Drawn to a career in medicine from a young age, Carlson believes deeply in giving back to her community through care of all kinds.
by Sarah Murphy
Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?
This Fulton Sheen quote is a favorite of Kimberly Carlson’s.
The first-year physician assistant student at Presbyterian College has always made space in her life for volunteer work, focused primarily on homeless ministry. Her brother is a missionary with Christ in the City, an organization dedicated to building meaningful relationships with homeless individuals by walking the streets, offering companionship and engaging in conversation. Carlson has had the privilege of traveling to both Denver and Philadelphia for mission trips.
“The Sheen quote is a reminder to me that, when I look at myself, I want to see these marks of service,” says Carlson. “Serving others in need brings me purpose and reminds me how blessed I am in my life. Sacrificing your time in any small or big way to help others in need is never a waste.”
Carlson—a 2023 graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biology—has known since childhood that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. She was diagnosed with a rare disorder at a young age, and through that journey witnessed the strong, healing impact of a compassionate provider.
“I hope to become that kind of person for someone else one day,” says Carlson. Yet as she grows as a PA, Carlson is already providing service and compassion to those in need every day—she provides “blessing bags” filled with toiletries to the homeless and travels to Atlanta with her family to provide haircuts, portable showers and food to those in need.
“I think a common misconception is that a mission trip outside of the country is the only way to help those truly suffering,” says Carlson. “But you just have to step outside to provide yourself the opportunity to serve.”
After her undergraduate studies, Carlson took a gap year before starting graduate school. During that year, she traveled to Europe for a pilgrimage with Christian Life Movement and participated in World Youth Day with 1.5 million young Catholics from around the world. She also worked as a certified clinical medical assistant at a pain management clinic, assisting with spinal cord stimulator system removals. She later gained experience in phlebotomy and EKGs at a cardiology clinic.
“That gap year allowed me to spend quality time with family and friends while gaining valuable medical experience, which confirmed my passion for pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant,” says Carlson. She ultimately chose PC for graduate school because of its small cohort size and the college’s compelling mission statement, While we live, we serve.
“This statement of purpose deeply resonates with me, and I am proud to be part of a community that prioritizes service and compassion,” says Carlson. “Additionally, the program’s strong Christian foundation assures me that I will receive an education rooted in integrity, ensuring that I am guided by principles I can trust and values that align with my own.”To learn more about the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Graduate Program, visit the program website.
