Alyssa Espinoza, a second-year physician assistant (PA) student at UNC, is a testament to the program’s commitment to veterans with military health backgrounds. An Army veteran with rich experience as a medical service officer and CNA, Espinoza recently completed her surgical rotation at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. Her rotation marked a milestone as she is the first PA student to undertake a surgical rotation with the VA’s Surgical service.
Espinoza chose to pursue physician assistant studies as the next step in her career because her experience working with the physician assistants in active duty taught her much about teamwork; she also appreciated the job flexibility and how PAs coordinate with various providers on an interprofessional team. The UNC PA program’s mission, commitment to the veteran community and focus on rural healthcare were motivating factors in Alyssa’s decision to study at UNC.
The exemplary feedback Epinoza received from the VA Hospital underscores her dedication and skill, reflecting her seamless transition from military to medical environments. For other veterans eyeing a healthcare career, Espinoza’s journey offers valuable insights into leveraging military experience in a PA program or other medical field. Her story not only highlights her personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future students.