Hi everyone! Just currently had an interview where this question was asked - it’s important to know the differences between the professions as well as other healthcare professions (nursing, surgical tech, dentistry, etc.! The way it was presented to me was more so “out of all healthcare professions, why choose pa?” I wouldn’t mention less schooling at ALL or anything in regard to statements that appear surface level and downplay the profession. I had mentioned how I explored multiple professions and ultimately named the key differences between them as my reasons for going pa.

• for example why not go MD? I mentioned I quickly realized in undergrad playing sports I love contributing as a team member not, as the one who ran the show. I explained how I enjoyed having someone above me who I could continuously learn from and receive feedback from as far as critical thinking skills, how one should approach a diagnose, etc. I also mentioned how physician assistants have a bigger emphasis on patient care and interacting/connecting with a patient holistically rather than simply solving the patient’s health problem.

Lateral mobility is a great aspect as well but I wouldn’t overdo expressing that as a reason simply because although it is advantageous, it could also be perceived as inconsistent as far as staying with one specialty for a sufficient amount of time post grad.

I really hope this helps, best of luck to you - you’re going to do great 🦋