Shadow Me Next! - 2 - A Clinical Year Physician Assistant Student Who is Building Compassionate Healthcare Skills Through Experience | Audra Cotter, PA-S2

2 - A Clinical Year Physician Assistant Student Who is Building Compassionate Healthcare Skills Through Experience | Audra Cotter, PA-S2

12/16/24 • 38 min

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!
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Previous Episode

Shadow Me Next! Exploring the Realities of a Career in Medicine

Ever wondered what truly drives healthcare professionals to dedicate their lives to healing others? Join me, Ashley, as I pull back the curtain on the medical field with Shadow Me Next, a podcast crafted for those curious about the heart and soul of healthcare. Through genuine stories and heartfelt conversations, we'll explore the vibrant lives and unique journeys of doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other allied health workers. Whether you're pre-health; a recent grad; practicing medicine as a doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, nurse; or simply passionate about medicine, this episode promises a front-row seat to the real stories and insights that fuel the medical community.
Imagine witnessing the precision of a surgeon's hands in the OR or the compassionate rapport of a primary care physician in their clinic, all without leaving your home. Shadow Me Next aims to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality, offering a virtual shadowing experience that brings the essence of healthcare closer to you. With each conversation, you'll gain not just knowledge but also inspiration and clarity about your own path in medicine. Tune in as we break down barriers and spotlight the personal moments and professional triumphs that make a career in healthcare truly meaningful. Access the stories you need and the insights you crave—you're always invited to shadow me next.

Next Episode

4 - Breaking Misconceptions: the Realities of Healthcare in Corrections with a Registered Nurse | Gaby Garrido, RN

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.

Shadow Me Next! - 2 - A Clinical Year Physician Assistant Student Who is Building Compassionate Healthcare Skills Through Experience | Audra Cotter, PA-S2

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:01.221

Hello and welcome to Shadow Me Next . This is a podcast where I take you into and behind the scenes of the medical world to provide you with a deeper understanding of the human side of medicine . I'm Ashley , a physician assistant and the creator of Shadow Me Next . It's my goal to introduce you to the incredible members of the healthcare field and to uncover their unique stories