Meet Michael St. Amand, PA-C
Michael is a proud first-generation college student, as well as the first physician assistant student elected as a board member of the Oregon Medical Education Foundation. Now with The Oregon Clinic, he has written this article especially for PA's who are about to graduate, like he did from OHSU's PA program in August, 2022. --Published by OMEF in May, 2023
Reflecting on my time at OHSU’s PA program this time last year I realize that there were a few things that I did which prepared me for graduation and my career, and there were a few things that I wish I would have known prior to graduation.
The countdown to graduation is exciting and terrifying at the same time. On one hand, graduation means an end to homework, exams, and an ultimate freedom to finally open up a world of opportunity that you have worked your whole life for. It also means finding your first career opportunity as a PA, being trusted to care for patients independently, and having time for yourself to focus on the hobbies you might have put on hold during all those years of studying.
However, there is one thing that stands in the way of all of this-The PANCE (which isn’t as bad as it seems). The first step to conquering this exam is knowing that you spent the last few years preparing yourself to pass, and you already know more than you think you do.
The first piece of advice I have to give is to come up with an individualized study plan approximately two and a half months prior to taking the PANCE, in which you and your colleagues can set time aside to pass the one exam that stands between you and your dream job.
I realized that I am a type of person who needs structure, so my friends and I opted to choose an 8-week study plan through Smarty PANCE that has topics from the NCCPA blueprint outlined by day to follow. I personally gave myself an extra three weeks on top of this pre-outlined schedule because I knew I would want to spend graduation week with my family without worrying that I was not sticking to my schedule, and I wanted to spend an extra week reviewing.
Regardless of your study strategy or resources, just make sure you give yourself enough time to review topics you are weaker in without cramming.
Follow a plan with a small group of people who can keep you accountable and provide you with the support (and snacks) you need to stay sane. Remember, it is just an exam, and you hold the knowledge it takes to pass.
Another piece of advice I recommend is to spend one day perfecting your resume, and then start applying to jobs two months prior to graduation. In the two months leading up to graduation I was fortunate enough to land a few interviews with prospective jobs which helped provide opportunity for practice on subsequent interviews. The best part about starting early is you have the time to search for a job that you can negotiate benefits with, as well as find a job that fits your values.
An interview tip I can provide is to look up AAPA’s salary report based on state and specialty to have statistics to negotiate when discussing salary. It is my opinion that if an employer will not match an average salary, then they are not going to compensate you appropriately for the work you will be doing. When salary has a small window for negotiation, you can always negotiate working 4 days a week, or having more paid time off. The worst that these jobs can say is no, and the best part about job hunting early is that you are in no rush to obtain a job, meaning you are in control.
The last and most important piece of advice I have is to make sure to set time aside for your mental health, and to have fun with your classmates. All of the people you have just spent the last few years studying with, laughing with, stressing with, are all going to go their separate ways, and making memories with them in the final sunny months leading up to graduation will be what you remember most when it’s all said and done. I look back and don’t regret not studying more. I remember forcing myself to float down a river a few days before taking the PANCE, which was the best decision I made for my mental health.
Overall, in the end you will pass your exam and you will become a PA. Focus on setting yourself up for a successful first career that provides you with a great team, benefits, and a specialty that you love because you have worked your whole life to get to this point.
Focus on a study plan that allows you to eat right and sleep 8 hours a night to fuel your brain to keep going for the marathon that is the next few months.
Most importantly, remember that these last few months are for you, and it’s ok to have fun in the process.
Best,
Michael St Amand, PA-C
