University of South Alabama
Physician Assistant Student Society
CLASS OF 2008
"I chose the PA profession because it seemed like a good alternative to medical school. Also, I had just graduated and I had no appealing job prospects that would utilize my undergraduate degrees when I heard about the PA profession, so based on my situation at the time, it seemed like a sensible career move."
Christie Gertz
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology and
a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice both from USA
(graduated May 2005)
Previous Medical Experience: None actually. I had
volunteered at USA Children's and Women's Hospital but
I don’t think that really qualifies as actual medical
experience
Hobbies: painting, scrap booking, photography, fishing,
going to the beach, horseback riding
Family: I’m not married, nor do I have any children. I still
live at home with my parents and I am an only child.
Advice to future students: Make sure this is exactly
what you want to do and that you are willing and able
to devote a considerable amount of your time to PA
school. Granted PA school is only two years but it will
consume your life (The good news is that, according to
our predecessors, it will all be worth it in the end).