JMU PA Program Interview Prep

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Questions and Answers

What appeals to you most about working in the medical field?

Job satisfaction, constant challenges/learning, and job prospects.

What is the most concerning issue facing the medical industry today?

The rising costs and decreased access to healthcare.

How would you describe your overall academic performance?

Solid, excelling in health-related and biology classes, but needing improvement in chemistry.

Why should we accept you over another student with the same qualifications?

My determination and experiences set me apart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the single most important quality a Physician's Assistant should possess?

Being a team player. Signup and view all the answers

What is your self-development plan?

Reading recent studies on medicine and working on my confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is your current GPA?

Not provided. Signup and view all the answers

What is your favorite area of medicine so far?

Sports Medicine and Family Medicine. Signup and view all the answers

If you could meet anyone in the history of medicine, who would you choose and why?

Prentiss Harrison, the first African American PA. Signup and view all the answers

What questions do you have for us about James Madison University? (Select all that apply)

Do you have job placement assistance for graduating PAs? Signup and view all the answers

What do you know about James Madison University?

It started as a women's college in 1908 and ranks 2nd among public master's level universities. Signup and view all the answers

What area of weakness do you want to improve while at James Madison University?

Public speaking skills. Signup and view all the answers

What research did you conduct before applying to James Madison University?

PANCE pass rate and prerequisite requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Tell us something we wouldn't know about you from reading your CV.

I am extremely dedicated and overcame major personal challenges in gymnastics. Signup and view all the answers

What achievement are you most proud of on your path to becoming a Physician's Assistant?

Helping to stabilize a child with severe burns at work. Signup and view all the answers

What are you reading right now?

Pachinko, a historical fiction piece on a Korean family during the Japanese occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What are your thoughts on handling blood and bodily fluids?

I honestly don't mind as long as proper PPE is available. Signup and view all the answers

What other schools have you applied to and where does James Madison University rank?

Tied for number 1 alongside Murphy Deming School of Health Sciences. Signup and view all the answers

Which medical-related publications do you read?

JAAPA publications and family medicine journals. Signup and view all the answers

How do you express your opinions on controversial topics?

I generally don't share unless specifically asked. Signup and view all the answers

What is your opinion on socialized healthcare versus privatized healthcare?

Both have pros and cons; ideally, take from both models. Signup and view all the answers

How would you react if you discovered a classmate cheating?

I would tell the professor. Signup and view all the answers

How do you respond to feedback and criticism?

I take it well if it's constructive. Signup and view all the answers

Who in your life mentors or inspires you?

My parents. Signup and view all the answers

How well do you think you performed in this interview today?

Not provided. Signup and view all the answers

When you suffer a setback, how does that affect you emotionally and in your work?

Setbacks used to affect me emotionally, but I now view them as growth opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

How would you like to see the delivery of healthcare evolve?

I would like to see remote monitoring of patients through technology. Signup and view all the answers

Have you started preparing for the PA-C exam?

Not rigorously. Signup and view all the answers

What is your continued education plan for maintaining your PA-C certification?

I plan to attend CME conferences and complete self-assessments. Signup and view all the answers

How does your family feel about you becoming a physician's assistant?

My family is extremely supportive. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Passion for Medicine

Emphasis on job satisfaction through patient care and treatment planning.
Every day presents unique challenges and learning opportunities due to patient variability.
Increasing demand for healthcare professionals due to the aging population, especially baby boomers.

Concerns in the Medical Industry

Rising healthcare costs and decreased access are significant issues.
The United States leads in per capita healthcare spending, impacting affordability of services and pharmaceuticals.

Academic Performance

A solid academic background, particularly excelling in health and biology-related classes.
Acknowledgment of needing improvement in chemistry-related subjects.

Unique Qualifications

Strong determination and diverse experiences set applicants apart, rather than academic qualifications alone.
Exposure to cultural diversity from a military family background enhances patient interaction skills.

Essential PA Qualities

Teamwork is crucial for PAs to collaboratively develop effective care plans with healthcare professionals and patients.

Self-Development Plans

Commitment to professional growth through reading current medical studies, including a subscription to JAAPA.
Personal development focused on building confidence, recognized and addressed during college.

Academic Record and Interests

Current GPA details not specified.
Interests include Sports Medicine due to gymnastics background and Family Medicine from experience in primary care.

Historical Influence

Admiration for Prentiss Harrison, the first African American PA, to gain insights on early PA practice challenges.

Questions for JMU

Interest in job placement assistance, program differentiation, remediation processes, graduate specialties, faculty satisfaction, and teaching preferences.

JMU Overview

Transitioned from a women's college in 1908 to a highly regarded public master's level university; personal connection as an alumnus.

Areas for Improvement

Focus on enhancing public speaking skills, especially under pressure.

Research Before Application

Investigated PANCE pass rates and prerequisite requirements, familiar with JMU's academic rigor from previous studies.

Personal Dedication

Overcame physical setbacks in gymnastics after surgery, showcasing resilience and leadership.

Notable Experiences

Significant achievement in urgent care during a life-saving incident involving a child with severe burns.

Reading Interests

Recently read "Pachinko," a historical fiction novel exploring a Korean family's experiences during Japanese occupation.

Comfort with Bodily Fluids

Experience in handling blood and bodily fluids in clinical settings, comfortable with appropriate safety measures.

School Selection

JMU ranks closely with Mary Baldwin’s Murphy Deming School of Health Sciences.

Medical Journals

Regular reader of JAAPA publications and family medicine journals, engaged in continuing medical education (CME) on allergy care.

Opinions on Controversial Topics

Abortion: Supports women's choice but emphasizes education about options.
Euthanasia: Recognizes the ethical complexities but prefers extensive care options first.
Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS): Advocates for palliative care over PAS, emphasizing patient autonomy without coercion.

Health Care Perspectives

Socialized vs. privatized healthcare discussion highlights pros and cons of both systems, advocating for a combined approach.

Academic Integrity

Commitment to reporting academic dishonesty in alignment with JMU's honor code.

Response to Criticism

Values constructive feedback, recording growth from competitive gymnastics experiences.

Personal Mentorship

Parents serve as primary sources of inspiration and support.

Interview Performance

Additional thoughts on interview performance remain unmentioned.

Handling Setbacks

Shifted mindset from emotional distress to viewing setbacks as growth opportunities.

Future of Healthcare

Envisions remote patient monitoring capabilities to enhance chronic condition management through technology.

Certification Preparation

Preliminary engagement in PA-C exam preparation through podcasts and selective questions on social media.

Continuing Education Plan

Planned participation in governing conferences for PA continuing education, utilizing CME assessments.

Family Support

Strong familial encouragement for pursuing a PA career, with a personal history of familial interest in the profession.

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Description

Prepare for your physician assistant interview at James Madison University with these flashcards. Explore essential questions and insights into the medical field, focusing on clinical challenges and patient care satisfaction. Enhance your interview skills and build confidence.