I’m Rachel Morris, a fourth-year Biology major at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a Pre-Health Professions certificate. I’m originally from Houston, where I gained early exposure to healthcare through volunteering and shadowing experiences that inspired my decision to study biology. While in Austin, I’ve worked as a CNA at a skilled nursing facility, gaining valuable hands-on patient care experience. After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to work full-time and participate in medical mission trips abroad before applying to physician assistant programs.
Becoming a Physician Assistant aligns with my personal values such as empathy, service, and continuous learning. The PA role focuses on patient-centered care, which aligns with my commitment to making a meaningful difference in individuals' lives. This career path is centered around collaboration, an essential value for me, as PAs work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide efficient care.
One of my greatest strengths is adaptability, demonstrated by my ability to learn quickly and function effectively in different situations. Shadowing and patient-care experiences have provided evidence of this strength, where I successfully navigate complex patient cases, adapt to varied healthcare settings, and maintain composure under pressure. This adaptability not only supports my capability to manage the responsibilities of a PA but also ensures that I uphold quality patient care in changing situations.