Meet some of the class of 2027! These students are a diverse, talented, and dedicated group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, goals, and aspirations. Read their stories and advice for future PA students!
Name: Gracie Blust
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? I obtained a bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Saginaw Valley State University.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I worked as a Patient Care Technician in a rural emergency department in Northern Michigan.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I was drawn to Case Western because of its mission of service. It is evident that this program prioritized engaging with the community, and this is reflected by building well-rounded clinicians. I was also interested due to Cleveland's valuable opportunities for quality clinical rotations with many major health systems in the area.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? It is extremely important to look at a school's mission statement and ask yourself whether you could see yourself in a program that values these things. Interviews are not only an opportunity to sell yourself, but they are also a great way to see if the program is a good fit for you.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I enjoy cooking, hiking, and playing pickleball in my free time :)
Name: Mariah Boumeester
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? Bethel University (MN) - Biology major & Business minor.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? PCA on a CVICU/Tele unit & Medical Assistant in Dermatology.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I chose CWRU because, even at my interview, I felt like the faculty really invested in the people that we are outside of who we are as students. They truly want us to succeed as students while also maintaining our lives outside of school. I also really value how much the program prioritizes community involvement, AND I was really excited that we have a geriatrics rotation because a lot of programs do not have that.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? I think one thing that I really cared about was finding a program that fosters the development of the kind of PA that I want to become. Whether that is one who is active in the community, one who serves the underserved, etc. As much as the programs want to find students to match the values of their program, it's also important to find a program that is the right fit for us as students. Another thing is to remind yourself that this is your "race". It is really hard not to compare yourself to other students, but we all come from different backgrounds and offer different things to the program. Our experiences aren't any less valuable than those of other people, they simply make us who we are!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Some of my favorite things to do in CLE are finding new coffee shops, walking in Shaker Heights, spending time with my fiancé, playing pickleball, and making sourdough! I also really enjoy reading when I have free time! When I get to be back home in MN, I soak up any time I get to be with my grandparents, fam & friends and hike with my doggos!
Name: Kashish Charania
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? Loyola University Chicago, B.S in Biology.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I was a Medical Assistant at a Pediatric Pulmonology private practice.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? Their emphasis on community learning spoke to me significantly, as I have volunteered throughout my entire life. Having that embedded within our curriculum is so valuable. My interview day also emphasized my desire to go here by meeting amazing faculty members and students!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Be yourself! Let yourself shine through your applications.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Running, pilates, trying new restaurants, and cooking.
Name: Abby Chute
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, BS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I worked as a medical assistant at a PCP during the summers of my freshman-junior years of college, then I also worked as a medical assistant at an urgent care on my college campus during my junior and senior years!
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I have always visited Cleveland as a kid to see my grandparents who live here, so I had always known CWRU growing up. When I was applying to PA schools, I saw that CWRU had a program and knew I had to apply, never thinking I would get in. When I finally got an interview, I was absolutely blown away by the facilities and how down-to-earth and supportive the faculty was, and I knew I had to come here!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Never give up hope! You never know where you will get interviews, how they will perceive you, and where you will get in. I never thought that I would get into PA school on my first try, and here I am! Just put your truest self out there, and it will all end up the way it is meant to. I got into CWRU off the waitlist and coming here was the best choice I could’ve made!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love to hang with my cat, play guitar, travel, watch TV, sleep, paint, knit, and hang out with my PA school friends!
Name: Dominika Cornejo
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? I graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Neuroscience.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I was a medical assistant for a doctor that does independent medical evaluations for Workers' Compensation cases.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? The PA program faculty were all so incredibly welcoming during the interview. It was evident that they really care about the students and want them to succeed. I also really love the emphasis the program places on community outreach.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Make sure you take time for yourself during the application process and be yourself during interviews!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Playing sports, reading, traveling, and exploring Cleveland with my fiancée
Name: Isabella Hannigan
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? Purdue University - Athletic Training.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Certified Athletic Trainer.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? When I spoke to current students, I easily noticed how much they appreciated and learned from the faculty and opportunities that were offered to them. Every student was excited and passionate about the medical field and helping their local communities.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? After speaking with current students, faculty, or finishing an interview, take a moment to reflect on how you felt in that environment. Your impression and reflection can offer valuable insight into how well the program aligns with you.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Exercising, reading (our cohort has a book club), thrifting, and going on walks with my friends.
Name: Kheyra Hassan
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of Minnesota, TC.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Medical Assistant at a primary care clinic.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? CWRU was one of the only schools that made me feel welcomed during the interview process. Also, having a diverse cohort was important to me, which I found in the CWRU PA program.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? I would recommend that students be themselves during their interviews. Memorizing answers to interview questions tends to come off awkward and inauthentic.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I'm a big reader outside of PA school.
Name: Ankur Jandaur
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of California San Diego, B.S. Biochemistry & Cell Biology.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? At first I worked as an EMT, and then I worked as a diagnostic technician at an outpatient neurology practice.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? So many reasons - but among the biggest of them were the clinical opportunities, the renowned hospital affiliations in the immediate area, and the small class size.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? It may sound cliche, but allow your personality to come through in your application and your interview! Schools (and especially CWRU) want to see the person behind the qualifications; show them that you are more than your stats and clinical experience.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love to travel, cook my favorite recipes, explore the Cleveland food scene, and keep up with TV shows and movies!
Name: Brenna Kukic
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Medical Assistant in Urology.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I chose the CWRU PA program because of its exceptionally supportive faculty and staff and its top-tier education, which I know will prepare me well for my future career as a PA.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Make sure the program is the right fit for you. Apply to where you’ll feel supported and truly thrive.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Outside of PA school, I love hanging out with my cats, taking workout classes, trying new restaurants around Cleveland, listening to Taylor Swift, and getting lost in a good book.
Name: Stephanie McClelland
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? Johnson and Wales University - BS in Culinary Nutrition and a Master's in Clinical Nutrition.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Registered Dietitian, primarily in Outpatient Hemodialysis.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I enjoyed the interview day. The Faculty were friendly and approachable. I was also able to meet some first-year students at a meet and greet before the interview, and listening to how happy they were with the program was a significant factor in my decision to select CWRU. I also really love the HEC; it is so conducive to studying while being beautiful at the same time.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Try to learn about yourself the way you learn about other people. This way, you know your strengths and your weaknesses, and you can learn how to improve yourself in a beneficial way.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I like to cook, spend time outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
Name: Nuha Momin
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? The University of Texas at Dallas; Bachelor of Science in Biology.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Medical Assistant in Family Medicine & Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? Meeting the faculty and students during my interview really solidified my choice! The students were genuinely so passionate about the program and emphasized how the faculty takes the time to make them feel welcomed and heard (all of which I agree with having been here thus far :))
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? APPLY. TO. CWRU. The faculty and students here really want you to succeed and you’ll be able to feel that when you walk into the HEC. Regarding the application or interview, just be yourself! Don’t stress too much about the numbers and instead focus that energy into being your best self (I know thats cheesy but I mean it)
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love trying new food places around Cleveland, watching shows with friends (currently watching The Summer I Turned Pretty) and hanging out with my chunky cat tito!
Name: Olivia O'Donnell
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Pediatric Orthopedic Medical Assistant.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I chose CWRU because of the supportive faculty that made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped onto campus. Additionally, I came to CWRU because of the amazing resources and the school's affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Stay true to yourself and embrace your unique qualities/passions that make you stand out.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love to stay active, read, travel, and try different restaurants!
Name: Marissa Orzame
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? I graduated from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in May 2022 with a B.S. in Movement Science.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I worked as a Medical Assistant at a private dermatology office for a couple of years, and then began working as a Medical Assistant at an UrgentOrtho clinic.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? The people! The faculty was very knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely wanted you to succeed! Meeting current students and hearing about their experience with CWRU also sold me!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Take the gap year(s)!!!! I learned so much about myself during my gap years. I was to gain such great experience working. I took my dream trip to Europe! I even became a dancer for the Detroit Pistons Basketball Team. There is so much that I was able to accomplish and learn during this time!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love staying active! I like to try different pilates and yoga studios in the area. Also, I love to explore all Cleveland has to offer. Whether it's trying a new coffee shop to study at or going to a Guardians game, I want to try it all!
Name: Katie Schumacher
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? College of Wooster, Bachelors in Psychology.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Patient Care Technician, Resident Care Associate, & Optometric Technician.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? CWRU was always my first choice! The faculty are so genuine and supportive, the resources available are incredible, and I’ve met amazing friends. I’m grateful to be part of such a positive, encouraging environment.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Lean on your classmates and faculty, they’re your biggest support system.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love spending time with family and friends, playing with my English bulldogs, and watching a good show on Netflix!
Name: Kaila Simpson
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? I graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S in Biology, Health, and Society and a minor in Gender and Health.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I worked as a medical assistant in primary care as well as a CNA in a long-term care facility before starting PA school.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I chose the CWRU PA program because of the incredible faculty and supportive student community. From the beginning, everyone has been genuine, kind, and welcoming. As a current student, I can confidently say that the faculty go above and beyond to get to know each of us. They are truly invested in our success during the program and want to see us thrive.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? My advice is to be your genuine self. You want to attend a program that accepts you for who you are! Avoid comparing yourself to others. Your individuality is your greatest strength and what truly sets you apart!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? I love trying new workout classes, walking along the lake, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in Cleveland. I also prioritize spending time with my family and friends, as having a strong support system is essential during PA school.
Name: Joshua Sparler
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of California, Berkeley; Bachelors in Molecular and Cell Biology with a focus in Genetics, Genomics and Development.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Primary Care MA, ER Scribe, Perioperative Patient Care Assistant (OR Tech), ER Tech, Interfacility Transport EMT.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I appreciate the program's commitment to the community! Nestled between such prominent medical centers, CWRU also offers unparalleled opportunities for experiences in a wide variety of specialties.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Look for a program that shares your values and is a good fit for you! It is just as important for you to like the program as for the program to like you.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Boardgames! Rugby, Country Line Dancing, Traveling (when I can) and volunteering in my community.
Name: Ellie Wang
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? University of Michigan (Go Blue!) Movement Science, BS
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Intraoperative neuromonitoring.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program?Honestly, seeing the students interact with each other and speak so highly of the staff and faculty at the meet & greet the night prior to interviews really sealed the deal for me. I loved how friendly everybody was at interview day and it made me feel like this would be a good place for me to land.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Be yourself at interviews! Pat yourself on the back every once in a while! Give yourself grace (and a sweet treat)!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Staying active (gym, running, biking), exploring metroparks, going to the lake, rollerblading, baking sourdough, crocheting, cooking, and watching TV!
Name: Heidi Watkins
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? Montana State University, Organismal Biology and Music.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? Phlebotomist and pediatric MA
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? Connections/clinical opportunities, program structure
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Commit fully to your direct patient care experience. The things you learn there will be of so much use in PA school!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? Playing outside! Hiking, running, etc. Also love crocheting and fun crafts
Name: Sydney Zurita
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn? UC Santa Barbara; B.S. Biological Sciences.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school? I worked as a medical assistant/ phlebotomist on a street medicine team. We had no physical clinic, only a van with medical supplies.
What made you choose the CWRU PA program? I chose this program because of its clear commitment to community engagement and addressing gaps in healthcare, commitments I believe should be upheld by all PAs. To be an effective provider, you must be 'well-versed' in the community, listening to its members, and working together on solutions that reflect their lived experiences and priorities. CWRU’s emphasis on training providers to serve WITH communities rather than just IN communities felt like a good fit for me.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants? Do a lot of research into a school's mission statement. Think of qualities you want to have as a future PA, and look for programs that will mold you into that type of provider.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school? In my free time, I explore Cleveland's parks with my dogs with my husband, Sergio! I am also learning Spanish and love some good trashy reality TV.