to remember, but you eventually get used to it and learn how to study efficiently.
What do you currently intend to pursue as a career? Is there an experience you’ve had that made you realize why you chose this profession or specialization?
Currently, I plan to pursue a career as a physician assistant in either dermatology, women’s health, or pediatrics. I worked for a short time at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital before I started the program and I loved it. It was devastating some days, but also extremely rewarding. In terms of dermatology, being a redhead has made me cautious about what I put on my skin since I am prone to sensitivity, and that has added to my fascination. I am generally a huge advocate for women’s health, which is why I also see this as an important aspect of my future.
What makes you excited about pursuing this field?
I love the fact that PAs increase access to healthcare and provide quality care to patients. What also attracted me was the lateral mobility PAs have in terms of what specialty they want to work in. Since we’re trained as generalists, we can, for example, work in emergency medicine for 10 years and then decide to work in family practice without any additional academic training. I’m excited to start my rotations soon so I can really pinpoint which specialty/specialties I’d like to pursue!
What would you tell prospective students interested in the Physician Assistant program about your experience at WVU, and particularly the School of Medicine?
I absolutely love our PA program here at WVU! As mentioned before, the faculty and students are always so nice, helpful, and accommodating. It’s difficult starting a new program, but I feel like the faculty have done a fantastic job at making this program amazing. We also have several amazing resources like our standardized patients and the STEPS lab, which allows us to receive hands-on patient care before we step foot into any clinic or hospital. Our class size is small, which allows for all of us to get to know each other extremely well during our time here. The students and faculty are always so nice and willing to help, no matter what the issue is. The university has everything you could ever ask for. Although it’s a big campus, it still has that small town feel.
Have you worked with any faculty or staff members who have made an impact on you while at WVU? If so, how?
Every faculty member in the PA program has made an impact on me. The professors are so down-to-earth, which makes learning fun and enjoyable. The director is also my academic advisor and has always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Overall, I adore our faculty in the PA program. Both the students and faculty are always so nice and willing to help, no matter what the issue is. The university has everything you could ever ask for. Although it’s a big campus, it still has that small town feel.
Please tell us more about the NHSC Scholarship Program. What attracted you to applying for this opportunity? What are you most excited for? What role will you have as a Scholar?
When I decided I wanted to become a physician assistant and realized the investment I would need to make in my education, I started looking for scholarships to assist with the expense, which is how I found out about the NHSC Scholarship Program. The scholarship pays for all of my tuition and fees plus I obtain a monthly stipend from them, and, in turn, I have to work in a healthcare facility that is underserved for 2 years after I graduate. Considering I am from southern West Virginia, I’ve seen what it’s like to not have access to healthcare, so I was excited to be able to give back to these communities with the help of this scholarship.
Will you share something unique or interesting about you that others may not know?
The farthest I’ve been away from home is Peru.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with prospective students?
You can still have fun while in graduate school! Yes, it takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s important to put time away each week just for yourself. Our faculty are also committed to making sure that we have time for ourselves!