From Current Students
Jordan Hill
Why did you choose to become a PA?
I think it provides the best opportunity for me to do what I love and serve people, but still be able to maintain other areas of my life as well. Plus, I won’t be in school for an eternity. I’m pumped that I will be able to practice medicine by the time I’m 25 without ten years of residency. I mean, how cool is that???
What attracted you to MUSC?
MUSC is one of the prettiest campuses I’ve seen, and it’s unique because it’s nestled in a historically rich and beautiful city. It was the first medical college in the south, which I also think is pretty cool. I chose the Physician Assistant program specifically because of its family-like community. The people in my PA class are literally like family, and it makes the process of adjusting to a very difficult curriculum and lifestyle much smoother and very worthwhile.
In what field(s) of medicine are you interested in working?
Inpatient Cardiology or Emergency Medicine
What would you have done differently to prepare?
I would have paid more attention in Microbiology. I never thought I would use the information I learned in that class, and I was definitely wrong. It would have been extremely helpful for infectious disease and pharmacology. I also would have gone back and spent some time reviewing normal physiology.
What’s your favorite thing about Charleston?
Charleston is unbelievable–there isn’t anything the city doesn’t have. The weather is awesome; you can go to the beach at least 7 months out of the year. The shopping is great downtown– lots of cute boutiques and fun places to walk around. There are countless AMAZING restaurants; you could literally eat at a different place every day and never eat at them all or get tired of the ridiculously good food. The historical aspect is so picturesque and interesting. You can’t beat the colonial style of the downtown area. There are so many great parks and outdoor activities to participate in, and the nightlife is great!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Flying or teleporting, hands down. That way I wouldn’t be so late all the time.
When you get away from school, what do you do for fun and/or burn off stress?
Exercise. I love to run with my dog and be outside. I would venture to say it is the absolute BEST medicine for clearing your head, relieving stress, and keeping your overall health (mental, physical, and emotional) in a good state.
What’s your favorite medical TV show?
House. It’s the only one that is remotely realistic… Sorry Gray’s fans, but unfortunately that show is a joke.
My favorite class/professor is…
Unfair question considering this information is public. Honestly, all of our professors are awesome people and they really want you to learn and care about your success. That being said… my favorite class is probably CPS (Clinical Problem Solving). We meet once a week in a small group and work through a case with a faculty member. It is our most interactive class and I have learned a ton in the process.
Any advice to give prospective students?
Be flexible. Things will not always go your way. In fact, more often then not, they will seem to run in the opposite direction, but IT’S OKAY. Do not stress over things not under your control; ultimately it’s pointless and you get through it a lot easier by just doing it without worrying.
Lastly, make time for yourself. You will go absolutely crazy if all you do is study. If you go ahead and accept now that you are NEVER going to know EVERYTHING, you will be in a lot better shape. Remember practicing medicine is a constant learning process, no one expects you to be Wikipedia after your first year.
