Shadow Me Next!

Transitioning from PA school to a thriving family medicine practice isn't just a career shift; it's a journey filled with both hurdles and triumphs. In our latest episode, we bring you the inspiring story of Jessica Murray, a dedicated family medicine Physician Assistant making her mark in a small Florida town. Jessica opens up about the challenges she faced during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic and how she found empowerment by emphasizing the importance of community support and self-reflection. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and relationships in building a fulfilling medical career.
We also explore the multifaceted experiences that come with gap years and their critical role in shaping personal and professional identity in healthcare. Jessica shares her insights on maintaining a healthy balance between personal life and career demands, offering thoughtful advice for aspiring PAs. Her anecdotes about the pressures of clinical rotations and the strength found in community support provide a candid look at the realities of medical training. Mentorship emerges as a pivotal theme, with supportive preceptors playing a key role in guiding her journey and shaping her approach to patient care and teamwork.
In her current role, Jessica is excited about the potential of group medicine visits to enhance patient education and empowerment, demonstrating her commitment to patient-centered care. Her unique path to a collaborative healthcare setting highlights the benefits of a supportive and diverse medical team. Through her experiences, she underscores the significance of aligning career choices with personal values and fostering a supportive work environment, offering invaluable insights for anyone pursuing a meaningful path in medicine.

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]

Join us as Dr. Blaire Banfield, an emergency medicine attending physician, shares her extraordinary journey from aspiring psychologist to a life-saving ER physician. Discover how her experiences in neuropsychology, working with dementia and Parkinson’s patients, ignited her passion for medicine and prompted her to pursue medical school at Harvard and the University of Florida. Blaire's narrative offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs faced along the way, proving that dedication and resilience can pave the way to achieving your dreams.
Dr. Banfield's story doesn't just stop at medical school. She unveils the rigorous yet rewarding world of medical training, from her experiences as a medical assistant and hospital tech to the whirlwind of completing her medical degree in 2020. Blaire provides a candid reflection on the nuances of medical school, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions and the critical role of hands-on experience. Her insights paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical demands of becoming a physician, balanced by moments of profound fulfillment.
Finally, step into the dynamic world of emergency medicine as Dr. Banfield describes the unpredictable nature of night shifts in a community hospital's ER. She shares practical advice for pre-health students and residents, underscores the significance of teamwork in emergency care, and highlights the personal sacrifices required in this demanding field. As you listen, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience needed to thrive in healthcare and the incredible reward of making a tangible difference in patients' lives.
Considering a Postbaccalaureate Pre-medical Program? Here is more information:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-student-well-being/considering-postbaccalaureate-premedical-program

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]

Natalie Freels, a trailblazing Physician Assistant, illuminates the pathways of hospital internal medicine with a unique blend of passion and expertise. From her beginnings as an EMT to shaping innovations in healthcare, Natalie captivates with stories of problem-solving and systems-based thinking that are reshaping medical landscapes. We promise you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of clinician-led initiatives as Natalie shares her significant contributions to disaster preparedness and electronic health record optimization.
How do clinicians enact meaningful change in the complex world of medicine? Natalie dives into the heart of this question, shedding light on the crucial need for advocacy, collaboration, and feedback within healthcare settings. By emphasizing the role of diverse perspectives and the integration of simple, effective solutions, she outlines a roadmap for achieving sustainable progress. Moreover, Natalie highlights the importance of understanding the everyday challenges faced by healthcare professionals, advocating for leadership that bridges the gap between administrative decisions and clinical realities.
Ever wondered what a day in the life of a hospital internal medicine PA looks like? Natalie takes us on a journey through her routine, balancing patient care, teaching, and professional development. Her dedication extends beyond the hospital, as she delves into healthcare technology and emergency management, advocating for robust electronic health record resiliency planning. From memorable interview questions to insights on patient-centered care, this episode promises a comprehensive look into the rewarding and multifaceted world of medicine through the eyes of an inspiring healthcare leader.

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]

Join us as we explore the compelling world of corrections nursing with Gabby, a dedicated registered nurse who never anticipated working in a prison setting. Her path to nursing was unexpected, sparked by a personal health crisis and the compassionate care of a nurse who changed her perspective on healthcare. Gabby invites us into her journey from aspiring physical therapist to nurse, sharing insights into the educational routes available, the challenges of nursing school, and the immense value of hands-on experience early in a nursing career. Her narrative underscores the essential role of mentorship, the profound impact of supportive clinical instructors, and the strong bonds formed among students facing similar trials.
Gabby’s story offers a unique glimpse into the day-to-day life of a corrections nurse, where the stakes are high, and the responsibilities vast. She sheds light on the complex medical emergencies she faces, the necessity of building supportive relationships with corrections officers, and the delicate balance between providing compassionate care and adhering to stringent security protocols. Through her experiences, Gabby emphasizes the mutual respect that can develop between inmates and healthcare professionals, highlighting the often misunderstood but crucial role of corrections nursing in the broader healthcare system.
In our conversation, we uncover the challenges and rewards of providing healthcare in a correctional setting. Gabby reveals the unexpected consideration and cooperation often shown by inmates, and the critical importance of maintaining professionalism and empathy in such an environment. We also address common misconceptions about working in corrections, emphasizing the need to treat each patient with dignity while maintaining professional boundaries. This episode promises to provide invaluable insights into a field that might be overlooked, yet plays a vital role in the healthcare landscape.

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]

Discover the compelling journey of Audra Cotter, a second-year physician assistant student whose passion for healthcare was ignited at an early age in a household where psychology was a dinner table topic. Audra's path from EMT to PA student is a testament to the transformative power of hands-on experience and the invaluable insights gained from shadowing professionals in the medical field. As our guest, she candidly shares how her early exposure to emergency medicine has shaped her clinical skills and patient care philosophy, offering a glimpse into the foundational experiences that guide her steps toward becoming a compassionate healthcare provider.
Embark on an insightful exploration of PA school life as Audra recounts her didactic year—a grueling yet rewarding period filled with classroom learning and exams. Transitioning into her clinical rotations, she reveals the unexpected lessons from her time in general surgery, particularly in pancreatic and biliary surgeries, where textbook knowledge meets real-world application. Her stories highlight the critical role of clinical exposure in not just enhancing medical knowledge but also in fostering a deeper understanding of patient care.
In this episode, we also tackle the emotional landscape of PA school, delving into pervasive feelings of doubt and imposter syndrome that many students face. Audra emphasizes the power of mentorship and community support in overcoming these hurdles, sharing how a non-competitive environment and collaborative learning with peers can transform the PA journey. Her advice for aspiring PA students centers on savoring each moment and trusting the process, underscoring the importance of enjoying the present as each experience builds toward becoming a skilled healthcare provider. Join us for an inspiring conversation that offers both encouragement and practical insights for those considering a career in the medical field.

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]