Alyssa Patel | Physicians Assistant Doctoral Program | Presbyterian College | Clinton SCAlyssa Patel

PA Student
Class of 2021

Hometown: Cortland, N.Y.

 

Alyssa earned her bachelor’s degree in health science from Georgia Southern University in 2019, graduating magna cum laude.

As an undergraduate, she was involved in Patient Advocacy and the Institute for Health Improvement.

After graduation, she focused on working with the underserved community at a local clinic in Savannah, Ga., while also completing her shadowing hours with physician assistants. Her volunteer work includes patient advocacy at St. Joseph Candler Hospital, as well as being a dietician and health coach at St. Mary’s Health Clinic.

“I want to be a PA because I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Alyssa says. “I have always had an interest in medicine, and knowing that I will have the expertise to care for individuals in need drives me to want to become a PA.”

Alyssa’s background in public health and health administration has allowed her to see beyond what brings a patient into the clinic, she says.

“After working with an underserved community in my area, I have a greater understanding of the barriers patients are facing, determinants of health, and how, as a PA, I can work to treat and diagnose patients in these communities,” she said.

Alyssa chose PC because of the class size, the friendly faculty and staff, and the overall goals of the program.

Alyssa has a son named Camden and is engaged to be married after graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, running, and exploring different parts of the world.