Hello, my name is Ryan and I have recently been accepted into University of Wisconsin Madison’s MPAS/MPH dual-degree program. I will begin this Fall and I am beyond excited and blessed to begin this journey!! Growing up I’ve always had an interest and passion to help others around the world, especially those in underserved communities. I’ve worked in Chicago in the field of HIV/AIDS and sexual health prevention, education, treatment and case management, dedicating years to many marginalized communities in Chicago, including the LGBTQ, PLWHA, POC, youth, homeless, and low-income communities.
With horrendous events in Syria, where hospitals are no longer safe havens from attacks and other parts in the world where emergency care is so needed, I have become motivated to pursue my studies as a PA and hope to provide care abroad in similar situations. Though I have not begun classes yet as a PA student, I have an interest in infectious disease as well as emergency/trauma medicine.
What advice or ideas do you have in regards to combining those interests as a PA, especially abroad? What courses in particular, organizations, field experiences, rotations should I begin to think about and take advantage of during my school years to prepare me for practicing globally? What are realistic job opportunities PAs are afforded globally? Especially in emergency/trauma?
I recently read To Repair the World: Paul Farmer Speaks to the Next Generation in which he emphasizes our duty as global citizens to work to provide care to those most in need and to maintain a macro look on the world, in where we look beyond borders and nationality. This is a foundation to my values and passion to practice medicine, particularly abroad.
To be honest, the whole idea is overwhelming because I do not know where to begin, who to talk to or how to prepare. Many individuals I speak to and many program missions are focused on primary care in the US as the role of PAs and often challenge or question the idea of working abroad as a PA. I realize the importance of this and the the growing need of primary care in the US, especially as the population ages. However, my heart is to travel, to serve the children gassed in Syria, the malnourished in Madagascar, the survivors of natural disasters.
Please help me achieve these goals by providing me some advice to guide me to a path as a PA serving the international community.
Thank you!
Ryan