Meet some of the class of 2022! These future PA's started their program at the beginning of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, since then they have onboarded remotely, learned their didactic curriculum in a hybrid format, and have just begun their clinical year. Read their stories and advice for future PA students.
Tori Bandyopadhyay '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from (City, State, Country)? Cleveland, OH
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Emory University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I'm from Cleveland so I knew a lot of CWRU already! After doing a bit more research I was able to figure out that Case has a PA program.
Why did you choose the PA program? I really appreciated the emphasis on community service and early clinical exposure at our school.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Starting clinical rotations!
Kristine Chien '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from (City, State, Country)? San Diego, California, United States of America
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of California, Los Angeles
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I heard about the CWRU PA Program from a friend who attends the CWRU MD program.
Why did you choose the PA program? I chose the CWRU PA program because of its focus on interprofessional medicine and community service.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I am looking forward to working with my fellow peers in this journey to becoming a PA. Additionally, I want to further develop my interprofessional skills and look forward to applying them during my clinical rotations.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Some advice I would like to give to future PA students as they begin to search for programs is to find a program that seeks to serve the community and give students exposure to various patient populations. Also, look for a program where the faculty are supportive and prepares their students for success in the future workplace.
Kris Cutaj '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from (City, State, Country)? Bajze, Albania
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Wayne State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I heard about CWRU's PA program from a friend.
Why did you choose the PA program? I shadowed a few PAs and I really liked the profession. I liked the role PAs have in the healthcare field, and I really saw my future self as a PA.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I am eager to learn medicine and looking forward to clinical rotations.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Make sure you pick a program that fits with your vision and goals.
Samson Dankert '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? Kingsley, MI, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Michigan State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? A family friend in the program couldn't recommend the program enough.
Why did you choose the PA program? CWRU's stellar faculty and resources
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Patient interaction and academic growth.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Plan ahead, study hard, and treat yourself, it's gonna be a crazy-fun ride.
Houser Duncan '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? Spanish Fork, Utah, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Southern Utah University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I heard about CWRU's Program through the CASPA application. I would research programs through the application site and CWRU is one of them that stood out.
Why did you choose the PA program? I really enjoyed the curriculum setup. I liked how involved the program is with the community. It really helps you develop the personal skills you need to be successful when seeing patients.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I look forward to the awesome opportunities with clinical rotations. We are surrounded by amazing hospitals that are well adapted to be a learning environment. The program is so well developed that you go into clinical rotations with an advantage.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Be open and apply to several schools. You really don't know what you are looking for until you are able to interview and get a feel of the school. If you would have asked me when I was applying to schools," where I wanted to go?" I wouldn't have said CWRU. But I am more than grateful that I made the decision to be here.
Krista Feind '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Buffalo, NY
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Rochester Institute of Technology
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I saw Case on the list of PA programs while applying through CASPA. I had only been looking at schools with continued accreditation, and Case was still provisional. I decided to take a chance and I'm so glad I did!
Why did you choose the PA program? While interviewing I felt so comfortable - I felt like I could fully be myself. I also loved the focus on community service intertwined in the curriculum.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I plan on maintaining relationships I've built so far and continuing to broaden my network.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Find a program that really speaks to you. Also challenge yourself - the road to becoming a PA is a new adventure so it's normal to be both excited and nervous. The faculty will help guide you along the way and provide support!
Jessica "Jess" Gogan '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Cleveland, OH, US
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Ohio State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I grew up in the Cleveland area and always was interested in CWRU as a university. When researching PA programs early in my college education, I was actually provided information on this program from my college advisor!
Why did you choose the PA program? The welcoming feeling that was provided at the interview, the amenities, the faculty accolades, and the community outreach of the program.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Clinical rotations in some of the best hospitals. I hope to gain a lot of real-world experience in this next year to carry with me through graduation.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Really look at places where you would like to serve the community and take the time to make sure that the program's goals align with your own. Its hard to make sure that you fit the mold they are asking from students but you also want to be in a place that you will enjoy spending your time in.
Jacob Gaare '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? Mesa, AZ, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Arizona State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? CASPA
Why did you choose the PA program? Case has excellent hospital partners and it was the first school to accept me, which was essential in planning out my life as the pandemic unfolded.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Learning and improving my medical knowledge and maturing as a professional and individual
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Find a program that suits your wants as a PA student: figure out what's important to you in a PA program.
Tyler Fitzgerald '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? North Lima, OH, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Cleveland State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? From living in Cleveland
Why did you choose the PA program? Connections with the 4 major hospitals
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Chances to connect with renowned physicians and PA's
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? If you are looking for a class that allows you to connect with professors one on one and get to know other students, this would be the best place.
Ann Husayno '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Scottsdale, Arizona
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Arizona State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I heard about CWRU's PA program through a colleague at work.
Why did you choose the PA program? I chose CWRU because of the large emphasis on community outreach as well as the early clinical experiences that are offered during the didactic year.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Currently, I am looking forward to starting clinical rotations and applying all that I have learned in the didactic year. I am very excited for all the new experiences and hands-on opportunities.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Try not to look only at programs that you meet the requirements for! Have an open mind and try to find schools that are a good fit for you! Make sure to look at mission statements/program goals.
Aaron Harvey '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? San Diego, CA, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Arizona
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? Colleagues of mine at work attended CWRU for Medical school and other graduate programs and told me to look into the PA program because of its strong affiliation with the school, community, and local hospital networks.
Why did you choose the PA program? I wanted the opportunity to live in a different part of the country and experience new environments, people, and communities. I had a lot of confidence that Director Professor Cindy Lord was building a terrific program and that my education would be superb. The program's strong ties to Cleveland Clinic and UH were also very reassuring for clinical rotations. The HEC building that was newly constructed was beautiful to tour and I knew how enjoyable it would be learning amongst other health professional students.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? As a second-year student, I am looking forward to continuing to represent the PA program throughout clinical rotations in the utmost professional and humble way. Being a role model and leader for younger students and the community will always be a driving force in my everyday work ethic and pursuit for excellence. I also cannot wait to graduate and begin working!
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Getting into PA school is challenging, but if you have a good all-around application there will be many programs interested in interviewing you. PA programs want students who will genuinely fit what they're looking for, so read about each program on their website and truly ask yourself if this is a good fit. Programs will be able to tell. Look at both didactic and clinical curriculums, community involvement, extracurricular expectations, location, class size, faculty, price, and affiliations with medical schools and surrounding hospital networks. Make a chart with the pros and cons of each school, and narrow down your choices so you don't spend wasted money on applications and interviews with programs you're truly not interested in attending. Trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and always continue to push forward. Good luck!
Michael "Mike" Gray '22
Where would you say you are from? Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Kent State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I grew up 5 minutes from campus so when I decided to pursue PA school it was at the top of my list because of Case's reputation.
Why did you choose the PA program? My interview experience was amazing. And I chose the PA field specifically because of the length and convenience of training coupled with the opportunity to do the things I am most interested in as an aspiring practitioner: direct patient care, diagnosis, and lifelong challenge/learning.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Rotating in Behavioral/Psychiatric Medicine
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Figure out what you want in a program and become very familiar with the requirements of specific schools early in the process.
Jennifer "Jenny" Lussenhop '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Clarkston, MI, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Hope College
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? Through an advisor in undergrad.
Why did you choose the PA program? I chose Case Western's PA program because of its commitment to community service and outreach. I also am interested in family medicine in underserved communities and I thought the mission of Case and the example from faculty would prepare me to serve in this way.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I am excited to explore how my learning style will change between the didactic curriculum and clinical year.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Figure out what is most important to you as an individual and as a future professional, and find schools that will help you achieve goals aligned with what you are most passionate about. Be open-minded!
Rebecca Knaley '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Cincinnati, OH
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Cincinnati
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? PAEA Website
Why did you choose the PA program? Reputation, association with the medical school for better resources, and good hospital affiliations.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Clinical rotations!
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Ask current students to share their experiences in your interviews! This will help you determine which program is the best fit for you.
Caroline Jiang '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Rockville, MD, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Maryland, College Park
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? My fiance went to CWRU for undergrad
Why did you choose the PA program? Partnerships with high-ranking hospital systems, friendliness of faculty, small class size
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Applying knowledge from didactic year to real patients in clinical year
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Keep your mind open and listen to your gut feelings when you find a school you love
Natasha Nand '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Castro Valley, CA, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of San Francisco
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I found out through research.
Why did you choose the PA program? I loved the aspect of community service they incorporated.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Clinical rotations.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? I would really like to say that it is important to take care of your mental health, make sure to stay on top of everything and ask for help when you need it.
Jessica Miccio '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Orland, California
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? California State University, Chico
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? When I was researching programs, I came across them online.
Why did you choose the PA program? I really felt welcome during the interview process and liked how involved the CWRU PA program was in the community. I was impressed by the many opportunities and affiliations the program had to offer.
What are you looking forward to the most in the PA program? What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Currently, I am looking forward to clinical rotations and being able to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Don’t be afraid to look at programs far from home! Research what other students who have interviewed or gone through the program have to say.
Laurel Mason-Gerhard '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Toledo, Ohio
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Ohio State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
If you completed a master's or professional degree, which degree did you complete, and from what university? University of Toledo
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I wanted to stay in Ohio, so I started looking at the PA schools in Ohio. Case stuck out to me because of the ranking of their Medical School.
Why did you choose the PA program? There were many small reasons why I choose Case, but overall it was because of the community engagement, focus on public health, and a gut feeling that this was where I was supposed to be.
What are you looking forward to the most in the PA program? What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I can't wait to do my OB rotation and help deliver babies! I am also very excited to get back into the ER.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Make a list of the things that are most important to you, and don't compromise. Trust your gut, and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith!
Sean Nischwitz '22
Preferred Pronouns? he/him/his
Where would you say you are from? (Uniontown) Green, Ohio, United States
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Baldwin Wallace University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? CASPA
Why did you choose the PA program? Location, History, Educational Excellence
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Establishing new relationships and growing into the best medical provider I can be.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Find a place that feels like a second home, somewhere that has everything you are looking for because not only are the schools choosing you for their future you are choosing them for your future.
Emily Niemi '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Saginaw, MI, USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Michigan State University
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? I was searching for schools close to home.
Why did you choose the PA program? CWRU has an affiliation with so many great hospitals and medical systems which would provide me with a plethora of opportunities. There are also many fun places to explore around Cleveland.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Clinical rotations! I am so excited to use all the information that I have learned this past year and gain even more knowledge from the hands-on experience.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Just do your research about the school, what prerequisites are needed, the area that the school is in. It can be very overwhelming, I found making charts and lists helped me keep everything straight.
Nancy Nguyen '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Germantown, MD USA
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Maryland - College Park
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? Online
Why did you choose the PA program? Reputation
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? Graduation
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? Don't be afraid to apply to a school if your stats don't match the average stats of a school.
Anna Riddle '22
Preferred Pronouns? she/her/hers
Where would you say you are from? Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Bethany College, Bethany, WV
What degree(s) have you completed thus far? Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
If you completed a master's or professional degree, which degree did you complete, and from what university? M.S.H.S. in Health Care Quality at George Washington University
How did you hear about CWRU's PA program? Case athletics is a DIII program that I was familiar with from undergrad and has always been very highly respected for its academics as well.
Why did you choose the PA program? I chose CWRU because of the emphasis that they place on experiences outside of the classroom. Our program allows us to actively learn in the community through clinics and other health-centered events. For me, the emphasis on quality improvement was something that I didn’t see at any other schools. The faculty are also incredible. They encourage us to pursue new ideas and are incredibly supportive throughout the entire program.
What are you looking forward to the most going into your second year in the PA program? I’m most looking forward to starting clinical year and getting to see patients.
What advice would you give future PA students as they begin to search for programs? My advice for a future PA student is to find a program that fits you, never be afraid to ask questions, and while learning how to take care of others, don’t forget to take care of yourself.