Hello! My name is Jenna Staikoff and I’m a second year MSA student at Case Western Reserve University. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at The Ohio State University on a pre-medicine track. Before I started the MSA program, I worked in a research lab at OSU, became a certified EMT, and worked in cardiac monitoring at the Cleveland Clinic. All these experiences helped to further solidify my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I heard about the MSA program through a friend and shadowed as soon as I could. It was a great experience, so I knew early on into my undergraduate studies that this career would be a great fit for me.
I have been fortunate enough to spend my clinical time with great instructors- be it attending anesthesiologists, residents, or CAA’s. The MSA program at CWRU truly offers an extensive clinical experience, and I feel well prepared and confident in my ability to practice as a future CAA. My favorite part about the program is the opportunity to rotate at so many hospitals- with each rotation comes new insight from fresh perspectives.
As a native Clevelander, my favorite things to do in the city include running in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, exploring coffee shops and restaurants in Tremont, as well as going to the many museums around University Circle. Cleveland is a very active city- I love going to see the Indians, Cavs, or Browns play (this year is the year, Brownies).
To those considering applying to the program- please shadow as much as possible! I would advise you ask difficult questions to any healthcare provider that you shadow. I am very happy with my decision to become an anesthesiologist assistant- and to have the ability to make such a tangible difference in the life of every patient I meet- it is truly humbling. Cleveland and healthcare go hand in hand, so Case Western is a wonderful place to be.