Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate: San Diego State University, BS in Biology
Student's next step: Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego

Can you tell me a little about yourself before coming to Drexel?

I went to San Diego State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and was originally on a pre-med track. After graduating, I was hired as a lab tech in a pathology lab in San Diego, which led me to discover my passion for pathology. I later transitioned to a gross tech role, where I was immersed in surgical and anatomic pathology and grossed more routine specimens such as gallbladders, GI biopsies, and tonsils. The investigative and behind-the scenes nature of our work, especially the art of grossing, drew me in and solidified my decision to pursue this field, ultimately leading me to Drexel’s PathA program.

Why did you decide to apply to Drexel’s PathA program?

I decided to apply to Drexel’s PathA program because I was looking for a challenging program with strong clinical training, and Drexel’s reputation for hands-on experience stood out. One of the pathologists' assistants I worked with before joining the program was a Drexel alum, and she spoke so highly of her experience in the program that it really convinced me it would be a great fit for my career goals. I also wanted the opportunity to experience life in a new city on the east coast.

What was your experience in the program like?

The program was intense and fast-paced, but incredibly rewarding. From day one, we were immersed in pathology—both in the classroom and hands-on in the lab. The curriculum was well-rounded, and I always felt like what I was learning had a clear and practical application. It really pushed me to grow in both my technical skills and my confidence.

What did you like most about the program?

What I liked most about the program was the combination of a close-knit learning environment and the diversity of clinical experiences. With a class size of just 12 students, we received individualized attention, which made learning more accessible and allowed us to easily connect with the faculty. The clinical rotations were also a standout—throughout the program, we had the opportunity to complete 3 surgical pathology rotations, 1 autopsy, 1 pediatric, and 1 forensic pathology rotation. This exposure to a wide range of pathology settings gave me a comprehensive understanding of the field and allowed us to see different aspects of pathology in real-world environments.

What was your relationship like with the PathA faculty?

The faculty were extremely supportive and invested in our success. They were always approachable, whether we had academic questions, needed help in the lab, or just needed some encouragement. You could tell they genuinely cared about helping us become competent, confident professionals.

How was your relationship with your classmates?

My classmates became a huge part of my support system. The program was rigorous, but going through it together created a strong bond among us. We regularly spent time together outside of academics—whether it was going to trivia nights or just unwinding after long days—which helped us build a real sense of community. Some of them have become lifelong friends.

The PathA program offers a year of practical work in the field. Where did you work during that time, and what was the experience like?

During my clinical year, I rotated at Pennsylvania Hospital (surgical pathology), Einstein (autopsy pathology), Abington Memorial Hospital (surgical pathology), Temple University Hospital (surgical pathology), Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children (pediatrics), and the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office (forensic pathology). These rotations exposed me to a variety of cases, including interesting autopsy cases and complex surgical cases such as laryngectomies, mastectomies, and colectomies. By the end of my clinical year, I truly felt prepared, as the hands-on experience across multiple pathology subfields gave me the confidence and skills needed for my career.

What are you doing for work now?

I now work as a pathologists’ assistant at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. It feels full-circle returning to where my interest in pathology first began, but now with a completely new level of responsibility and expertise.

Would you recommend the PathA program to others who are interested in this field?

I highly recommend the Drexel PathA program to anyone pursuing this career. The program provided me with a strong foundation and gave me ample opportunities to apply the knowledge I gained throughout my studies. I feel confident that, thanks to Drexel, I am fully prepared to step into my new role as a PA and excel in my career.

Do you have any advice for future PathA students?

Stay curious, ask questions, and lean into the process—it goes by faster than you think. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it, and make sure to support your classmates along the way. You’re going to learn so much, both about pathology and about yourself. It’s a challenging journey, but so worth it.