Stephanie Anderson '22Physician Assistant

Name: Stephanie Anderson 
 
Graduation Year: 2022
 
Major: Biology
 
 Story: I came into Gustavus with the intention of pursuing physician assistant (PA) school. Throughout high school, I was drawn to the healthcare field, but wasn’t sure what career would best suit me. I attended a few healthcare career exploration days for high school students at the University of Minnesota that opened my eyes to the many career possibilities but nothing felt quite right. My dad then suggested I look into the PA profession, and I began to do my research and explore this career. I shadowed a PA the summer before my freshman year at Gustavus, and absolutely loved it, and knew this was a career I would enjoy.
 
When selecting a college to attend, I was looking for a school that had a balance of great academics and athletics. Additionally, knowing I wanted to pursue PA school following undergrad, I began looking for a college that would support me on this pre-PA journey. Gustavus had all that I was looking for, and more, and ended up being the very best decision. Throughout my time at Gustavus, I was able to solidify my decision to pursue the PA profession through shadowing PAs in different specialties, forming a fantastic mentorship with a Gustavus Alumna PA, and gaining direct patient care hours working at a dermatology clinic alongside PAs.
 
After much deliberation throughout college, I decided I wanted to take a gap year before attending PA school. I am so grateful for my gap year where I was able to travel, gain additional healthcare experience working as a surgical assistant at a dermatology clinic, and spend time with my family and friends. I applied to PA school the spring of my senior year of college, received multiple interviews, and will be attending Des Moines University starting the summer of 2023.
 
 
Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Gustavus Women’s Hockey Team
2. Gustavus Mentoring Program
3. On-campus job in the Sports Information Department
4. President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization
5. Volunteer at Open Door Health Clinic in Mankato
 
 
 
Advice:

• Try to think of three things.... you wish you would have know or would encourage others to do....
  Utilize all of the resources provided at Gustavus. There are an abundance of resources available to help students, many I learned of my senior year! Reach out to your peers, professors, and pre-health advisors to help you explore these. 
• Get to know your professors. Your professors want you to succeed, and are more than happy to help you! You just need to reach out and put in the time and effort to develop that relationship. 
• Say yes to being involved. There are so many events, clubs, and activities going on around Gustavus at all times, don’t be afraid to try something new. Soak up all of these opportunities to be involved, your four years will go fast!
   
  Future Plans:
  Attending Des Moines University, starting Summer 2023