My name is Nick Kushner, and I am just starting second year at Case Western Reserve University's Master of Science in Anesthesia Program in Cleveland, Ohio.
This past year was an amazing journey and, although the didactic and clinical training was challenging, my love for medicine and appreciation for the certified anesthesiologist assistant profession has only grown with time! Healthcare has always been an interest of mine, but like many others with a premedical background, I was unsure how I wanted to approach it as a career. There are many ways to be involved with patient care, and at the end of the day, it's important to understand what you're really looking for in your career. Ultimately I asked myself four questions when applying to schools and thinking about my future that led me to this program:
- Will I be directly involved in hands-on patient care?
- Will I be able to have the work-life balance I need to be happy?
- Does the salary match up with the lifestyle I want?
- Will I be able to complete my training and start working in less than three years?
As a Cleveland native, I am very appreciative that I am able to study just ten minutes from where I grew up! Cleveland has always been an important part of my life, and it's amazing to see how it's grown as a hub for young professionals. In addition to its nightlife and vibrant music scene, I have the ability to do clinical training at some of the highest ranked hospitals in the world here in Cleveland.
I am excited to start focusing on specialties like Cardiac, Pediatric, Trauma, and Regional Anesthesia. With each specialty rotation, I will be gaining valuable knowledge and skills that I will be able to use throughout my career as an anesthetist.
About this post: The Student Spotlight series highlights MSA students in Cleveland, Houston, and Washington. The series is a student-led initiative, and is designed to share current student experiences with prospective students.