PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Graduated in 2008
Program Director, Independent Hospitalist Physicians
Internal Medicine, Ascension Health

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State?

A: I grew up in Royal Oak and remember driving downtown and through the university with my dad. When I decided to pursue medicine, Wayne State was known for strong programs and rotations. I loved the idea of being in my hometown and working with an underserved population.

Q: What inspired you to become a PA?

A: I always wanted to pursue medicine — from the age of 4, I am told. I met a relative who was a PA, and as I debated med school vs. pharmacy, she spoke of her profession, and it was the missing piece I was looking for. It fit my goals and personality perfectly.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at WSU.

A: Wayne State was the highlight of my education. I was in a great city learning to do what I had always dreamed of in a fantastic program. I found a group of like-minded friends and together we learned the human body forward and back with the application of medicine

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: Productivity — systems are so focused on assembly line that we are losing the art of medicine. As providers continue to push back on this, I hope we can find our way back to a healthy balance.

Q: Tell us more about your career.

A: I started in GI and learning my way through a specialty. I later transitioned to a hospitalist and loved the chaos of hospital medicine. I then found my way into administration (reluctantly), but I do love the constant challenge of making the work environment better for my colleagues in any way that I can. I continue to practice clinically as well — I will never give up patient care. It’s who I am. I'm grateful for the mentors who helped raise me in medicine and am doing my best to pay it forward.

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The Physician Assistant Studies master of science degree program at the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is focused on the development of highly competent and passionate physician assistants who are deeply committed to practicing in urban and underserved health care settings. It is the highest ranking program in Michigan and among the top 50 programs in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24. The admission cycle runs from May 1-Sept. 1 for classes beginning the following May. Prospective students can get started by attending a WSU Applebaum information meeting at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. 

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.