Time Explored Looking Back at 6 Years as a Physician Assistant

It has been sixyears since I began working as a Physician Assistant. I still cant believe it. When the NCCPA sent me my first PANRE reminder letterI figured they must have miscalculated. But, it's true,I have been working sixyears in the field, I have some newgray hairs to show for it. On this date, we as PAs have to recertify, it is a chance to see how much we know or find out how much we have forgotten. In reality there is quite a bit of both, probably more of the latter. I am looking forward to the future, contemplating the past, thinkinga lot about my next six years. Where will I be the next time I sit to take my PANRE? Is this where I should be now? I love my job andconsider myself privileged in this matter? How many people can go to work each day and look forward to being there? I am surrounded by wonderful supportive people, doing something I truly believe in. I am grateful for my work, grateful for anorganization that considers us more than cogs in a wheel. We are given freedom to be more than just pushers of patients and providers of numbers. We have autonomy in harmony with teamwork. I feel empowered to serve mycommunity and my patients are like family. Ibring myideas and mycharacter to myjob and am given the freedom to be an "artist" for the day. It is easy to get caught up in the complaints of any workplace. There is always an endless stream of complaints if you are willing to dip your cup into the well. But I can't complain, my community is built on the backs of fieldworkers. A community fueled by long labor intensive work, built upon the love of ones family and friends. I am humbled in their presence,I am jealous of their ability to find peace in the face of such adversity. Happiness in such simplicity. AsSeth Godinreminds me in his wonderful bookLinchpin: "Finding happiness in work is not about finding a job that matches your passion but about making your passion match your job." In other words, find something you enjoy well enough. Then bringyour passion to it to transform itinto something remarkable and meaningful. You dont have to get what you want,when you want what you have! So, as I prepare to take my PANRE, and skim through endless pages of PANCE/PANRE review books.I am reminded of what it took me to get here. I amreminded of the work I have left to do, and how time seems to go by without a moments notice. I hope that when I do this again in 6 years, I appreciate where I am and will still bring passion to my work. I am reminded of another quote, this time by Gandhi: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Too bad he didnt have any advice on how to pass your physician assistant board exams, or maybe that is it! You may also like -MD Versus PA Showdown Round 1 Show Me The Money! Before you read this post I want you to take a quick survey. What do you think? Physician Assistant vs. MD - Show Me The Money Often the decision between PA and MD is considered a difficult one, but should it be? Today I []The Best Treatment For Your Patients: Your Time and AttentionSometimes what your patient really needs is your time and attention. This, of course, is not just true in your medical practice but applies to your life in general. We get so caught up with things that can be measured. We look to []Free PANRE and PANCE Practice Tests and Exam QuestionsI am happy to announce that the free PANCE and PANRE practice exams are finally up and running! There were a few technical hurdles to overcome, but I have worked out most of the kinks with the exam professor software. I want to []