College of Medicine

Hometown: Coral Springs, FL

Undergraduate College: University of Colorado

Major: Biology

What and/or who inspired you to go to PA school, and how so?

I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field but what truly inspired me to go down this path was my experience in the hospital setting with my mother’s diagnosis of Achalasia, a rare swallowing disorder. She visited the hospital frequently with intense pain, dehydration and malnourishment. During our frequent visits to the hospital, I had many encounters with PAs and was amazed of their knowledge, bedside manner and confidence. I knew I wanted to be in that position helping a family during a stressful time.

What did you learn about yourself during your time in PA school that surprised you?

This one is a bit funny, and it took me some time to reflect on this question. In all honesty, PA school taught me to relax and to stress less while maintaining focus on what needs to be done. Learning to relax and creating a work-life balance is a skill (as I have learned) and it definitely translates to more devoted patient-centered care.

What course and/or professor had the greatest impact on your PA education?

During my clinical rotation, I had a preceptor named Dr. Luke-Simon Yuhico, who taught me to trust my instincts and be confident in admitting the things I do not know. Being in the ICU setting, you can imagine there was a lot of knowledge gaps. However, he also guided me to understand the amount I truly did know, allowing me to build that confidence of my own ability to retain knowledge and be a future provider.

In what setting and specialty are you planning to launch your PA career?

I am a fast-paced type of gal and enjoyed my time in the ICU and trauma unit. I think I am going to focus my efforts on getting into that field and widening my knowledge.

Given the rigors and stressors of PA education, what diversion did you lean on to get you through?

During didactic times, I relied on dinners and phone calls with my fellow classmates and family members. During clinical rotations, I was luckily in Destin, Florida, and I went to the beach often to relieve stress. The ocean has a way of washing stress away.

Benjamin Smith, associate dean of the College of Medicine and director of the School of Physician Assistant Practice, said, “Coelithia is well rounded with many talents. Her passion for those things in which she engages is easily evident.”