15 months out - doing fine and looking to become a PA

[jds]

Hello -

I had an MVR in May 2007 and recovered pretty quickly and well. I'm back to running, biking, and climbing.

My illness and operation served as a "come to Jesus" moment and I thought hard about what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't think I would do well as a retiree and I'd been doing business and technology for a long time. Decided to try to go into medicine at a relatively advanced age, 60.

I'm doing pre-reqs - chemistry, bio, anatomy ... plus work as a CNA and EMT. Planning to apply to PA school in the Fall of 2009. Looking to do family practice in an underserved area.

It felt odd at first to be taking classes - especially with most of the other students being younger than my daughter - but now it's just part of my life.

Getting to know the PA on my surgical team was part of the motivation.

John

 

[DebbyA]

The PA's who managed my care in the hospital were fantastic. I really admire you for making the effort to get into this much-needed profession. Please continue to post about your experience with career change!

 

[Phyllis]

That's wonderful- what a great way to give back the same good care that you received!

 

[skeptic49]

Congratulations on your recovery and on the great second career, John!

Jim

 

[hall]

Good for you!!! I am so glad you are doing well and going back to school. I admire that. You take care John.

 

[ricks399]

Damn!

Damn!

Must have been some moment to motivate a career change to something as challenging as becoming a pa. And this at a time when many (most?) people dream of retirement. All I can say is "you the man!" Good luck in your studies and you have the admiration of many, including me.

 

[WayneGM]

Congratulations on your recovery and your new challenge. Sounds like you've realy got it together post-op. You're an inspiration.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi John ~ Congratulations on your recovery and your new career! Best wishes, Dawn-Marie

 

[hensylee]

I am impressed. This is a very nice surprise. Sounds like you are happy - and healthy, too. Glad to hear from you. been awhile. Keep up the good work. Blessins..........

 

[Nancy]

The PAs and NPs that Joe had throughout his life were absolutely the BEST! I wish you well with your wonderful choice!

 

[SHEEPDOG]

That is sooo cool!

That is sooo cool!

I wish I could have that kind of motivation. I am 17years your jr. and I can't find time to finish my BA. I wish you all the luck in the world in your NEW adventure!

 

[notneb1970]

Congrats and wishing you much success with the new career field. I too am a later than average switcher: I have 10 years + experience as a food chemist and QA/QC. I went back to school in 2004 and graduated with my BSN and RN. Started my NP program yesterday....and hope to find a MD/FNP to do my clinicals in that specializes in Pediatric and Adult Congential heart disease in St. Louis.
Good Luck!
Dawn

 

[BDMc]

John, Good for you!You are an inspiration! Brian

 

[Dina]

Hello -

I had an MVR in May 2007 and recovered pretty quickly and well. I'm back to running, biking, and climbing.

My illness and operation served as a "come to Jesus" moment and I thought hard about what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't think I would do well as a retiree and I'd been doing business and technology for a long time. Decided to try to go into medicine at a relatively advanced age, 60.

I'm doing pre-reqs - chemistry, bio, anatomy ... plus work as a CNA and EMT. Planning to apply to PA school in the Fall of 2009. Looking to do family practice in an underserved area.

It felt odd at first to be taking classes - especially with most of the other students being younger than my daughter - but now it's just part of my life.

Getting to know the PA on my surgical team was part of the motivation.

John

Hi John , I just saw this and wanted to say that the 8 weeks I spent in
the hospital in '92 is what got me into nursing. While in the hospital, I
had a central line and my nurse taught me how to do a sterile dressing
change--on myself(it was in the femoral vein). Most people would see
this as unprofessional, but she knew what she was doing...I became an
R.N. 6 years later.But havent worked since my VR.
I'm sure it won't take you this long to get your P.A. since I am prone
to procrastination-it took me awhile
Best wishes --Dina

 

[bodman25]

John, great choice on the career. I am going to do the same. The difference is that I am one of those students that is probably younger than your daughter. I still have 2 years left on the bachelors. Good luck.

 

[catwoman]

John:

Go for it!!!! You are inspiring!

 

[Jkm7]

How wonderful!!! Wishing you the very best. Please check in with us to let us know how you are doing.

What an inspiration.

 

[donnamarie]

Hello -


My illness and operation served as a "come to Jesus" moment and I thought hard about what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't think I would do well as a retiree and I'd been doing business and technology for a long time. Decided to try to go into medicine at a relatively advanced age, 60.

I'm doing pre-reqs - chemistry, bio, anatomy ... plus work as a CNA and EMT. Planning to apply to PA school in the Fall of 2009. Looking to do family practice in an underserved area.


John

Wow, John - that is terrific. I'm 51 and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! My nephew is in school studying to be a PA, so I know it's not easy. My husband and I have put 3 sons thru college and still have another to go, so, as much as I would love to go, doesn't look like I'll be able to do that till I'm at least 60! You are my inspiration!

 

[jds]

So what are YOU doing for the rest of your life?

So what are YOU doing for the rest of your life?

Hello -

Thanks for all the encouragement about becoming a PA.

I'm interested in other people's stories. Are you going to resume life as it was before heart disease and surgery or are you making a change? For most of us, this occurs in late middle age (a euphemism of course).

I read a book - The Seasons of a Man's Life by Daniel Levinson - that recommended reflecting on your life and its direction periodically and maybe making changes from time to time. I think that is good advice.

What are other folks up to?

John

 

[Dina]

Yeah , I agree , change is healthy. At the risk of being corny by paraphrasing the sci-fi author Herbert; "..without change ...something inside us sleeps and
seldom awakens..."

Dina