PA Program: Wayne State University Class of 2020, Detroit Mi
How long is your program and what quarter/semester are you in?:
My program is 24 months long. I just started my second semester!
Class size: 50
Why did you apply to your program?:
I applied to my program because I went to WSU for undergrad which allowed me to really integrate into the community. The program is also in the center of Detroit’s the medical campus and utilizes the resources of WSU SOM such as the clinical skills testing center and the human cadaver dissection lab. Additionally our program is what I like to call one with a “working resume”, we are able to apply our skills through tons of volunteer opportunities that allow us to help the underserved areas of Detroit. Lastly Wayne State University’s PA program has been nationally ranked #1 in the state of Michigan.
Why did you end up choosing to attend your program?:
Although I interviewed and was accepted to other programs, I ended up choosing my program for a variety of reasons. I chose WSU because it was my number one choice, it was the first school I really researched after deciding to pursue the PA profession. I attended a couple of the informational meetings and really felt like it was a great fit for my personal and career goals. I wanted to attend a program in Michigan, served those in need, had a access to great resources (the medical campus and medical school) and was able to serve me once I became a PA (great clinical sites and relationships with PA’s all over the metro-Detroit area). WSU really met all of my needs and it was an immediate yes once I got the email of acceptance! (I still don’t believe it and I am so grateful for this journey)
Is there anything unique about your program?:
The one thing that a lot of people find unique about my program is the cost of tuition. Currently, the WSU PA program is significantly lower compared to the ones in Michigan and across the nation. Besides the cost, WSU program is centrally located in a huge medical campus in the heart of Detroit. There is a Women’s, Children’s and Heart Hospital in our backyard and because of this our lectures are taught from experts in their fields, sometimes they come to teach us straight from clinic. Also, one of my favorite things about my program are the site visits, starting first semester we see real patients in the hospital, take their history and physical and after we write a H&P. This really makes it feel more “real” and a good reminder of the end goal, PA-C!
What is your favorite study resource?:
PA school is NOTHING that I could have imagined in my wildest dreams, although it is super challenging, I am loving it. I would say my favorite study resource besides my awesome classmates would be Pance Prep Pearls, First Aid books and Rosh Review (I know this is more than one but they truly help me in different ways). (Affiliate Links) PPP is great because it has all the high-yield diseases and their hallmarks together in one resource. I use First Aid when I want to go a little deeper into a system or disease, it presents dense information in a really organized and simplified way and I use Rosh Review at the end of studying mainly to test my level of understanding and it solidify concepts.
What is the most difficult or surprising part of PA school?:
Oh gosh, the most difficult thing about PA school is the amount of class room time and workload. In undergrad, I might have had classes 5 days a week but each class was, say only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so on the other days I was not in class I could catch up on the material covered. However, in my program we have lecturers Monday – Friday and I would say on average we are in the classroom from 8 am – 3 pm. Having class every day and then going home to organize/learn the material was a bit challenging and something I am still working on. Besides the amount of time in the classroom, the amount of material covered is unimaginable and I still in shock that I can get through it all and do well on exams. Our brains are amazing guys, and yes you can do it!
What advice would you give to other PA students?:
If I could go back in time before starting this challenging, but amazing, journey I would tell myself, do not compare yourself to others. This is so hard to do, TRUST ME! I am still working on it, it is so hard not to compare your study habits to your classmates because FOMO is real and it can get overwhelming. Do what has worked for you in the past, of course it will need to be tweaked because of the amount of material you are covering is extensive, but do not lose the foundation of your study methods! One last little “pearl”, do not try to know every little detail about every little thing, learn the hallmarks of the disease and most importantly have confidence in yourself! (It’s okay to cry too!)
Where can we find you?
My Instagram is @Vitangela and you can email me at Stramagliav@gmail.com
