My name is Alexa Llewellyn and I am a second-year Physician Assistant student from the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently finishing my final clinical rotation and will be taking the PANCE on February 27, 2016. I completed my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Lock Haven University in 2013. Prior to embarking on my journey to becoming a PA, I worked as a nurse aide on a med/surg and orthopedic unit at my hometown medical center.

While providing mentorship to a PA student, I was asked the question if he should initially pursue a primary care job to solidify his medical foundation before entering a specialty field. I found this to be a great question that I’m sure many soon-to-be graduates are pondering. While reflecting on the question, I realized how the flexibility of our profession could feel like both a blessing and burden at times. Bottom line up front: Pursue the specialty you are passionate about.

A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison PA program, emergency medicine PA and former EMT, medical scribe and seventh-grade science teacher, Jimmy Clark Jr., shares some first-hand career advice for first-year PA students.

PA Foundation student scholarships are now available for eligible PA students. Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2015.