July Spotlight: Emerald Chea, PA-S
Our July Spotlight is Emerald Chea. Emerald is a current Physician Assistant (PA) student at Bay Path University. She was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota Rochester in 2022. Her current speciality interest lies with pediatric endocrinology and migrant health.
Before starting PA school, Emerald achieved a majority of her patient care hours working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). As an EMT, Emerald was able to drive the ambulance for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Emergency Medical Services, work in both Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments, and had the opportunity to be medical counselor at a pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) summer camp. She participated in research at the Biomolecular Science Lab at the University of Hawai’i Manoa, and was a Virtual Intern for the Sensorimotor Research Lab at the Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos in Toledo, Spain.
In her free time Emerald loves to learn new languages, bake, substitute teach, and attend cultural festivals. She is constantly seeking new experiences and loves connecting with those who move through life with perspectives different than her own.
How did you know that a career as a PA was the right path for you?
Pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant has been the right path for me stemming from a combination of personal experiences, values, and aspirations. I've always been drawn to healthcare due to a deep-seated desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in their lives. Through volunteer work, clinical experiences, and interactions with healthcare professionals, I found fulfillment and purpose in serving others during their times of vulnerability, while also using my knowledge to make autonomous decisions.
Furthermore, the multifaceted nature of the PA profession resonated with my passion for continuous learning, problem-solving, and collaboration. These experiences and reflections solidified my belief that becoming a PA was not just a career choice but a calling aligned with my values and aspirations. I envision myself becoming a bridge between medical knowledge and compassionate care, a guardian of both physical and emotional well-being‚ a source of comfort, and the embodiment of trust.
What were some of the valuable experiences you were able to connect with during your pre-PA journey?
Working at a T1D summer camp was the catalyst I needed to dismantle self-doubt, overcome imposter syndrome, and truly understand what it takes to be a competent and dedicated PA.
As much as I enjoyed my time as an EMT, and albeit the skills I gained were invaluable, my duties routine started to feel a bit too practical. They did not completely encompass what it means to be a PA. I craved that patient-provider connection. Thus on a whim, I became a medical counselor at a pediatric T1D summer camp. Tasked with balancing insulin dosages, counting carbs, charting, performing site changes, and going on rounds, I became involved in not only their care, but their lives. However, it wasn’t long before I was struck with impostor syndrome. A nagging doubt that made me question my worthiness to hold a position so critical to the livelihood of these children.
To overcome impostor syndrome I had to develop a new type of compassion—self compassion. I spent my life having immense compassion for others, but never gave myself that same care. Having self compassion released me from the confines of perfectionism, and shifted my mindset to one of continuous learning. I was able to slow down and give myself room to learn about T1D organically; and by doing so, I began to trust my thought process, trust my decisions, and trust in myself. I fostered sincere connections with my patients and gained a deep understanding of the complexities and long-term management of chronic diseases.
Imposter syndrome may have been my adversary, but it was necessary for my personal and professional growth. I now move through life not as an imposter, but as an aspiring physician assistant with an unwavering passion for healthcare and a heart full of empathy for the patients I am destined to serve.
Tell us about your interviewing experience. How did you prepare? Were there any strategies that helped boost your confidence going into your interviews?
My interview experience for my accepted school was an all-day affair that included a panel interview, an individual interview, and a group interview. Going into the interview I was probably the most scared I had ever been in my entire life. The fear came from knowing that the only thing standing between me and an acceptance was my ability to articulate my strengths and values effectively. So to prepare for the interview, I prayed, fasted, and made meetings with PHSRC counselors for interview prep. During these prep sessions, I was able to practice presenting myself in a manner fit for a number of different interview styles. I was also given resources by a PHSRC counselor that allowed me to anticipate and effectively address potential interview questions.
What are some words of wisdom you want others who are still on their pre-health journey to take with them?
I want you to know that you are smarter today than you were yesterday, and you will be even smarter tomorrow. So trust in yourself, have compassion for yourself, and as hard as it may be, admit when you don't know something and do not stop asking questions until you do. Your questions are not a bother or an annoyance. You are entitled to an understanding. Please carry this with you forever.
What piece of advice would you give to someone exploring or preparing for a health profession?
To anyone exploring or preparing for a career in the health profession, my advice would be to embrace the journey wholeheartedly. Take advantage of EVERY opportunity to learn, whether through information sessions, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, or mentorship programs; continuously seek out opportunities and don’t wait for a formal opportunity to be available.
If there is a clinic/field/research department etc., that interests you just send whoever is in charge an email and just ask to get involved! Some of the most memorable opportunities I had came from me just asking if I could show up! The worst they say is no, but they almost always say yes! And no matter what you do, just remember to remain open-minded and excited, as the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving.
Do you have any favorite pop culture or academic media to learn about the PA profession? Podcast? Twitter follow?
The only show that first really got me interested in medicine is a reality show called "Married to Medicine". It's about Black OBGYNs who live in Atlanta and own their own practices. I started undergrad wanting to be an OBGYN partially due to the show.
What are you most excited about as you start your career as a Physician Assistant?
As I embark on the journey of becoming a PA, I am most excited about the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to people's lives. The prospect of providing compassionate care, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and continuously learning and growing within this dynamic field fills me with immense enthusiasm. I look forward to the challenges and rewards that come with serving my community and I hope to carry with me not just the knowledge of medicine but also the understanding that compassion and empathy are the greatest healers.
Thank you, Emerald, for sharing your thoughtful and inspiring perspectives and stories.