November 5, 2019

The College of Nursing and Health Professions has one of the best physician assistant programs in the country. Of course we think that, but so do a lot of other people. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked our program number 10 in their list of Best Grad Schools for 2020. 

Here's an opportunity to get to know two current outstanding students.

McAllister Egbire-Molen

Where were you born?

Baltimore, MD

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

University of Maryland, College Park

Why did you choose the PA profession?

Healthcare is a major part of my family’s life. My parents taught me two distinctly different types of healthcare: conventional and holistic. While my mother, an NP, maintains a healthy lifestyle, she heavily believes in practicing medicine to cure disease. She focuses on eradicating symptoms, evaluating the body through physicals and health history and, when necessary, the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery. Alternatively, my dad, a self-taught health enthusiast, is a firm believer in the holistic aspect of healing. He believes that optimal health is obtained through a person’s everyday lifestyle. He promotes exercise, positive energy and love of mind, body and spirit. He uses food and natural supplements as primary care treatments. With time I realized that, although the practices my parents use for treatment look different, their passion to help people and their love for humanity is the same. From my parents’ teachings, interest in many different aspects and genres of health and my personal encounters with cancer through loved ones I have learned the importance of living for others through my work to provide a greater quality of life; a goal which is easily achievable through the PA profession.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

The Drexel PA program’s excellent PANCE pass scores coupled with their mission statement to improve healthcare, especially in rural and urban medically underserved areas, sparked my interest in the program. Having previously worked in underserved communities in Baltimore, patients often have a multitude of health issues and there is an immense lack of access to resources. I found myself wanting to help more and found the patients expecting me to fix any problem. Qualities I’ve gathered through my experiences, such as empathy and a background in community health, are essential tools for a health professional to provide the best care to patients. I knew that attending Drexel University would provide me with the necessary education needed as a PA to help improve my strengths and aid in people living more fulfilling lives.

What music is currently on your playlist?

Ari Lennox, Chance The Rapper and India Arie

What is an item on your bucket list?

To travel to every country where I have a family member. I have family in six countries, some of which include England, Denmark, Canada and Nigeria.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

I’ve traveled to many places but my favorite remains Jamaica. The welcoming, kind-hearted nature of the people, the carefree, minimal-stress atmosphere, the tropical weather and the flavorful food make it an experience that brings me even more joy with every visit.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.

I’m an excellent swimmer, with my first swimming lesson beginning at eight months old, I was able to stay involved with swimming throughout high school as a member of a swim team. In addition, I was a lifeguard for Baltimore City Parks and Recreations for five years.

Zach Clark

Where were you born?

I was born in Abington, Pennsylvania.

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

I completed my undergraduate work at Hobart and William Smith College, in Geneva, NY.

Why did you choose the PA profession?

In my first year of college I joined my college’s EMS service and became an EMT. During my EMS training I realized I was fascinated by the medical field and decided I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, though I was not sure which path I would take. Around the same time, my younger sister was diagnosed with Lupus and was frequently in the hospital. During my many hospital trips to see my her, I took notice of the medical professionals with “PA-C” on their scrubs. I noticed their compassion, and the extra time they would take with my sister to make her feel at ease with what was going on. Doing some research, I discovered the PA profession, and immediately knew that I wanted to become a PA so I could provide the same care as the PAs who took care of my sister.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

Drexel University’s long standing reputation as one of the oldest PA programs in the country, along with its mission to serve the underserved and location in my favorite city put Drexel’s PA program on the top of my list.

What music is currently on your playlist?

I got a new laptop, so I don’t actually have any music downloaded, however I usually use Pandora radio. Most recently I have enjoyed music from Darius Rucker, Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Blues Traveler, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival and a whole lot more.

What is an item on your bucket list?

I would really like to travel to all 50 states, so far 14 down, 36 to go.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Long Beach Island, NJ is definitely my favorite spot to visit for vacation.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.

Something most people don’t know about me is that I heat my house with firewood, all of which I cut and split myself.