November 5, 2019

There are as many reasons why a person wants to become a physician assistant as there are physician assistants. While these reasons are individually unique, these two alumni both comment about the investment they made in their futures, their patients and healthcare.

Lauren Weaver MHS '14

Where were you born?

Bethlehem, PA.

Why did you choose the PA profession?

I became interested in healthcare as an undergraduate after I took a course for my EMT certification. Around the same time, my father became very sick, lost his insurance and had issues accessing affordable care. I realized that this wasn’t a unique experience, and it opened my eyes to the inequities of our healthcare system. There is an old saying that if you want to study medicine and treat disease, become a doctor. If you want to care for patients, become a nurse. I felt the PA profession afforded the opportunity to do both.

Why did you choose Drexel University’s PA program?

Drexel was the best fit. Even prior to meeting the wonderful faculty and feeling at home during the interview, I felt Drexel-bound. The mission statement ran true to what compelled me to get into medicine. The added bonus was becoming part of a legacy as my grandfather and uncle also attended Hahnemann to study medicine.

Where do you currently practice?

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

Describe a day in your clinical practice.

I practice on an interdisciplinary team of advanced practice providers who work with physician colleagues to take care of a variety of critically ill patients. We see the usual suspects seen in most community ICUs including DKA, heart failure, COPD/asthma exacerbations, but we also see a higher volume of oncology and transplant patients. When we are not on service in the ICU, we rotate onto a procedural service and critical care consult and rapid response team. We support the hospital by responding to in-house emergencies and providing critical care consults as well as by performing bedside procedures including thoracentesis, lumbar punctures, paracentesis and central catheter placements. Additionally, we are charged with teaching the resident house staff physicians as well as the fellow physicians all bedside procedures. My days vary and depend on the acuity and needs of the patients both in the ICU and the hospital wards.

What’s an item on your bucket list?

Hike the PCT.

What advice would you give a student just starting the program?

Be compassionate with yourself. You are not always going to get that A. Don’t treat this program as a check box. You are investing in a future that will have a powerful impact on others. The best clinicians I know may not be the brightest or have perfect board scores—they value kindness and have high standards for humanity, care and dignity.

What advice would you give a student who is about to graduate?

Remain hungry, but take time to enjoy yourself. You just completed a big thing. Once you’ve shaken off that burnt out feeling you may or may not be experiencing, explore what sparked your interest as a student. Don’t get caught up in paying off your student loans. Do what interests you. Passionate care equates to better outcomes for our patients, but also a higher sense of self-fulfillment.

What do you do to relax and take care of yourself?

Laugh. Watching at least one mindless show or stand up special on Netflix oddly helps puts things in perspective.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mission statement?

“If this is it, let’s make it a good one.” I think that stems from my experience in critical care. I often see patients that have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses, sometimes multiple types of cancer. It’s a reminder of not only how fragile and precious our one life is, but also to never take for granted what we have. I suppose it’s a more practical version of give it your best shot.

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

Traveling or doing anything outdoors. Running, hiking, climbing, etc. I like to be on the go.

What are some causes you care about?

Oh man, we are healthcare providers. We are generally guilty of caring about heaps. I would say my top three causes that pertain directly to what I do are (1) health equity, (2) the opioid epidemic and (3) mental health.

Randall Faber, MHS '12

Where were you born?

Valley Stream, Long Island, NY

Why did you choose the PA profession?

I chose to pursue the PA profession because I felt it aligned with my goals to pursue medicine out of college. After shadowing several PAs, I saw the care they delivered and how they connected with patients which was something that I really appreciated. Being part of a profession that is patient-centered with a strong clinical foundation was something I’ve always wanted.

Why did you choose Drexel University’s PA program?

I chose Drexel’s PA Program based on its reputation and strong faculty leaders. Having teachers with significant clinical experience in addition to their broad base of medical knowledge was a huge plus. Having established student clinical rotations throughout the northeast with long histories was a major factor in why Drexel was my number one choice.

Where do you currently practice?

I currently practice at a private neurosurgical group here in Philadelphia and NJ called GNI, Global Neurosciences Institute. I am the assistant director of Education and Onboarding with my group and am one of the senior PAs among our staff. We are a broad practice with some of the most experienced surgeons and clinicians in all areas of neurosurgery: cerebrovascular, neurosurgical oncology, degenerative spine conditions, pediatrics and trauma.

Describe a day in your clinical practice.

A typical day in neurosurgery is generally unlike the next. Most of my days start out at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. for shift work and usually involve seeing the hospitalized patients on the census. We are responsible for the ICU, SDU and other hospital wards and seeing/staffing consults. As one of the more experienced PAs, I am helping to manage any neurosurgical emergencies alongside our newer clinicians, attending rounds with our neurosurgeons and ICU docs and any other service responsibilities. If we have time, scrubbing-in cases or doing any procedures may be part of any given day. The days are usually fast paced and lunch is never guaranteed.

What’s an item on your bucket list?

I just crossed off one bucket list item last year travelling to Australia. As I love to travel, I was able to dive in the Great Barrier Reef, check out Central Australia and the Outback and see Sydney. I’m putting South America on my list now and it’s only a matter of time!

What advice would you give a student just starting the program?

I would say treat PA school like it’s your full-time job. Don’t make other plans in anticipation that PA school can take a backseat to anything else. This program requires much sacrifice (social life, other work, and, sometimes, relationships) and knowing this up front will make you much more successful. It’s worth it, trust me.

What advice would you give a student who is about to graduate?

I would say to ensure you take time to be proud of your accomplishment. It’s quite the feat! Looking for jobs is your next focus and even though you’re not 100 percent sure about each job you explore, ensure you use every interview as practice. Be passionate and confident in your own reasons why you think you deserve a job in whatever area you think. Drexel does a wonderful job preparing you for any role, and use them as a resource to your advantage. Ask questions, you will have them.

What do you do to relax and take care of yourself?

I try to stay active and travel. Even if it’s a local trip, having a long weekend with friends is what I do to stay sane. I just got back from a long camping trip with friends in Canada and I didn’t think I could do it. That was a huge stress relief and really allows you to enjoy work with a nice personal balance.

Do you have a personal philosophy or mission statement?

Don’t allow your personal life to affect how you deliver care. Even if you’re having a bad day or just off, your patients are having a worse one. They are there because they need your help, and before you walk into a room angry, or short, stop and refocus. You’re there because they need you; that helps me refocus every time.

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

I’m happiest spending time with family and friends. ‘Work hard, play hard’ is a motto I’ve stuck by for many years. I’m usually travelling when I’m not at work, and I’ve lined up some good vacations in the future. When it’s winter time, skiing is one of my true passions. Getting into some gnarly backcountry is what it’s all about.

What are some causes you care about?