Physician Assistant Studies Student Ambassadors Program

Hometown: Houston, TX
Experiences before PA School: Clinic Assistant at Allergy and Asthma Clinic, Medical Assistant at Primary Care Clinic
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Austin
Clinical Interests: General Surgery and Women’s Health
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, Salud Para Todos, St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic
Hobbies: Attending music festivals, playing with my dog, baking, reading books
Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: I love the sense of community within our program. It is amazing to have attentive faculty and be surrounded by a supportive student body where we are constantly helping each other and lifting each other up.

Hometown: Temple, TX
Experiences before PA School: Patient Care Tech/CNA Oncology
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests: Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, Luke’s Society Volunteer, St. Vincent’s Volunteer, Flag Football
Hobbies: Hanging with my friends, going to the beach, playing video games and playing sports 
Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: My favorite thing about the UTMB PA Program is my classmates.  We are all super close and friendly with each other and everybody works together to collaborate and succeed.  Our class truly is giant team and I could not imagine doing it with anybody else.

Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Experiences before PA School: Medical Assistant at Dermatology Office, Emergency Room Volunteer, and Personal Care Attendant for a Quadriplegic Patient
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests: Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery and General Surgery
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador 
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, walking my dogs, spending time with family and friends, and traveling 
Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: One thing that I found really unique about the UTMB PA Program when I was an applicant was the faculty coach learning teams (FCLT).  The FCLT is where you and four to five other classmates are assigned to a group led by a faculty member.  These small groups make it so much easier to meet classmates and have a faculty member who you know is always rooting for your success.  My faculty group and I have become really close in such a short amount of time.  We have weekly lunches and sometimes meet up for activities outside of the school setting.  Coming from such a large university where I rarely saw any of my professors, it is nice having a faculty member you can count on and know you can go to for anything!  UTMB may be a large program, but they make it easy for you to get to know every classmate and faculty member/professor.   

Hometown: Friendswood, Texas 
Experiences before PA School: CNA and Scribe at Family Medicine Clinic
Undergraduate University:  Baylor University
Clinical Interests: Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Oncology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, PA Liaison for the UTMB Baptist Student Ministry, Luke’s Society Volunteer
Hobbies: Running on the seawall, going to the beach with friends and watching movies
Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: So many things come to mind but my favorites are the people and the location.  I have loved getting to live so close to the beach because it has been a great way to decompress and the fall season in Galveston is gorgeous.  Also, the people in this program are some of the best I have ever met and have made PA school fun. 

Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
Experiences before PA School: Medical Assistant for Dermatology Clinic and  Medical Assistant for Family Medicine Clinic
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Austin
Clinical Interests: Dermatology and Plastic Surgery
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador
Hobbies: Dance, singing karaoke, hanging out with my family and my dogs, and makeup as a fun creative outlet

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: The people make the place.  I am so grateful to be in a cohort full of supportive and helpful colleagues, and I can say I have made lifelong friendships here.  Also, and I think I speak for everyone when I say our medical director is the best,  Not only is he incredibly intelligent, but he genuinely cares about all of his students and patients and we all strive to be like him.  We are so lucky to have him as the medical director of our program. 

Hometown: Ingleside, TX
Experiences before PA School: Emergency Department scribe
Undergraduate University: Abilene Christian University
Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Oncology, Pediatrics and Endocrinology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, CMDA,  Sim Society, Luke Society, St. Vincent’s Clinic  
Hobbies: Cooking, exercising, pickleball, finding new study places around the island and hanging out with friends

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: My favorite thing about the UTMB PA Program is the community.  Even from my first day on campus, I could feel the love and support from my cohort and faculty which has only grown as we have gone farther into the year.  I really could not do this without them.

Hometown: Carrollton, TX
Experiences before PA School: Medical Assistant in Urgent Care, Pediatrics,  Sleep Medicine, and Clinical Research. 
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Dallas
Clinical Interests: Family Medicine and Orthopedics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, Luke’s Society
Hobbies: Watching football, enjoying shows, reading

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program:  I really like the classmates that we have.  It is a very diverse cohort and the various backgrounds they come from and experiences they have been through really have shaped my experience throughout PA School thus far.  Furthermore, I really enjoy interacting with the faculty.  They are very knowledgeable and truly do want you to succeed.  Galveston is also a very underrated place and I have really enjoyed my experience here while at the program.

Hometown:  Dallas, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Medical assistant in Cardiology, Internal Medicine and Vascular Surgery
Undergraduate University:  The University of Texas - Dallas
Clinical Interests:  Dermatology, Pediatrics, Cardiology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador, UTMB SIM Society
Hobbies:  Reading, cooking, baking, shopping, and spending time with friends and family

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  My favorite thing about the UTMB PA Program includes my classmates and the faculty. Knowledgeable faculty members and a great cohort of classmates truly make the PA student experience at UTMB rewarding. 

Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergraduate University:  Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests: Cardiology, Plastic Surgery, and Oncology
Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador
Hobbies: Cooking, reading, running, hanging out with Sydney’s dog, Margot, and trying all the Galveston restaurants

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA program: My classmates.  The people in your class can make or break your experiences and I feel so lucky to be a part of such an amazing, hardworking class.  We help each other and do what we can to help each other succeed.

Hometown: Magnolia, TX
Experiences before PA School: Emergency Room Patient Care Technician and Patient Transporter at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, St. Luke’s in The Woodlands, and Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, and Pediatrics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador and Emergency Medicine Interest Group Liaison
Hobbies: Hunting for sea glass, vintage store shopping, and spoiling my guinea pigs

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: I admire the diverse experiences that my faculty and cohort bring to the program.  They have so many different backgrounds in patient care and I know if I am struggling with a specific topic that they will be quick to help me with real-world experiences and examples. 

Hometown: Houston, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Volunteering through Meals on Wheels and Medical Assistant at a Dermatology Office
Undergraduate University: Louisiana State University
Clinical Interests: Women’s Health, Dermatology, and Plastic Surgery
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer activities: Student Ambassador
Hobbies: Exercising (love running on the seawall), hanging out with the amazing people I have met in PA school and pickleball

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: There are a few aspects of the UTMB PA program that I really enjoy such as the location.  I love having the beach so close.  It is a really great break from studying and I also enjoy the opportunities we have been given to see patients in our first fall semester through the hospitals on campus.  It has been such a great experience to have conversations with these patients and be able to practice the skills we have acquired over the past few months.  It is a great reminder of why we are all working so hard.

Hometown:  Dallas, TX
Experiences before PA School: Medical Assistant (Neurology and Pediatrics), Clinical Research Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Special Education Volunteer
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Dallas
Clinical Interest:  Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador, Interprofessional Scholars Program
Hobbies:  Weightlifting, YouTube, pickleball, traveling, and hanging out with friends

My Favorite Thing about the UTMB PA Program: I love being able to participate in a full dissection in our cadaver lab.  Our campus is beautiful and provides many clinical opportunities to engage in during our didactic year such as simulation labs, skills labs, and individualized patient encounters at the hospital. Plus, campus events are always so much fun.

Hometown:  Houston, TX
Experiences before PA School: Optometry Assistant, Volunteer in the Emergency Room, NICU and Cancer Center
Undergraduate University: University of Alabama
Clinical Interests:  Endocrinology, Pediatrics, Dermatology and Oncology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteering:  Class of 2025 AAPA Representative, Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Spending time with family and friends, cooking, trying new restaurants, long walks, reading and shopping

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: The location.  Living in Galveston, I have really gained a new appreciation for the city.  I love starting and ending my school day with a drive along the seawall as well as trying all the restaurants and coffee shops Galveston has to offer.  The students – my classmates and those in the program above mine -- are so wonderful.  Everyone is willing to offer support and help without hesitation.  We want each other to succeed.

Hometown:  Cypress, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Medical Assistant in Plastic Surgery and Dermatology.  Also worked in Orthopedic Surgery. 
Undergraduate University: Baylor University
Clinical Interests:  Emergency Medicine, Surgery and Pediatrics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Sr. Vincent’s Clinic Director, Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Reading, playing sports, traveling, and hanging out with friends

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program:  The school’s involvement with the community.  I have loved getting to be involved in helping the community that I live in and Galveston is such a welcoming place.  UTMB really encourages involvement with the community and it is always fun to use what we are learning.  Also, the people.  My classmates are so supportive and make PA school fun.

Hometown:  Mont Belvieu, TX
Experiences before PA School: Medical Assistant in an Orthopedic Clinic and Surgical First Assistant in the Operating Room
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests:  Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Trauma
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Being with my dog, Moose, playing pickleball, drinking coffee, traveling (when I have time), and running

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program: My top favorite things about this program are my classmates.  I love each of them with my whole heart and would not make it through without them.  My faculty coach is another one of my favorite things about the program.  She keeps me in check and never lets me feel like I cannot do it.

Hometown:  Houston, TX
Experiences before PA School: Medical Scribe, Medical Assistant (Physical Medicine & Rehab Clinic specializing in Regenerative Injections), Optometric Technician
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Austin
Clinical Interests:  Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Oncology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Hanging out with friends, trying new food/restaurants (especially sushi), shopping, playing video games

Favorite Thing about UTMB PA Program:  The people.  From the local community to the faculty and my fellow classmates, I think there is a unique warmth that radiates from everyone on the island.  The vibes are a little more laid back around here, and everyone is so kind and supportive.  PA school is challenging enough already, but being surrounded by such welcoming energy every day really helps to keep you going.

Hometown:  League City, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Scribe and Home Health Aide
Undergraduate University: East Texas Baptist University
Clinical Interests:  Cardiology and Orthopedics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Watching basketball and hanging out with my niece and nephew

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  My faculty team

Hometown:  Round Rock, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Caregiving, PCT on a Neuro Unit, various Healthcare setting volunteering
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests:  Emergency Medicine, Interventional Radiology and Endocrinology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Spending time with friends and family and my dog, working out, watching movies, playing video games, baking, and reading

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  I love the opportunities for community involvement and early clinical experiences.  Only a few months into PA School, I have already been able to administer cryotherapy for skin lesions and administer a flu vaccine.  I have also had multiple opportunities to practice interviewing and performing physical exams on real students rather than only with my classmates.  Galveston is a thriving community and being able to make a positive impact on it while gaining experience to be a better provider is something special about UTMB.

Hometown:  Spring, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Medical Assistant in Pediatrics, General Surgery, and Vascular Surgery
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Austin
Clinical Interests:  Pediatrics, Dermatology and Geriatrics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Class of 2025 Historian and Social Liaison
Hobbies:  Walking my Frenchie, hanging out with family and friends, playing pickleball, skiing and traveling

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  Near the beach.  Also having hospitals on campus to gain patient care experiences while in didactics. 

Hometown:  San Antonio, TX
Experiences before PA School: Ophthalmic Technician, Student Research Assistant, ER Patient Care Technician, Medical Scribe
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests:  Orthopedics, Dermatology, Cardiology, Sports Medicine, and OB/GYN
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities: Student Ambassador
Hobbies: Going on walks with my husky (Koe) and friends, trying new restaurants with my family when they visit, working out, and snowboarding every season

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program: The amazing resources UTMB provides for its students including tutoring sessions held by second year students and faculty coached learning teams. Our learning teams are small groups of a few students and a faculty member. I love the little family I have created and have met some of my best friends.

Hometown:  Houston, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Clinic and Hospital Float Pool CMA (floated to over 15 different specialties)
Undergraduate University: The University of Texas - Austin
Clinical Interests:  Surgery, Cardiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infectious Disease
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Reading, cooking, yoga, rock climbing, traveling, hiking, and hanging out with my people

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  The community.  My cohort is amazing.  Everyone is kind, supportive and incredibly smart.  We help each other out with resources and study guides as well as have fun as a class.  The faculty want us to succeed too and do everything in their power to help us.  It is a great program and community and I am so happy to be part of it.  UTMB really picks the best people.

Hometown:  Richmond, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant in Orthopedics, Medical Assistant in Dermatology
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests: General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Oncology
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  St. Vincent’s Student Clinic, Luke’s Society Clinic, Healthy Living on a Budget, Student Ambassador
Hobbies:  Playing golf, reading anything about history, cooking for friends, and losing in fantasy football to my classmates

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  Learning medicine from the community of exceptional teachers and providers here in Galveston and across Texas.  It has also been a privilege to apply this classroom knowledge to real clinical settings through one of the countless UTMB-affiliated service organizations.  Groups like St. Vincent’s and Luke’s Society allow us as students to give back to our community and to gain further experience as aspiring clinicians.

Hometown:  Corpus Christi, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Child Life Assistant
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Clinical Interests:  Reproductive Endocrinology, Dermatology, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Pain Management .
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador, Tiny Toes, Coastal Community Church
Hobbies:  Tennis, pickleball, skiing, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and shopping (love me some good retail therapy)

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  The faculty coach learning teams.  I absolutely love my faculty coach and team.  It is like having a little family away from home where everyone is cheering you on and rooting for your success.  It is amazing.  I also love that UTMB is an interprofessional school and is directly connected to a hospital.  Some of my closest friends are not only PA students but also people working towards different medical professions.

Hometown:  Red Oak, TX
Experiences before PA School:  Certified Medical Assistant and Centering Pregnancy Coordinator at Methodist’s Golden Cross Academic Clinic in Dallas, Lead Medical Technician at Allergy Associates of Brazos Valley, Student Nursing Assistant at Texas A&M’s Beutel Health Center
Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Clinical Interests:  Pediatrics
On-Campus Involvement/Volunteer Activities:  Student Ambassador and Class of 2025 Officer
Hobbies:  Playing with my dog, Rocky

Favorite thing about UTMB PA Program:  My cohort.  PA school is very challenging but I would not have made it this far in the program without my fellow colleagues.