Fayetteville physician associates and local students are participating in a national effort to help diversify the healthcare workforce. 

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is piloting a new program called PAthways to connect minority students and recent graduates with a local physician associate/assistant (PA) mentor who can provide valuable insights into the PA profession and help students navigate the process of applying to and completing PA school. The program began in January with 20 mentors and more than 30 students taking part. Students participating represent four universities, one of which is Fayetteville State University.

Local mentor Rashadah Jordan works as a PA in outpatient psychiatry. She has sought to provide mentorship to students for years and said she jumped at the opportunity to participate in PAthways when she found out about it. 

“When I graduated from PA school in December 2018 I started my own mentorship program, and I did that up until last year. That was the first year we didn’t take in a new cohort, and I missed meeting with people and hearing what they’re interested in and reading over personal statements. So when I saw this opportunity come up–an opportunity for me to just be a mentor and not do all the stuff on the business side of things – I was like…I’m gonna apply and pay it forward in some type of way. And luckily, I ended up getting selected for the program,” shared Jordan.

Jordan has two mentees, one actively applying to PA school and one still in college. After an initial meeting to get to know her mentees and learn about their goals, Jordan now checks in with each of them weekly to see how they are progressing and how she can be of help to them. 

“Sometimes outside things do distract you. So sometimes you forget to do things that you plan on doing. And so with her texting or calling to remind us about our weekly goals and our ultimate goals, it's like, okay, I need to snap back into what I said that I was going to do and get back on track,” stated Tamera Robinson, one of Jordan’s mentees.

Robinson graduated from Fayetteville State University in December. Despite only knowing each other for a few months, Robinson said Jordan has already been extremely influential as she prepares for PA school.

“[Having a mentor] allows me to have true insight on the application process [and] the career itself. Also [I’m able] to reach out to her to connect me to other people that are in her profession that could also help me out. Plus it also helps me have, like an outlet, somebody that I can talk to, because not many people that I know are in the medical profession or even thinking about PA school in general, so they don't really understand the process and how long it takes…having a mentor that understands what I’m going to go through, it’s very helpful, and it eases the mind in a way, because you have somebody that you can vent to and always go back to to say, ‘I need your help. I don't know what I'm doing. Can you guide me?’ And they can just shine a light, and then you know what to do,” shared Robinson. 

Representation matters, and this program opens doors for valuable connections that will help shape successful careers.

“It means the world that our national association is putting this on, and it should make people who are black and brown and of color feel good about being a part of this profession…not a lot of professions really take the strides to talk the talk and walk the walk. And AAPA is really making strides to make sure that we’re not left out,” shared Jordan. 

Robinson shared that she’d be happy to step into the role of mentor for other PAs in the future. Whether in a formal role or just answering questions, she wants to continue to assist in removing barriers to people pursuing a career as a PA. Jordan and Robinson both emphasized the importance of utilizing tools such as social media to reach out to established PAs and ask questions or seek guidance. 

“It’s not easy finding someone that’s a PA just out in the open sometimes…reach out to those on social media if you’re not able to find a [local] mentor…I will also tell readers that if they are in the process of thinking about PA school or trying to apply, know that your process won't be the same as others, and that you shouldn't compare yourself to others that are going through the process or have gone through the process…you just should always just believe in yourself,” shared Robinson.

Learn more about the American Academy of Physician Associates at www.aapa.org.