6 - Building Community and Education in Medicine, an interview with a Primary Care Physician Assistant | Jessica Murray, PA-C

01/06/25 • 39 min

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!
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Previous Episode

5 - Transforming Aspirations into Medical Reality, a Journey to Becoming an Emergency Room Attending Physician | Blaire Banfield, MD

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

Next Episode

7 - How Direct Primary Care is Changing the Face of Medicine, an interview with a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner | Leah White, APRN

In this engaging episode, I sit down with Leah White, a dedicated family medicine nurse practitioner at Celebrate Primary Care in Gainesville, Florida. Leah walks us through her fascinating journey in healthcare, sharing how her initial dreams of becoming a doctor were reshaped after an encounter with the formidable challenge of organic chemistry. Rather than deterred, Leah found her path in nursing, where she embraced roles as a health educator and critical care nurse. Her story is one of resilience and adaptability, guided by insightful mentors and a passion for the transformative direct primary care (DPC) model.
Leah opens up about the delicate balancing act of pursuing advanced nursing education while managing the demands of work and family life. She offers a unique perspective on the flexibility of nurse practitioner programs and the importance of blending theoretical learning with hands-on experience, particularly in critical care settings. As we explore the financial and organizational aspects of further education, Leah provides valuable advice for those navigating similar challenges, sharing her thoughts on managing costs and commitments without losing sight of one's goals.
In a model that emphasizes personalized patient care, Leah's role in direct primary care allows her to build lasting relationships with her patients. Her experiences highlight how DPC empowers practitioners to offer tailored health care through flexible scheduling and attentive communication. From hour-long appointments to weekend accessibility, Leah's approach ensures comprehensive care that resonates with her patients and builds trust. Tune in to discover how passion and dedication drive Leah’s work, and how the DPC model is reshaping the future of healthcare for both providers and patients alike.
To learn more about Leah and Celebrate Primary Care, a direct primary care medical practice serving businesses and individuals in Gainesville, Florida, visit their website: https://www.celebrateprimarycare.com/

Shadow Me Next! - 6 - Building Community and Education in Medicine, an interview with a Primary Care Physician Assistant | Jessica Murray, PA-C

Transcript

Ashley00:00:01.020

Hello and welcome to Shadow Me Next , 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 incredible members of the healthcare field and uncover their unique stories , the joys and ch