Hgech "Kia" Ear

Where were you born?

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

Drexel University

Why did you choose the PA profession?

It was the PAs who gave me hope when I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Von Willebrand disease at 15 years old. They reassured my family and I that my condition would be controlled under their care.

I also want to provide healthcare to those living in medically underserved areas because I come from one and I want to make a difference in my community’s healthcare.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

I chose Drexel because I went there for undergrad and the program’s mission to serve rural populations really interested me. I have always wanted to work with that kind of patient population because it’s similar to that of my hometown of Phnom Penh where healthcare is scarce and many people either don’t have access to it or can’t afford it. I think Drexel’s program will best prepare me for working with many different patient populations.

What music is currently on your playlist?

• Ariana Grande
• FLETCHER
• Sam Smith

What is an item on your bucket list?

Be a part of team that does volunteer clinical work in a developing country

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Kauai, HI

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

My favorite food is dim sum.

Carl Black

Where were you born?

Frankford section of Philadelphia, PA

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

• Community College of Philadelphia
• Penn State University
• Temple University

Why did you choose the PA profession?

My mother has worked as a CNA since I was born and introduced me to the medical field. A highly intelligent person who put her dreams on hold for me and to raise her family. Initially, I was only familiar with medical school, so I wanted to become a physician.. After spending time in the Army as a combat medic, I worked with several PAs and physicians, Both professions were appealing but I had a decision to make… Considering both paths, I was not getting any younger and at that point I wanted more control of my work/life balance and I was anxious to start practicing—I had already been in the medical field for several years at that point.

I often tell people that healthcare is changing and the way that we offer patient care is improving or at least needs to be. Team-based patient care is the focus and everyone on that team is just as important as we find new and creative ways to contribute.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

Philadelphia is a very diverse city in which I take pride. Not many programs have a similar mission—tackle social determinant issues by improving healthcare delivery in rural and urban medically underserved areas, starting in one in which they belong to…

Drexel’s is one of the oldest programs and remains highly ranked and well respected not only in Philadelphia but also around the country and for a valid reason. There’s a history plus a lineage that has bred a culture and an army of past, present and soon to be proven future healers that are actively changing the way in which we practice medicine and treat people around the world.

What music is currently on your playlist?

Having made music my whole life, I’ve grown to appreciate music and step out of my comfort zone and enhance my taste of music. Tupac and J. Cole may be among the two most played artist on my playlist but don’t be surprised if the next song played is from Paramore, Elton John or Mozart.

What is an item on your bucket list?

To travel more and to get my father on an airplane or boat. He is the toughest guy I know but when it comes to his feet leaving the ground, he is “not about that life.”

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

At the moment, the Dominican Republic is by far my favorite vacation spot. Just like in America, you can witness the best and the worse that the country has to offer. But every place has a history and I think theirs is what I find most interesting.

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

I make raps about medical topics to help me better understand and relate to the material. Check it out on Instagram, @whitecoatblack.