Career Resources

Wiley Petersen riding a bull

From Riding Bulls to Seeing Patients: Former Pro Becomes a PA

Wiley Petersen, PA-C, spent 12 years of his life as a professional bull rider. When it came time for his next career move, he decided to become a PA. Going back to school seemed like an insurmountable challenge, but Petersen persevered.

Sandra Gutierrez, Glenna Regan, and Paige Kuebler smiling

A Day in the Life of a Critical Care Fellow at URMC

Glenna Regan, PA-C, decided to apply for an APP Fellowship Program in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She describes her decision to apply for the fellowship and what a day at the medical center looks like.

Andrea Lowe headshot

PA, Leadership Consultant, Career Expert: Meet Andrea Lowe

Andrea Lowe, MHA, PA-C, has a lot of ideas about raising PA public awareness and increasing career opportunities for PAs. Lowe practiced as a PA in emergency medicine and then transitioned to increasingly visible leadership roles.

Dan Acevedo pointing at a patient's x-ray

A Week in the Life of a PA in Orthopaedics

Daniel Acevedo, a PA in orthopaedics at OrthoVirginia in Lynchburg, Virginia, sees a lot in a typical week: five to seven surgeries, hospital consultations, hip fracture clinics, post-op patients, outpatient procedures at an ambulatory surgery center, and more.

Katherine Wilkens, Kasey Drapeau D’Amato, and Stephen D’Amato posing outside

PA Entrepreneur Develops Popular Skincare Line

Kasey Drapeau D’Amato, a PA in dermatology, used her clinical skills to build a skincare business. Read how D’Amato became an entrepreneur and started Airelle Skincare. She also shares her skincare secrets and advice for PAs who want to start a business.

Michael Clark and his family at the Dallas Cowboy stadium

Day in the Life of a Cardiology PA

Cardiology PA Michael G. Clark is part of a large cardiology practice near Fort Worth, Texas. He describes a day in his busy practice in clinic and at the hospital, and discusses how the practice has changed.

Advice for New Grads: Choosing Your Specialty

PA Verdale Benson knows that PA career flexibility is both a blessing a burden. His advice to new grads who are trying to choose a specialty: pursue your passion and maximize your career-growth potential.

A group of residents dressed in scrubs pose in an OR

A Day in the Life of a PA Surgical Resident

PA Kimberly Mackey says choosing to complete the Norwalk/Yale post-graduate residency program is by far the best thing she has done for her career. She was exposed to surgical sub-specialties including trauma and had daily first-assistant opportunities in the operating room.

Three Steps to Making a Non-Clinical Career Move

The PA profession offers unique latitude and flexible employment opportunities across the medical spectrum. For those PAs interested in non-clinical career options, Jennifer Hohman, founder of PA Career Coach, offers tips and ideas for your next steps.

What It’s Really Like to be a PA in Hospital Medicine

Hospitals are one of PAs’ largest employer groups, and hospital medicine is an ever-changing practice setting. Learn about one hospital internal medicine PA’s daily routine.

PA Executive: Javier Esquivel-Acosta

Physicians have traditionally filled the roles of medical directors. However, with the right background and determination, many PAs have shown they, too, have what it takes to be successful in those positions. One prime example is PA Javier Esquivel-Acosta, who for several years served as associate medical director at the Foothill Community Health Center (FCHC) in San Jose, Calif. The center oversees a number of local health clinics throughout the area.

PAs in Administration

For Sheri A. Shebairo, MBA, PA-C, getting to the bottom of an issue has been a driving force throughout her professional life. Her first career was as a television news reporter in New York, but she always knew she wanted to have a more personal impact on the lives of others.

Outside the Clinic

Do you ever wonder about the options for nonclinical employment open to you as a PA? There are many available.

A Day in the Life of a PA in Primary Care

I’ve been working in family medicine for two years now. Some things we do every day may seem routine, but there is nothing ordinary about how we care for our patients. Here is a recent day at my practice.

A Day in the Life of a PA in Orthopaedic Surgery

I enjoy being a physician assistant because my work is challenging, yet very rewarding. I am able to practice medicine within a multidisciplinary team where I consult with my supervising physicians daily. Here’s what a recent day was like for me.