November 6, 2020

Brogan Piecara

Where were you born?
I was born and raised in South Jersey.

Where did you do your undergraduate work?
I’m a Drexel Dragon through and through! I completed my undergraduate degree at Drexel in 2013 in International Area Studies, then went on to get my Master of Public Health (MPH) at Drexel in 2015 in Community Health and Prevention. I then worked at Drexel in the Dornsife School of Public Health from 2013–2019 as a project manager in the Department of Community Health & Prevention.

Why did you choose the PA profession?
I chose the PA profession, as I’m sure we all did, for a multitude of reasons; however, my mentor, Rachel Fox, was integral in this choice. I worked with Rachel on a project that brought pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can prevent HIV transmission, to women who inject drugs in Kensington, Philadelphia. I witnessed how she was able to navigate challenging emotional and social situations, all while providing excellent care. I knew I wanted to provide care on a more personal and individual level than what I had been doing in public health, and watching Rachel, it all clicked for me.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?
While I am very familiar with Drexel, I did not choose the PA program simply due to my past experience. I chose Drexel University’s PA program because they demonstrated passion for and a commitment to underserved and vulnerable communities. Furthermore, Drexel places an emphasis on primary care and building lasting relationships with patients, a path I hope to pursue as a future provider. I am proud to have chosen a PA program where the professors “talk the talk,” by teaching the essentials of primary care, and that they have “walked the walk,” with many years of experience working among underserved populations.

What music is currently on your playlist?
An eclectic mix that includes alt artists such as Hozier, musicals (Hamilton among many others), The Beatles and, if I’m studying, classical.

What is an item on your bucket list?
To see the Northern Lights! Preferably in one of those amazing igloos with the clear ceiling.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
While some of the most exotic places have been thrilling and I can’t wait to return (Peru, Cuba, Thailand and the Amalfi coast), one of my favorites will always be “down the shore” in Cape May, NJ.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.
Prior to PA school, depending on the night of the week, you might have found me playing flute in a community orchestra, salsa dancing, horseback riding or at home with my animals (three kitties and my pup, Ralph) who, thanks to Zoom, have become famous in our classes.

**Brogan Piecara was awarded the National Health Service Corps Scholarship this year.

Alex Fan

Where were you born?
Los Angeles, CA

Where did you do your undergraduate work?
University of California, Irvine majoring in Biological Sciences

Why did you choose the PA profession?
It pretty much started when I was able to walk and talk so I could translate for my grandma. She practically raised me. When I was younger, I always followed her to her doctor appointments to help translate. I was surrounded by medicine at a young age and seeing what they did for my grandma paved the road for me towards medicine. I was eager to get out into the work force to help those just like my grandma so when I found out that PA programs were on average 24-36 months, I knew this was the career I wanted pursue. The lateral mobility that comes with the profession was also another factor that contributed to my decision to become a PA. With this, I would constantly be able learn alongside the different specialties in medicine as it evolves to provide holistic care to patients.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?
One of the main reasons I chose Drexel’s PA program was because of their mission to train PAs to undertake healthcare issues in rural and urban medically underserved populations. Because Drexel’s goals coincided with the kind of healthcare provider I want to be in the future, it was a no brainer why I chose this program. I would be fortunate enough to gain the education and skills necessary to give back to the community from Philadelphia’s top PA program. Being able to experience the east coast in such a diverse city was also another thing that drew me to this program. There is so much more outside the bubble we all live in and getting the opportunity to go outside my comfort zone in a program that has so much history with the PA profession, I know I will become a competent PA and, in the end, become a better person.

What music is currently on your playlist?
2000’s RnB and Hip-hop

What is an item on your bucket list?
Being able to travel around the world and providing care to rural areas

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
In a foreign country surrounded by nature.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.
I can make a 3-leaf clover with my tongue.