November 17, 2022

Jose Cuadros '22

Where were you born?
I was born in Lima, Peru and came to America when I was three and a half years old with my parents. We settled in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Where did you do your undergraduate work?
I did my undergrad at Drexel University and majored in nutrition and food science. It was a great experience and opened the doors for me to volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Healthy Weight Program, as well do a co-op at Penn Medicine’s Neurosurgery Department. This is what paved the way for me to be interested in medicine.

Why did you choose the PA profession?
I have my friend, another fellow dragon, to thank for that. I told her that I was looking for a career that would allow me to be an advocate for my future patients, have more autonomy and the flexibility to switch specialties if needed. She brought up the PA profession and recommended I shadow a PA to get a feel for it. After shadowing three amazing PAs, I knew that this was the career for me. They all shared the same characteristics in that they were able to devote a little bit more of their time to their patients and really hear them out, which to me, is the most important factor. Growing up as the translator to my parents whenever they needed to go the doctor, I know far too well the feeling of not being heard or brushed off to keep the flow going. For me, being a PA would allow me to treat certain patient populations that I consider myself a part of.

Why did you choose Drexel University's PA program?
The education that I received from Drexel as an undergrad exceeded my expectations, so much so that I felt confident Drexel’s PA program was no exception. Now that I have wrapped up my first clinical rotation in emergency medicine, I can confidently say that the program has done an excellent job in preparing me for what I have seen so far in the real world. I also admire their emphasis on helping the community and most importantly, improving health care delivery in underserved areas.

What music is currently on your playlist?
A lot of early 2000s throwbacks. Maybe it’s because I am getting old, but today’s music just doesn’t do it for me. I am, however, still waiting on Rihanna to release that long-awaited album.

What is an item on your bucket list?
Visiting Peru is definitely number one on my bucket list. I was actually ready to go in 2020, but then COVID happened and put my plans on hold. Hopefully once I’m done PA school, I can go, connect back to my roots and see my family that I’ve only known via phone.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Favorite vacation spot has got to be the Jersey shore during the summertime. The smell of the ocean, beach music festivals and boardwalk food is something that I haven’t found anywhere else on the east coast.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.
I used to work in the culinary scene for five years prior to going back to school for undergrad. It was a fun time, and I became friends with some of the most genuine people I had the pleasure of meeting and working with side by side in a hot kitchen. I hope to one day open up a small bakery or café once I am done PA school and working as a PA-C.

Cassie Job '23

Where were you born?
I was born in Naples, Italy as my family was stationed there at the time. However, I call Portland, Oregon home.

Where did you do your undergraduate work?
I graduated from the University of Washington in 2020 with a BS in Public Health-Global Health.

Why did you choose the PA profession?
I chose the PA profession for its growing role in improving health care access and quality. I also love the profession’s versatility, collaborative culture and emphasis on work-life balance. I have many diverse interests, both professionally and personally, so I am excited that this path will enable me to pursue them.

Why did you choose Drexel University's PA program?
The Drexel University PA program’s primary care focus and commitment to improving health care delivery for underserved communities really resonated with me. Coming from a Latino immigrant family, I witnessed my family’s challenges interacting with a health care system that was not designed for them. I appreciate the intentionality behind DUPAP’s mission, faculty and curriculum. I was also drawn to Drexel’s location in the lively, diverse city of Philadelphia.

What music is currently on your playlist?
Lift Me Up by Rihanna is on repeat while I wait impatiently for her next album.

What is an item on your bucket list?
Hike the Inca Trail in Peru.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The beautiful Oregon Coast.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.
I was born in the same city as pizza!