Just Dance

"There I lay, unable to move a single limb from my neck down, wondering if I would ever live to see the next day. My eyes closed, thinking about what would happen to me next. I was terrified to say the least, feeling like all four walls in my ICU room were slowly closing in on me. I was able to comprehend everything around me, but was not able to respond in any way. Finally, I opened my eyes and there she stood, Alexis Geppner, a Physician's Assistant (PA) who had been on my service. She came inside, put her hand on my head and said, "Everything is going to be ok. You will be just fine." For some reason, I felt the upmost peace throughout my body and knew that I would be better in no time. It was then that I realized that, I too, want to make a patient feel the same way that I felt at that moment. I too wanted to make a difference in someone's life. I wanted to be a Physician's Assistant. On December 8, 2011 I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. That day marked the start of a one and half year journey for me; a journey that was accompanied by family, friends, and most importantly, a team of Physician's Assistants. It was these PA's that guided me through my treatment and without them; there is a good chance that I wouldn't be writing this personal statement. There were times where the chemotherapy that I went through was just too much to handle and I wanted to give up, letting it take over me. The PA's at MD Anderson connected with me on a personal level. They pushed me to fight back and never give up. It is because of them that I was able to truck through my treatment, and am currently in remission. I can vouch for all patients when I say that, aside from medical care, a patient wants to see that their medical professional legitimately cares for them. From a patient's perspective, patient care is by far the most important aspect a medical professional posses'. You may be the most knowledgeable doctor in the world, but if you do not have a strong connection with your patient, your work is considered zero in their mind. Through my one and a half years of treatment, I encountered many medical professionals. Some of who cared for their patients, and others who frankly didn't. It's the ones that care for their patients that are remembered forever. In becoming a PA, I want to make that impact on someone's life. I want to be able to make a difference in patient's life, solely because I know it is every patient desire to have someone care for them in a time of need. I want to be able to leave that lasting impression on a patient, connecting with them on the most personal level, just because I have been that patient. To all of the PA's at MD Anderson who touched my life, who saved me from death, I am here because of you. I have been involved in healthcare ever since my diagnosis, and I can firmly say that every day brings a joy to my heart. There are many joys in life, but none such greater than providing joy to others. As a patient, I have seen it all, from simple blood draws, to near death situations. None of which would not have been conquered without the presence of my PA's. It is in this life altering experience, I find myself providing the best patient care".