Personal Statement:
Raphael Joseph

As I continue the end of my undergraduate studies, I reflect on my journey and the path that has led me to pursue a medical career. Moving from India and adapting to new environments has taught me resilience and flexibility, I have lived in three different states after moving to America in 2014. I have lived in Chicago, Seattle, and finally Virginia Beach. I have learned that although change can be hard, it can always be used as a way to start fresh and try new things.

My interest in medicine began before high school. This prompted me to join Bayside Health Sciences Academy, where I got to further explore the curiosity I had about medical careers. I was blessed to be able to take classes like anatomy and physiology, as well as AP classes. I found these subjects fascinating and realized that I wanted to use this knowledge to help others. The academy’s hands-on experiences and rigorous coursework strengthened my decision to become a physician assistant. Many things interest me, one of which is sports. My love for soccer has also played a significant role in shaping my goals. Soccer has taught me the value of teamwork, leadership, and determination, skills that are essential for a successful career in healthcare, where collaboration and patient care are key.

Looking into the future, I am currently exploring PA schools, including Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), to continue my education. I am excited about the opportunity to join a program that aligns with my goals and values, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of meeting new people who share my dedication to medicine. Before PA school, I plan to engage in medical volunteer work and travel the world. Volunteering will allow me to gain hands-on experience, deepen my understanding of healthcare, and contribute to communities in need. Traveling will broaden my perspective, and expose me to diverse medical practices which will hopefully enhance my ability to provide compassionate and informed care as a physician assistant. I look forward to bringing my background, passion for medicine, experiences from volunteering and traveling, and hopefully knowledge from this class to my career. These experiences will help me connect with patients and the medical community.

In summary, my diverse experiences have prepared me for the next step in becoming a physician assistant. I want to apply my skills and dedication to making a positive impact on patient care and I think this class will help me better understand how important patient history and genetics really is.