For Brianna Regan, MS, PA-C, a 2024 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine program, the path to becoming a PA was rooted in a desire to give back. She, like other PAs, play a vital role in in expanding access to care and strengthening communities across Michigan, and are recognized during National PA Week, Oct. 6–12.
“I wanted to become a PA to give back to the community through medicine,” Regan shared. “The PA program at MSU is excellent at preparing you for real-world medicine through their extensive didactic and clinical experiences.”
A pivotal part of Regan’s journey was receiving the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship, which connects health professionals to opportunities in medically underserved communities. The scholarship led Regan to a career in primary care that she would not have otherwise found.
Working in family medicine allows Regan to build deep connections with her patients and their families. “The most rewarding part of being a PA in primary care is getting to know your patients’ stories, as well as seeing their friends and family,” said Regan, who is serving patients in Caro, Mich. “It is a privilege to be able to give back to a community that is so welcoming and appreciative.”
Regan has found her work to be meaningful and rewarding. “The most meaningful part of serving patients in a medically underserved community is knowing your work is helping meet a critical need. Rural communities are special because of how close-knit they are. People look out for each other, and the community is generous and good-natured.”
For current PA students or those considering the NHSC scholarship, Regan offers simple but powerful advice: “Apply! Even if primary care isn’t something you’ve considered before now, you may find you love it like I did during clinical rotations.”
By Andrea Mackey
For Brianna Regan, MS, PA-C, a 2024 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Medicine program, the path to becoming a PA was rooted in a desire to give back. She, like other PAs, play a vital role in in expanding access to care and strengthening communities across Michigan, and are recognized during National PA Week, Oct. 6–12.
“I wanted to become a PA to give back to the community through medicine,” Regan shared. “The PA program at MSU is excellent at preparing you for real-world medicine through their extensive didactic and clinical experiences.”
A pivotal part of Regan’s journey was receiving the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship, which connects health professionals to opportunities in medically underserved communities. The scholarship led Regan to a career in primary care that she would not have otherwise found.
Working in family medicine allows Regan to build deep connections with her patients and their families. “The most rewarding part of being a PA in primary care is getting to know your patients’ stories, as well as seeing their friends and family,” said Regan, who is serving patients in Caro, Mich. “It is a privilege to be able to give back to a community that is so welcoming and appreciative.”
Regan has found her work to be meaningful and rewarding. “The most meaningful part of serving patients in a medically underserved community is knowing your work is helping meet a critical need. Rural communities are special because of how close-knit they are. People look out for each other, and the community is generous and good-natured.”
For current PA students or those considering the NHSC scholarship, Regan offers simple but powerful advice: “Apply! Even if primary care isn’t something you’ve considered before now, you may find you love it like I did during clinical rotations.”
By Andrea Mackey