As I approach the end of my Health Sciences capstone course, I’ve taken time to reflect on how much I’ve grown both personally and professionally throughout this program. When I first entered the Health Sciences field, I had a general idea that I wanted to work in healthcare, but I didn’t yet have a clear picture of what that would look like. Over time, and with each course, my understanding of the field deepened. I began to see how complex, diverse, and patient-centered healthcare really is. Key concepts like health equity, prevention strategies, and interdisciplinary care have shaped the way I view my role in the healthcare system.
 

One of the most transformative experiences was learning about social determinants of health and how they impact access to care and patient outcomes. This insight helped me realize that being a healthcare provider isn’t just about treating symptoms it’s also about understanding people’s lived experiences. My decision to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant was reinforced by this knowledge. I want to be someone who not only treats patients but also advocates for them and provides care that considers the full picture of their health.

Throughout the program, I’ve grown tremendously as a communicator and problem solver. Working on group projects, participating in presentations, and leading discussions taught me how to effectively convey complex ideas in a way that’s clear and meaningful to different audiences. This capstone course especially challenged me to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles whether it was through research analysis or practical application in real-world case studies. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence in my ability to adapt and innovate.

Balancing school, military service, and professional development wasn’t always easy. There were weeks when assignments piled up, and personal commitments made it hard to stay focused. But I learned how to manage my time, ask for help when needed, and stay committed to my goals. Those challenges taught me discipline and resilience skills I will carry with me into the PA profession.

This capstone experience helped solidify my passion for healthcare and confirmed that I’m on the right path. It also opened my eyes to new possibilities, such as working in community health, underserved populations, or even healthcare education in the future. I’ve realized that health science is not a linear path it’s full of opportunities to grow, shift, and expand your impact.

Looking ahead, I plan to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained by continuing my shadowing experiences, applying to Physician Assistant programs, and eventually working in a role where I can provide compassionate, evidence-based care. I also want to continue learning whether through certifications, workshops, or mentoring others in healthcare fields. This program has laid a strong foundation, and I’m ready to build on it.