Randi Dettling '09Physician Assistant

Name: Randi Dettling 
 
Graduation Year: 2009
 
Major: Communication Studies and Studio Art
 
Your Story:
When I started at Gustavus, I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. However, life had other plans as I struggled with mental health issues. Eventually, I became a Communication Studies and Studio Art double major. I found my groove at Gustavus and even have art exhibited in the Jackson Campus Center! After several years of being a professional photographer, medicine was nagging at the back of my mind. In 2017, eight years after I graduated from Gustavus, I started prerequisite courses at Inver Hills Community College. I knew I had a rough road ahead, so my goal was to get all A’s even in Organic chemistry and Biochemistry. Once I had my prerequisite courses for PA school, I started applying through CASPA. I worked as a home health aide, took care of my elderly grandparents and worked as a dialysis technician to get enough patient care experience. After two long application cycles and many interviews, I was accepted!! I recently moved to Maryland to start PA school at Towson University. I chose the path of becoming a PA because of all the interactions I will have with patients, something being an anesthesiologist could not give me.
 
Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Traveling
2. Playing with and loving on my nieces
3. Electroforming jewelry
4. Swimming
5. Photography
 
Advice:

1. Never give up. If you want something, you can accomplish it if you put in the effort.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. Be a honey badger and never give up.
4. Be kind. You don’t know someone else’s story or struggle.
 
Future Plans: Attending Towson University, Physician Assistant Studies program, starting June 2023.