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Sabrina A.

Sabrina A., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I am an Ohio native, and was born and raised in Delaware. Not only did I grow up in Delaware, but I went on to purse my undergraduate studies, at Ohio Wesleyan University. During my time as a Bishop, I was a member of the women’s swim team while pursuing a bachelor in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a graduate teaching assistant for one year while completing my masters in Healthcare Administration at Austin Peay State University. Prior to coming to Marietta, I worked as a nurses’ aid at a local nursing home where I was able to get invaluable patient care experience. From young age I knew I wanted a career in healthcare; however, it took me some time to find the best fit. My experiences volunteering, working and shadowing in healthcare solidified that becoming a Physician Assistant was the right choice for me. Although, I know it will be difficult, I am excited for this journey at Marietta College. I know this program will prepare me to be the best Physician Assistant possible.


Savannah A.

Savannah A., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I was born and raised in Delaware, Ohio but upon graduation I moved to Clarksville, TN where I was part of the Austin Peay Women’s Track and Field Team. I graduated with my bachelors of sciences in 2018 and went on to complete my Masters in Healthcare Administration in 2021. Due to the pandemic, I continued my educational and athletic career at The University of Findlay where I pursed an MBA. I gained patient care experience while working as a nurses’ aid in an assisted living facility. I had always been interested in pursuing a career in medicine as I found the human body and its intricacies both challenging and intriguing. My path became certain after shadowing numerous healthcare workers, including two orthopedic and an emergency medicine PA. As a former student-athlete I found the collaborative efforts of a PA and physician to resemble that of an athletic team. I love how each person works independently but functions as a cohesive unit using their medical knowledge and critical thinking to care for patients. I’m excited to continue to learn and grow on my journey to becoming a Physician Assistant with the support and guidance of the Marietta PA program.


Emma A.

Emma A., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My calling to serve others was initiated through a big move from a small rural town outside Marietta, Ohio to Dallas, Texas. I am a graduate from the Texas A&M University class of 2021, with a Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health. Shadowing in the Emergency Department throughout undergrad stemmed my curiosity to become a Physician Assistant (PA). A profession enriched in collaboration, critical-thinking, growth, and success motivated me to follow my aspirations to become a PA. My experience working alongside Physical Therapists as a Rehabilitation Technician in an acute inpatient setting allowed me to work as part of a healthcare team in order to give each patient the best medical care they deserved. As a PA, I strive to be a leading role in the world of medicine and in each patient's life. Returning to Marietta, Ohio to receive an exceptional education in medicine is a privilege. This town has shaped me into who I am today and I strive to give back to the community that has created my foundation and supported me throughout this journey. I am truly honored to be a part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program class of 2024. Gig ‘em and Go Pioneers!


Melanie B.

Melanie B., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I grew up in Trenton, Michigan, and graduated in 2021 with my Bachelors of Science in Cellular Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Toledo. Ever since I was little, I had an interest in learning science and medicine. I entered the field of healthcare working as a certified nurse aide while I studied. This experience was invaluable. I loved every moment of helping my patients, working with an interprofessional team, and absorbing any information I could. I am extremely honored to be a part of MCPA Class of 2024, and look forward to creating a lasting impact as a physician assistant.


Breanna C.

Breanna C., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in August, 2021. Through my study of sports and related injuries to the body, I found myself wanting to know and do more. From this, my passion to becoming a physician assistant (PA) began to grow because the role aligns with my aspirations and goals. Further, through my internship in Cardiac Rehabilitation in St. Mary’s Hospital in my college town, I was able to see patients and witness the hard work of a PA in an interprofessional healthcare team and solidified my career choice. Additionally, growing up in West Virginia has allowed me to witness first-hand what small, medically underserved communities desperately need from the healthcare system. As a PA, I want to be the healthcare professional to foster that positive change and give back to my community or a community like mine. Therefore, I never second guessed coming to Marietta because it feels like home. I was recommended by a professor in my undergraduate degree to apply to Marietta College’s program due to the upstanding reputation and I am grateful I did. I am eager to take in all Marietta College Physician Assistant Program has to offer and I am ecstatic to be able to say I am a member of the Class of 2024!


Jensen C.

Jensen C., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Throughout my educational and life experiences, my love for learning and fascination of medicine has been apparent to me. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from The Ohio State University I obtained healthcare experience working as a PCT on the med surg and COVID-19 units. In addition to this experience, I worked as a medical practice manager of two-family practice and multi-specialty offices in a rural, medically underserved community. These positions opened my eyes to the PA profession and showed me how much a PA’s collaboration, compassion, and kindness can influence a patient’s health. After growing up in the small town of Belle Valley, Ohio and working in a similarly rural and underserved community I have become dedicated to serving areas like my own. I strive to carry the same level of empathy, knowledge and communication that I’ve observed within the profession and am committed to providing exceptional quality healthcare to my community. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to begin this journey with Marietta College and am proud to be a part of such a respected program. Go Pios (and Bucks)!


Lindsey C.

Lindsey C., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Growing up watching my mother practice as a PA significantly influenced my decision to pursue this career. She demonstrated compassion and excellency in her care for patients while also enjoying her work. My mom also invested in me and my family and had flexibility with her work hours and her specialty. With her example, when I decided to pursue medicine, the choice to become a PA was obvious. I spent time shadowing physicians and PAs, gained healthcare experience in several different settings, and earned a B.S. in Allied Health from Cedarville University. I am so thankful for those opportunities to gain experience in healthcare and learn from the amazing professors at Cedarville. Now, I am blessed to be a part of MCPA’s Class of 2024 and look forward to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to become an excellent PA like my mom.


Nat C.

Nat C., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Having a brother with autism and epilepsy exposed me to the medical world from an early age. I saw how powerfully the care of various health professionals affected his quality of life and wanted to be a strong, positive force in the lives of others too. The opportunity to use my experiences growing up to support people with complex needs has sustained my dream of working in medicine for many years. Working in clinical settings while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh helped me discover which aspects of the health sciences and patient care speak to me the most, and over time I realized that the PA profession best suits my interests. The ability to practice as a generalist and explore multiple specialties resonates with my desire to master new skills across disciplines and incorporate them into patient care. After working closely with PAs as a medical assistant in urogynecology for over two years, I came to admire their broad scope of practice and how their collaboration with each of the physicians uniquely informs the way they treat patients. I love the strong relationships they maintain with returning patients as a result of their focus on ongoing and preventive care. This career will allow me to act as a versatile member of the healthcare team, continually learn from many other providers, and monitor my patients’ wellbeing. I am honored and excited to be continuing on my path at Marietta College!


Taylor C.

Taylor C., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I have had the chance to see a broad spectrum of careers in medicine through various volunteer and job opportunities. My interest in medicine was first piqued by my mother as she went through nursing school and became a psychiatric nurse. This interest intensified after the development of a slight heart murmur and surgery that ended my junior year of softball sooner than expected. The experience was terrifying but changed my life for the better. I met several wonderful physicians and physician assistants along the way that guided me towards the path of becoming a physician assistant. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Kent State University and conducting muscle architecture research at Youngstown State University while volunteering at Akron Children’s Hospital solidified that becoming a PA was the career for me. I am honored to be a member of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program Class of 2024 and look forward to where this journey takes me!


Elena D.

Elena D., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Hello, I am Elena Duque, a 22 year half Colombian female, that was born in Indiana, but raised in southern Ohio. I am very proud of my Latin heritage, I believe it helped shape and mold me into the hard working, well rounded person I am today. It also spurred my love for soccer and traveling the world. I've visited 4/7 continents and am planning a trip to a 5th continent once I graduate from PA School. I come from a family full of medical degrees in a variety of disciplines; I believe their stories and experiences inspired me at a young age to pursue a degree in healthcare. Additionally, I've always loved science and chose to pursue my bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Ohio University. While in undergrad I volunteered regularly at the local clinic. I was able to observe and assist endocrinologists, dermatologists, orthopedics specialists, psychologists, and family practice physicians. I easily fell in love with the idea of practicing medicine and helping people in need by providing treatments that cure or manage their ailments, while improving their quality of life. Furthermore, I've had the privilege of meeting and observing a few Physician Assistants. I shadowed two in the dermatology field, and my grandfather was treated by PA's after his spinal surgery. They all loved their job and the ability to work in a variety of settings, which offered flexible schedules. I believe all these experiences inspired me to purse a degree as a Physician Assistant. Although I am open minded and look forward to experiencing numerous health care settings, I am personally drawn to the fields of dermatology and endocrinology. Dermatology because of my personal battles with skin problems and shadowing experiences. Endocrinology because I find it fascinating. I've had the privilege of working with some awesome endocrinologists. Nonetheless, wherever this road leads me, I am grateful to being on the path of becoming a Physician Assistant.


Mackenzie E.

Mackenzie E., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My first exposure to medicine was in an introductory anatomy and physiology course offered at my high school. I immediately fell in love with the field of medicine and its seemingly never-ending pool of knowledge. There were not any other subjects that piqued my interest quite the same. When I started my undergraduate career, I had no idea what my future plans were going to be other than that I wanted to incorporate medicine. Being a first-generation college attendee with no family members who work in the medical field made this journey especially difficult to navigate. I completed my undergraduate degree in human physiology at the University of Oregon. After attending a healthcare professions seminar at my school during my freshman year, I learned about the role of a physician assistant. It aligned with many of the characteristics that I saw in myself, and it was after the seminar that I decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant. Growing up in a rural area of Oregon, I have an interest and passion for providing care in rural communities. I am excited to use the knowledge that I gain from the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program to help in communities like my own. I am looking forward to the next two years here at Marietta, and I am so proud and honored to be a part of this program!


Carrington F.

Carrington F., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I realized that I wanted to work in healthcare from a young age. Through my own personal medical experiences, I have had interactions with a variety of healthcare professionals, so I knew that medicine was a career I wanted to pursue. This was only solidified through my enjoyment of the science courses I took in high school. I was unsure which career I wanted to go into, so I shadowed various healthcare professionals during this time. This is what led to my interest in the Physician Assistant profession. I attended Cedarville University where I graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in Allied Health with a minor in Psychology. I love the flexibility as well as the patient care aspects of the PA profession. Ever since I decided to pursue being a PA, I knew I wanted to attend Marietta College. Growing up in the Mid-Ohio Valley, I know many Physician Assistants that have graduated from the program. I am super excited and honored to be a part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program Class of 2024!


Brianna F.

Brianna F., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Unlike most students entering college, I was far from knowing what career path I would be working toward when I began my studies. Shadowing and volunteering with various healthcare professionals assisted in narrowing down the search, however it still wasn’t enough.

Upon graduating with my bachelor’s in biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College, I moved to Florida and immersed myself in healthcare. While residing in the sunshine state, I worked as a nursing assistant on a medical/surgical unit with Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. My work as a nursing assistant gave me a wide range of patient care experience. Working in the hospital setting, I was surrounded by all levels of healthcare professionals, which was when I realized physician assistant was where I wanted and needed to be. I am excited to see what the next two years hold for MCPAP Class of 2024.


Taylor H.

Taylor H., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My favorite question to ask those I work with is, “if you could do it all over again, would you still choose the same field?” Now that you’ve thought about your own answer, whether it is a yes or no, I am optimistic that one day my answer will be “absolutely, yes.” I am excited and honored to be a part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Class of 2024. I am a graduate of Otterbein University, where I majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduation, I took the time to explore different areas of medicine through volunteer and paid work. I was able to work in numerous private practices, a hospital setting, and at various free medical clinics. While at all of these sites, I never met a physician assistant that hesitated when answering the question with an enthusiastic “yes!”. I look forward to the journey of becoming a physician assistant and could not be more grateful for those who have helped me get to this point, especially my family and friends.


Jareb J.

Jareb J., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My path toward the Physician Assistant Profession had many detours and winding roads. Growing up in Coal Grove, Ohio, I was surrounded by a family of educators and coaches. Both my parents and grandparents were educators, which led to an inherited passion for learning. Until the Fall of 2011, I always believed I would join the family business and become a grade schoolteacher. However, after a medical tragedy struck our family, I was introduced to the world of healthcare, where my passion for learning grew. Walking onto Otterbein University’s campus in 2018, I was aware of my passion for learning, my desire to be a college athlete, and an undecided career path. I decided to enroll in education classes, but the thought of going into healthcare lingered in my mind. After a few tutoring sessions with local grade schools, I realized that I did not want to teach people about reading, writing, and arithmetic but instead go into healthcare and teach people about their health. I want to guide them along their journey to a healthier version of themselves. This is where my passion for learning with education and healthcare met as I had the opportunity to shadow a few Physician Assistants. I fell in love with the profession immediately. I was able to start taking classes to prepare for graduate school and began working at Riverside Methodist Hospital as a Rehabilitation Tech and Safety Aide. My path toward the PA profession may not have been a straight stretch, there were some hills, turns, and roadblocks, but it all led to the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program. As a member of the Class of 2024, I am grateful for this program that will guide my classmates and myself to better our communities and ourselves.


Adam J.

Adam J., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Friends, family, and sports were always my main priorities while growing up. Being from the Detroit area it was always a dream of mine to attend Michigan State University. I did just that and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. I only used this for a couple of years before making the decision that PA school was the field that piqued my interest. A career change from sales to the medical field was the first step; followed swiftly by an array science classes and endless application questions.

Eventually, an acceptance to the PA program at Marietta College made my dreams come true. This has allowed me to continue my education and pursue my passions of being an advocate and voice for medicine. My priorities have now realigned: friends, family, and becoming an outstanding PA.


Mya L.

Mya L., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I graduated in 2021 from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. After shadowing in orthopedics, dermatology, and a hospitalist, I knew that becoming a PA was my dream. I worked as a pharmacy technician and then later worked at Parma Medical Center as a patient care nursing assistant. I absolutely loved caring for the patients in all areas of the hospital such as ICU, ER, telemetry units, rehab, and especially the geriatric psychiatric unit (which was my home unit). This experience allowed me to work with various healthcare professionals which solidified my goal to pursue a career as a PA. My mother is a Registered Nurse which also inspired me to study medicine. I am thankful for all the support and encouragement that I have received from coworkers, employers, classmates, and especially my family. I am very grateful and ecstatic to be part of the Class of 2024 and look forward to the memories we will make together at Marietta College in the Physician Assistant Program.


Rebecca L.

Rebecca L., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Growing up, I played multiple sports and was always on the go. I kept my parents busy traveling from one event to the other. However, I had frequent sport-related injuries and became very familiar with physical therapy. My rehabilitation to get back to my sports ultimately led to a fascination for the intricacies of the human body and kinesiology. I graduated from the University of Toledo in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Throughout college, I worked in several healthcare positions as a physical therapy technician, medical assistant, CNA, and pediatric medical scribe. Each job allowed me to see the different healthcare fields and find my passion. My shadowing experiences with PAs solidified my desire to become a Physician Assistant. I am excited to be a lifelong learner and an advocate for my future patients’ health. I am very honored and grateful to be part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program Class of 2024!


Ronald M.

Ronald M., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

For as long as I can recall, becoming a provider has been a dream of mine. Initially sparked by sports and a love for science, accompanied by a strong interest in understanding the human body, I knew the medical profession was for me. Growing up in a town fueled by athletics, such as Massillon, Ohio- I was able to become involved in the field of medicine through sports med programs offered during my high school years. As I embarked on my journey into college, it was evident that John Carroll’s mission to be men and women for others directly correlated with my personal goals in life. During my time at JCU, my athletic career was cut short due to injury and service for others became a central proponent of my educational experience. I was eager to become more involved in the service of others through medicine so I began shadowing PA’s and quickly fell in love with emergency medicine and other disciplines of healthcare. I noticed the passion and urgency from physician assistants to aid in the recovery and prevention of illness for all. The selflessness and true care for complete strangers was invigorating and moved me to share in their experience. As I continued on my path to the medical world, it was difficult not to recall my own traumatic experiences, as both of my parents had suffered heart attacks- but the unforgettable feelings during that time made it easy to sympathize with patients and their loved ones once I started work at Aultman Hospital in Canton. Pursuing a career that allows me to use my knowledge and technical skills for the good of others provides true joy. I am excited to see where the PA profession will take me and I am lucky to be surrounded by Pioneers with the same passion.


Hailey M.

Hailey M., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

For as long as I can remember, I have always been driven to help others. I love being a problem-solver and providing a service to anyone in need, no matter how big or small the task. I have my family to thank for showing me how to care for others with an open heart and to never give up on any challenge. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine after losing my dad to lung cancer. After this, it became my ultimate goal to learn how the body works and gain the skillset to fix it when something goes wrong. I devoted my studies to my loved ones and worked hard to complete my bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Mount Union. During this time, I searched for my place in the medical field and explored many paths. I finally discovered that becoming a Physician Assistant was perfect for me. I love the team-based care that is provided by a PA, and the endless opportunities that the profession holds. My work as a CNA at a long-term facility solidified my desire to help patients through treatment and education as a PA. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the class of 2024 at Marietta. I cannot wait for this experience to change my life, so that I can change the lives of others.


Jaana M.

Jaana M., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I am a Columbus, Ohio native. I graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training. From 2017 to 2022 I worked as an athletic trainer in the central Ohio area, caring for patients with ages ranging from 4 to 100. My passion for patient care stems from an important core value of mine, community service. I believe in helping others and assisting them in the best way I can to aid in their return to a better quality of life. The loss of my loved ones in 2016 helped me realize how precious our time is here. The events sent me on a journey to build a life with purpose and they left me determined to have a positive impact on this world. My introduction to the physician assistant (PA) profession occurred when I became pregnant with my son Sebastian. The care I received from the OB-GYN PA inspired me to research about the PA occupation, in which I learned this is the perfect career for me. My goal is to serve, promote health, and healthy lifestyles by caring for underserved communities. I intend to use the knowledge I receive from the Marietta College PA program to learn and develop into a clinician our community wants and needs. It is an honor to be a part of the MCPAP class of 2024.


Alexander N.

Alexander N., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Throughout high school and college at Ohio University, I had a love for the sciences and desired a career that would provide the opportunity to help others.  My cousin (an orthopedic surgery PA in Atlanta) suggested shadowing the PA profession as it tied into these desires.  Positive shadowing experiences in emergency medicine and OB/GYN pushed me to seek a position that involved patient care.  I was fortunate to obtain an opportunity at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center and provide care for patients during their most vulnerable times following a potentially terminal diagnosis.  This strengthened my desire to pursue the PA profession and have the opportunity to provide outstanding patient care in the future.  In addition to this, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted my decision to pursue the profession.  Personal tragedy of losing two family members and having another family member hospitalized will stick with me for a lifetime.  Knowing that the profession provides an avenue to help patients during these difficult times resonated with me.  I’m excited to continue my journey into the PA profession at Marietta College surrounded by supportive staff and colleagues pursuing a common goal to provide exceptional care for patients and positively impact their lives. 


Brayden N.

Brayden., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Growing up in the small, rural village of Amanda, Ohio I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my future. As a former athlete, I knew that I wanted to stay involved with sports in some capacity. Coming from a long line of educators, the medical field was hardly a thought for me. My senior year of high school, I tore my ACL during basketball season. Going through physical therapy and numerous doctor’s appointments, I started to become more aware of the options that are present within the field. I truly believe that tearing my ACL was one of the best events to ever happen to me because I was able to find a career passion. By the time I stepped onto campus at Otterbein University, I had my options narrowed down to being a Physical Therapist or becoming a Physician Assistant. With the support of my great family, friends, and an awesome advisor I quickly figured out that the PA field was the route for me. Upon graduation with a degree in Allied Health, I was able to work as a PSA in Riverside Methodist Hospital’s Emergency Department. The relationships and experiences I gained during my time at Riverside have allowed me to love medicine from multiple areas. Without the love and support from my family I wouldn’t be where I am today, and for that I am forever grateful. Being able to provide care for rural communities like the one I grew up in excites me. I am honored to be a part of the 20th graduating class for the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program.


Isabela P.

Isabela P., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I am 2021 student-athlete graduate of Ferris State University, where I studied Biology and Spanish. I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field ever since I was a little kid, but it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I finally decided that the Physician Assistant path was for me. Between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college, I began dealing with two extensive medical conditions that altered my day-to-day life. I was fortunate enough to be treated by a physician assistant in my hometown that allowed me to regain my life back. From that day on, I knew I wanted to pursue this career path and I have never looked back. I can only hope to help others and leave the same positive impact that was left on me. I am truly so honored and excited to be a part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program Class of 2024 and continue my journey to become a PA!


Allie P.

Allie P., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to make a difference in people lives. I have always had a passion for medicine and science, which led me to discover the PA profession as a senior in high school. During my shadowing experiences, each PA I interacted with had a love for their profession and had great relationships with their patients. Through these experiences, I knew this was the profession I wanted to pursue. I am originally from Cincinnati, OH and graduated from the University of Toledo in 2021 with my Bachelors in Exercise Science. I have worked in a variety of positions including medical scribe, ophthalmic technician, and chiropractic assistant. Through these roles I have found a love for ophthalmology and orthopedics, and I am excited to see what other specialties I will be interested in. I am honored to be a part of the Marietta College PA Program and grateful I can pursue my dream of becoming a PA-C!


Taylor P.

Taylor P., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My desire to pursue medicine began at a young age and grew exponentially as I learned more about the intricacies of the human body through my academic studies. In May 2022, I graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. During my time at Kent State, I researched every career avenue in medicine in an attempt to decide my own path. In the end, my decision to pursue physician assistant studies was solidified after shadowing and working alongside PAs. I admired the extensive knowledge in their fields, kindness and advocacy for their patients, and interdisciplinary teamwork. After realizing I wanted to become a PA, I kept working to get more involved in the field of healthcare and expand my skills. I became a Certified Phlebotomy Technician and worked as a Mental Health Technician in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. These experiences shaped my desire to work with underserved communities and revealed the importance of education and advocacy in the role of a provider. I am so grateful and excited to be a part of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program Class of 2024!


Mackenzie R.

Mackenzie R., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Throughout school, I enjoyed and excelled in science and math classes. While looking at colleges, I attended Pre-Med Day at Shawnee State University. While taking a tour, our guide asked if anyone would like to hold a human heart. My hand was the first to go up! I was hooked and knew immediately I was meant to be a medical professional. During my undergraduate studies, I worked at an OB/GYN office and became very interested in the role of the physician assistant. I graduated from Shawnee State University with a bachelor’s in Biomedical Science and a minor in Microbiology. I am so excited to be at Marietta College to learn how to be the best PA I can be.


Adriana S.

Adriana S., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Having always been fascinated by science and the human body, I have known from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine and help make a difference in others’ lives. It wasn’t until I had a personal experience with a PA while in high school that I learned of the profession, but it was that very day that my dream of being a Physician Assistant took off. With the goal of becoming a PA in mind, I attended Marietta College where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science and minors in Leadership Studies and Health Communication. My undergraduate courses fueled my interest in medicine, yet my aspiration to become a PA was solidified once I began working as a PCT at Marietta Memorial Hospital. It was during these years of working within an inpatient setting that I discovered my passion for patient care. I found my relationships and interactions with patients extremely rewarding, so I am greatly inspired by the patient-centered care a PA is able to provide. I am beyond grateful to continue my education and journey to becoming a PA here at Marietta College as a part of the MCPAP class of 2024!


Kathryn S.

Kathryn S., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I grew up in Girard, a small suburb outside of Youngstown, Ohio. Growing up, I always had a passion for helping others and a love for science. I always knew I wanted to work in medicine but was not sure how specifically. After shadowing various healthcare careers, I shadowed a PA. Each PA I worked with truly enjoyed their career, and I grew to love the profession even more. It allows me to help others while utilizing science and critical thinking skills to assess a patient's needs. For my undergraduate, I attended Cleveland State University, where I received my bachelor’s in health sciences with a minor and biology and chemistry. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with patients and help increase their quality of life. I am grateful to my family and friends who have supported me to this point and the classmates and faculty here to support me as I embark on this new journey.


Anna S.

Anna S., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I have always wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to serve and help others; from a young age I knew I would do this through a career in the healthcare field. It wasn’t until college when I first discovered the PA profession that I knew this was the right path for me. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from WV Wesleyan College in 2020 where I studied international health abroad in Ghana and volunteered at a health clinic in rural West Virginia. Through these experiences I witnessed the overwhelming health disparities plaguing Appalachia and beyond. After graduating I worked as a nurse’s aide at a level 1 trauma hospital where I was able to gain valuable patient care experience and expose myself to a new side of healthcare. These experiences solidified my desire to become a PA and I can confidently say I am ready to take my patient care to the next level. I am looking forward to continuing my education as a part of the Marietta College PA program class of 2024 while working towards the career that I have always pictured for myself.


Jillian S.

Jillian S., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Medicine has impacted my life in many ways. Born in Russia and adopted at seventeen months, I spent the first month of my new life in The United States in the ICU at The Cleveland Clinic. I have always been fascinated by medicine and found that a career as a Physician Assistant allows for the level of autonomy I was interested in. I completed my undergraduate time at Cleveland State University, where I triple majored in health sciences, biology, and psychology. I also received a triple minor in neuroscience, chemistry, and American Sign Language. During shadowing and procuring patient care experience, I had the opportunity to work as an ophthalmic technician which sparked a curiosity about the eye. I am so grateful to be a part of the 2024 Marietta College Physician Assistant Program!


Gage T.

Gage T., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

Ever since I was a child, I have always dreamt of pursuing a career in medicine. Science has always fascinated me because it is continually growing each and every day, and it continuously aids the lives of people year-round. In high school, anatomy made me realize the true love that I have for the field of medicine, and I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to learning more about it. I grew up watching my mother work as a licensed practical nurse and I can still remember how happy she would be coming home knowing that she made a difference in someone’s life. She is my inspiration to continue and push through life's obstacles and boundaries while also staying true to myself. Nearing my junior year of college, I did research to see the different paths and roads that I could take and this is when I discovered what it means to be a PA. I was lucky enough to shadow a cardiology PA and I had fallen in love with the profession right then and there. I am overwhelmed with happiness, excitement, and nervousness to take this next step in life, but I know that through hard work, anything can be achieved. I will strive to be the best that I can in this field, and I am looking forward to learning critical skills and techniques that I will continue to use throughout my career. I am looking forward to the memories that will be made as a Pioneer, and I am excited to see what the future holds!


Brittney T.

Brittney T., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

My passion for healthcare grew during high school when I was in the HPAC Health Professions Affinity Community club. This club gave me insight to various roles in the healthcare profession and is where I discovered that I wanted to be a Physician Assistant. This was easily confirmed when we devoted our service project to the special needs community in our area. We spent our time getting to know the individuals and created an art show for the community to sell their artwork to members of the community and work on sensory and communication skills--telling the buyers what their artwork meant to them. Since then, I spent much of my time as an undergraduate working with underserved communities much like my small rural town of Millersburg, Ohio.  I attended undergraduate at The Ohio State University and graduated in May 2022 with my Bachelor’s in Health Sciences. During school I worked as a home health aide to an individual with cerebral palsy and was a resident assistant at Creative Living--an independent living facility for individuals with physical disabilities. During this time, I also shadowed a PA that graduated from the Marietta College PA program and had nothing but great things to say about the program. I knew when I visited the area before my interview that the small-town, homey feeling was exactly what I was looking for in a Physician’s Assistant program. I am so honored to have been accepted into the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program class of 2024, and excited to continue my journey to becoming a Physician Assistant.


Madison W.

Madison W., a Physician Assistant student at Marietta College

I cannot say I had a big moment of revelation when I knew I wanted to go into healthcare because I truly have always known. I have had an interest in hospitals since I was a child and chose to spend summers volunteering in them because they intrigued me so much. I do, however, remember the exact moment when my interest turned toward the path of physician assistants. During my yearly examinations before starting college, I began to ask questions to my providers, who I thought were all doctors. Each one had informed me they were a PA and passionately explained the details of their profession. It was not until then that I realized the perfect career had always been right in front of me, I just had not known what it was yet. I was unaware there was a healthcare path that was so versatile and allowed for careers in many different specialties. I started looking into the profession and realized how perfect a fit it would be for me. I began to prioritize this career path and make life decisions toward it, for example becoming a nursing assistant. This experience, along with the science classes I took to complete my exercise physiology degree at West Virginia University, reinforced my decision to pursue this career. I could not be more grateful that Marietta College is the place that will help me obtain my goal of becoming a physician assistant. I am honored to be a part of the class of 2024!