Through the Eyes of a Young Physician Assistant

by Sean Conroy

Sean Conroy started his career in the lab, but had a burning desire to enter the clinical side of medicine as a physician assistant. After completing the first two years of book work, he spent a year learning from doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others on the front lines of medicine in hospitals and clinics across the state of Nebraska. He entered his first family practice rotation as a well-spoken but inexperienced PA student, and in under a year was bedside with severely ill and injured patients in one of Nebraska’s busiest level-one trauma centers.This memoir follows Conroy around the state, from one rotation to another, as he grows in knowledge and maturity. It tells the tales (some humorous, some harrowing, and occasionally heartbreaking) of patient encounters in wide variety of settings with individuals from all walks of life. From the delivery of a newborn, to the terminally ill at the end of their lives, and many in between, Through the Eyes of a Young Physician Assistant will leave you laughing and crying and with a deeper appreciation of PAs.

Genres: Medical, Medicine, Nonfiction

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired nurse for 44 years and a family nurse practitioner for the last 15 of those years, the topic of this memoir was of great interest to me.

I have worked side by side with many wonderful PAs in my career
and his descriptions resonated deeply with me.

He takes the reader through various clinical rotations, with all the challenges and quandaries of an inexperienced student and leads us through the day to day rigors of his development into a skilled professional. We meet many different patients—and health care providers-- who come alive on the page. I felt like I was in the room with him as he cared for the patients or dealt with difficult staff members. I also felt his angst and concern as I experienced growing pains with him, recalling my own development as a nurse.

His writing is honest and vivid and his sense of humor breaks up the serious nature of his story. It flows at a nice pace. In fact, I didn’t want to stop reading it and when I did, I looked forward to getting back to it. His personal reflections add a deeper dimension to the story and offer a realistic view of the requirements of PA education as well as a heartwarming portrayal of the growth and development of a young man. His passion for his work comes through clearly. You don’t have to be a health care professional to appreciate his story. Many people are cared for by PA’s and often are confused about the role of PA or nurse practitioner in relation to the doctor. This story will enlighten and no doubt assure patients of the rigorous level training and experience involved.

This is not only an engaging and educational read about the health care field, but it is also an excellent resource for high school guidance counselors or anyone interested in pursuing a career as a PA. I have purchased this book for my niece who is contemplating becoming a PA. I highly recommend this memoir.

[Kayra Grigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the pleasure of working with Sean Conroy and to see some of his journey to get to where he’s at now in his career is pretty exceptional. I didn’t know him during his journey to becoming a PA, so having this insight has been great. He’s not only a great PA and Co-worker but a great guy who has worked hard to get to where he’s at. His story is inspirational to many and would be a great read to those who are looking into becoming a PA. I am looking forward to reading his next book if he chooses to continue his story.

[James Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read for aspiring PA’s

I’m currently going to school with an end goal of graduating from a PA program. I was looking for some insight into what these programs entail and although the author doesn’t discuss the classroom portion, I highly enjoyed reading about his experiences during the clinical phase of his schooling. If you’re interested in the PA career field I would definitely recommend this book.

[Jenna Rios · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun read! I was loving every second until the pediatric rotation where the author made several judgmental remarks about ADHD kiddos and their parents. He also calls a drug overdose patient a tweaker. As a medical provider I would expect this author to check his biases a bit more, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Reading Material for any PA-S

Mr. Conroy details a realistic and honest perspective of his experience with clinical PA education. As a currently accepted student into PA school soon to be starting my own training I hope to have an experience as colorful and impactful as Mr. Conroy’s.

[Rosell Crockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medical journey

Well written account that brings you into the crazy world of intern medical rotations. Stirring stories of patients and encounters with a well meaning green P.A.. Enjoyed the testimonial.

[Myka Gilliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

I found this book exciting and informative. I love that it is from such a unique perspective. There should be more like this, and hopefully, this author keeps writing.

[Emily Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading something by a PA as an aspiring PA myself! I’m applying this cycle and found this very insightful. I hope he releases something new soon :)

[Steve Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

IKEA directions aren't in Swedish, they're almost entirely pictures.

Idk why, always peeves me when people make that mistake.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very insightful book. I enjoyed mr Conroy journey through PA clinicals. The only thing I didn't like was how he bounced between technical and layman's terms. Is this for medical professionals or not. Looking forward to the next one.