Last week I wrote about my PA School application process and the CASPA site used to apply. Since I wrote that, I’ve made more progress. I am technically at the point where I could hit “send” on 8 applications. But I haven’t. Yet.

And it’s a good thing! Since this is so important, I wanted to make sure I had others proof-read some of my submissions and comment on them. So first a call out to my wife Randi who gave me some good feedback on the general tone. One of my concerns was my general essay. The general essay answers the question: Please explain why you are interested in being a Physician Assistant.

I had written two versions and felt my second one was much stronger, she agreed. The best way I can describe my first one was that it was very pedestrian. The second one I think far better reflects why at this point in my life I want to be a PA. I think I’ve said it before, but in case I haven’t, I will here: To make a difference. Yes, I suspect everyone wants that, but after 30+ years of basically pushing data, I want to have a direct impact on people’s lives. The more I think about it, the more I realize how much it motivates me. It’s one reason I work with the NCRC and teach cave rescue (and perform cave rescues). It’s a direct impact. It’s a reason why I like teaching. Even now, before I’m a PA, every shift in the ED I know I’m making a difference. It might be getting a cold patient a blanket or assisting in a trauma, but I know at the end of every shift, I’ve made a difference.

The second call out is to my friend Alma. I’ve relied on her for years (I won’t say how long as that might give insight into how old we both are) for her editing prowess. I’m thankful I did so since she caught a number of minor typos, but also a major one that at best would have elicited some laugh, at worst, doomed me. I had meant to say underserved communities, but had written undeserving communities. Quite the difference!

So, does that mean I’ll hit submit today to those 8 schools?

Not quite. I have to reload my edits and then still review the submissions and decide if I really want to apply to those 8 or just a subset. In any case though, come this weekend I think I’ll be hitting submit and I’ll admit I’m excited.