As I reflect on this program and what it has done for me professionally and emotionally, I can’t help but smile. I persevered through a tough and challenging academic year which led directly into exciting and challenging work experiences. In last twenty one months, I have exceeded the goals that I set for myself when I began my journey as a graduate student. I have learned so many new things about myself and my interactions with people and how they reflect my professional life. I am so fortunate to be a part of the exciting and growing field of pathologists’ assistants.

My classmates and I have spent the last nine months on clinical rotations, learning different techniques that have shaped our own surgical and autopsy pathology techniques. Throughout this course, we have also had the pleasure to reciprocate all our teachings in the form of teaching the first year class on a particular aspect of pathology as it relates to an autopsy case that we have worked on throughout our training. I based my CPC, clinical pathologic correlation, topic on a case of metastatic disease of a salivary gland neoplasm. I was able to work on this project during the course of my rotation at the Mayo Clinic. I worked with the wonderful staff of pathologists’ assistants that work at the clinic and with a pathologist who specializes in head and neck pathology. I don’t think I could have created the presentation without the help of those people.

Currently, I am on my fifth rotation at Hartford Hospital. My last rotation was in Texas, and it was just amazing. I was able to enjoy my home state, work on my improving my skills and my speed and reconnect with friends from undergrad. Hartford Hospital creates a comfortable and fast paced work environment which has allowed me to build confidence in my abilities.

Not only has the pathologists’ assistants program at Quinnipiac University allowed me to grow, learn and experience graduate student life to the fullest, it has also afforded me the opportunity to, interview for and, accept an amazing job in my home state. The name that this program has created for itself based on our passing rate for the national board certification exam, experiences in the field and overall happiness of employers with our students, has contributed to our job placement success as a class.

-Nancy Mendoza Pathologists' Assistant 2012

Opportunities are the foundation for success. The foundation for my success is being laid as I further my education at Quinnipiac University. The Pathologists’ Assistants program at QU has provided me so many opportunities in a variety of environments. I have had the opportunity to be a graduate assistant and work with second year students during my first year in school. I have also been able to talk to potential PA students about the application process and what to expect if they are accepted. As part of clinical rotations and a scholarship to the AAPA conference, I have been able to travel to various parts of the US. I have also been able to network with many QU alumni in looking for the perfect job. QU alumni currently make up the highest number of active PA’s in the field. Their jobs vary from small community hospitals to large, academic centers. Insight into different job environments is a simple phone call away.

For me, the most rewarding opportunity being provided is to be able to work in various laboratory settings. I have seen and worked on a variety of surgical and autopsy cases, which include rare and low percentage cancers, and pathology that is worth photographing. Our clinical supervisor and program director work hard to make sure the students are provided the best learning environment and clinical opportunities. Our PA program is unmatched thanks to our leadership. Those involve with this program make certain they select people that will continue to uphold the reputation that QU has worked hard to attain.

As the deadline for application into QU’s PA program nears, potential applicants should consider applying early and making sure their application reflects a strong, driven and successful individual. Remember to have someone proof read any material that will be submitted. Keep in mind that as more people are applying to professional schools, the competitiveness is also increasing. Be patient with the application process.

-Nancy Mendoza Pathologists' Assistant 2012

A few months ago I was a new second year pathologists’ assistant student at the Mayo Clinic. I was a bit intimidated, to say the least! But being around QU alumni made me feel welcome and reassured. I spent the summer in Minnesota, along with one of my classmates, and our knowledge base was probably doubled in a few weeks. I met so many incredibly intelligent and interesting people who helped me ‘find my way’. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work in such a prestigious institution!

The rotation that followed was in CT and a little less exciting than the Mayo Clinic. The rotation through the VA Hospital allowed me to work on my communication and problem- solving skills. During this rotation, one of my classmates and I, spent a week in San Francisco, CA for the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants. We were awarded student scholarships to attend the conference based on an essay. The conference provided an amazing opportunity to network with current PA’s and listen to lectures given by published and well-known pathologists. As part of the scholarship, we had to present a poster or give an oral presentation on the topic of our choice! I presented a poster on the technique of creating a good brain smear for immediate diagnosis. My classmate, Nicole, gave an oral presentation on the Dr. Harvey Cushing tumor registry at Yale University. The trip also allowed us to visit and explore San Francisco! While there, we visited the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, among other attractions!

Currently, I am on my third rotation in Syracuse, NY in Crouse Hospital. The PA’s who work here are graduates from the QU program and know exactly how to approach my learning experience. Each day, I am provided my own set of specimens for the day. I am responsible for grossing and completing my gross dictation, with the help of the PA’s, of course! I am so excited to work with such wonderful people! I am also happy to be able to explore NY in the fall!

Quinnipiac’s Pathologists’ Assistants program is challenging, but the challenges allow us to find our way at work and in our personal lives. I am so proud of what we do and of the program that is providing me the opportunity to become a knowledgeable and capable PA.