Ever since she was a kid, Jameka McElroy-Brooklyn, PA-C, knew that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. She had always been interested in science, but didn’t know where this interest would lead her. Maybe a physician? Maybe a researcher?
It wasn’t until her junior year of college that McElroy-Brooklyn knew exactly what career path she would pursue. After meeting a PA working in dermatology, she realized how much the PA profession aligned with her personal and professional goals.
Now, a dermatology PA herself, McElroy-Brooklyn reflects on her love for the job, “As a Certified PA, I have the ability to see patients in an autonomous, yet collaborative setting, work in a variety of specialties and dedicate time to other non-medical hobbies and passions.”
In addition to the PA profession aligning with her personal and professional goals, McElroy-Brooklyn also values the trust she has built with her patients. “It’s really about the relationships I build with my patients,” shared the Washington, D.C.-based PA. “They trust me and really share their lives with me. I’m extremely grateful that I have a career that allows me to have a positive impact on my community.”
All of these elements and factors helped McElroy-Brooklyn to realize the PA profession was the one for her. McElroy-Brooklyn found her ‘why’, and encourages those that are interested in becoming a PA, to identify and understand their ‘why’.
“Why does the PA profession appeal to your interests and career goals compared to other medical professional careers?,” asked McElroy-Brooklyn. “I think a great place to start is by researching the history and growth of the PA profession, finding PA mentors to shadow, and identifying any barriers or limitations to PA school application, so that you’re prepared to address and overcome them.”
To learn more about becoming a Certified PA, or to read more stories like Jameka’s, visit PAsDoThat.net.
