Katelyn McCabe '23Physician Assistant

Name: Katelyn McCabe
Graduation Year: 2023
Major: Biology

My Story: Coming into Gustavus, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but wasn’t
exactly sure in what field. I started as an exercise physiology major, considering pursuing
the physical therapy route. Toward the start of the second semester at Gustavus, I decided
to switch to a biology major, as I was considering physician assistant instead. Still, at this
time, I wasn’t exactly confident in what route I wanted to go. I started working as a CNA
at an assisted living to gain healthcare experience, and I also was selected to participated in the career
exploration program through the Office of Health Professions. This allowed me to shadow
a variety of different healthcare professionals and is what helped me confidently decide
that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant. After this, I continued to
accumulate patient care hours at the assisted living, shadowed PAs, and volunteered in
my community. In the spring of my junior year, I applied to nine different programs around
the Midwest. I ended up getting accepted to my top program at Des Moines University,
where I will be attending following graduation. I feel the opportunities and support that I
received at Gustavus were a large part of getting to where I am now, so I am very
thankful for my time here.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. January Pre-Health Career Exploration program
2. CNA at Ecumen Senior Living Facilities
3. Ecumen Hospice Companion Volunteer
4. River’s Edge - Rock Steady Boxing Volunteer Instructor
5. PA shadowing hours

Advice:
1. Start researching your interest programs of study early! It can help to know the
different requirements and recommendations early on to make sure you have time
to fill them all.

2. Get involved on campus and in the community! Being members of clubs
(specifically holding leadership positions) and volunteering in your community
will help you stand out on applications to your programs of study.

3. This one is specifically for those considering physician assistant programs… start
patient care hours as early as possible!! The more you accumulate before you
apply, the more competitive your application will be.

Future Plans:
Attending Des Moines University- Master of Physician Assistant Studies program,
starting Summer 2023.