From Current Students
Sara Dowling
Why did you choose to become a PA?
I want to be able to practice medicine and love that as PA’s, we will have the ability to switch specialty so easily.
What attracted you to MUSC?
The weather!!! Sounds like a silly reason, but after 4 years of undergrad in upstate New York, I’d be lying to say a warm climate wasn’t part of the attraction. After researching various PA schools, I decided on MUSC because it has a great reputation and is attached to a large hospital and medical school.
In what field(s) of medicine are you interested in working?
I’ve always been interested in surgery, but could see myself in almost any field of medicine. I think I’ll have a better idea once we start rotations.
What would you have done differently to prepare?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. One of the great things about this program is the variety of experiences we’ve all had beforehand.
What’s your favorite thing about Charleston?
Charleston is such a great city. I love that you never run out of things to do! There are tons of great restaurants & shops, plantations and other historical sites to visit, and a farmers market downtown on Saturday mornings. Also, I love that the Cooper River bridge has a running lane. It’s such a pretty view at sunset!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
To fly.
When you get away from school, what do you do for fun and/or burn off stress?
For me, going on a long run or doing yoga is the best stress reliever. I find that being active not only burns off stress, but gives me energy to get through the rest of the day. MUSC also has group exercise classes at the gym and Intramural sports that are a great way to spend time with friends and burn off stress.
What’s your favorite medical TV show?
Definitely Scrubs, but House is a close second.
My favorite class/professor is…
Physical diagnosis because it’s where we learn the different procedures and physical exam techniques we’ll be using in practice. The class ties in to our clinical medicine class and makes it easier to relate physical findings to the disease states and conditions they are found in.
Any advice to give prospective students?
1. Be yourself on your interview.
2. It’s about the learning, not the grade.
3. Stress management is key
