Following an impactful interaction with a physician assistant, Hoover herself was inspired to pursue a career in the same field.
Three hours.
That’s how far Grace Hoover ‘24 had to drive to seek specific medical care as a teenager.
“No one in my area was taking new patients,” said Hoover, who searched for months before finding a female physician assistant who was able to see her. Despite being three hours away, Hoover booked the appointment.
“When I showed up, I never felt more heard and cared for by a medical provider,” she said. “I knew then that I felt called to the medical field to fill in the gaps in my community where people need help. I wanted to have the opportunity to provide medical support, while also building genuine empathetic relationships with patients, just like I had experienced.”
Hoover attended Presbyterian College for her undergraduate degree, having fallen in love with the campus, small class sizes and supportive, tight-knit culture. As a biology major, she began to build her base for a career in the medical field.
“I was able to understand a little bit more about what the profession is like and how strong women can forge their own path in medicine,” said Hoover. She found that the PA profession provided exactly the kind of flexibility, work-life balance and team-based approach that she was looking for. Being able to stay at PC was a plus.
“What I appreciate most about PC is that the faculty truly cares about the success of their students as individuals, future providers and colleagues,” she said. “During my interview for the PA program, I felt confident that the PC feeling and culture I know and love would carry on into the graduate program. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
Following her graduation in 2026, Hoover hopes to move back closer to home in order to serve the community that helped make her who she is today.
“I have a special interest in dermatology, aesthetics, plastics, family medicine and women’s health,” said Hoover. “I’m excited to see what the Lord has planned for me during my clinical rotations next year and am open to discovering new passions along the way.”
To learn more about the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Graduate Program, visit the program website.
