Students One-on-One
Scott Adams
Why did you choose to become a PA?
I think everyone wants to get into being a PA for two reasons: We like medicine and we like people. I specifically like the PA profession because of the ability that would be given to me to change focuses: work in Family Medicine one day and in Surgery the next. I am also married and want to start a family soon. If I were to take the medical route I would get to have time with my kids when they were in high school, but probably not before that. In other words, the PA training is shorter (more crammed but shorter) and that allows me more future time with my wife and kids and all the stuff that matters.
In what field(s) of medicine are you interested in working?
I really am interested in Primary Care. I like the idea of being the first person to get to see the problem and having the option to send the patient on if the problem is too complex. I also like the necessity of having to be a ‘jack of all trades’ and getting to dabble in a lot of different medicine. Maybe that will change, but for now it seems like a good place to end up.
Shh, don’t tell them, but my favorite professor is…
Um, better keep this on the DL…plus I don’t know if I have one. Although Dr. Thomas in Anatomy is probably the most concerned teacher I’ve ever had.
When you get away from school, what do you do for fun and/or burn off stress?
I like to be active (run, tennis, etc). I enjoy spending time with my wife, reading, fishing, golfing, and you can’t beat a day at the beach.
What’s your favorite medical TV show?
House. Ok, let’s be honest none of us get to watch too much TV, but I have seen it and I did like it.
Any advice to give prospective students?
“If your boat doesn’t come in, swim out to it.”- Jonathan Winters
If this is something you want to do, go after it full force. Don’t wait for the boat. Get medical experience ASAP. Start knocking of pre-reqs. Start making contacts at schools. Be out going and get involved in anything that can help you to stand out as an applicant.
To those who are already accepted, the same applies. When the program starts, hit the ground running. Be positive. Be optimistic and “Getter Done”.
