Pre-PA Member Lesley Chao: Her Journey to PA School

“As a Pre-PA, we work really hard. It’s okay to mess up, not everyone is perfect. Just know that there is basis to your achievements.” -Lesley Chao

An NCAPA Pre-PA Member, Lesley Chao spoke with NCAPA on growing up as a Taiwanese American with a strong interest in science, health policy, and advocacy – and how that all ties into her journey to becoming a PA.

Hailing from Apex, North Carolina, Lesley is a dual degree student at Campbell University, pursuing both a Masters of Science in Public Health and a Masters of Physician Assistant Practice. She is set to start PA school in July this year.

Lesley heard about the PA profession from a middle school friend’s dad. She initially thought nothing of it, until working as a grocery store pharmacy technician in her hometown. “I really liked science, but didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I thought it was a good idea. I got to learn basic pharmacology, learned about how pharmacists counsel patients and saw their deep connection to the community,” she recalled. “However, I also witnessed a lot of people struggle with accessing essential medications. I would see patients get turned away because they couldn’t afford their medications or copays, did not have insurance, or other various reasons.”

While working in the pharmacy, Lesley’s passion and interest for health policy grew. “I originally thought I would become a lobbyist,” she told the NCAPA. “I wanted to help shape policies. But I realized very quickly that people who usually write and influence health policies and subsequently influence how people access care, may not be in direct contact with patient care.”

That’s when she reflected on the PA profession, hearing about it all those years ago from her friend’s dad. “Because of the intersection of working in the pharmacy and my passion for health policy, I learned that PAs have a unique ability to expand access to care by both a provider and an advocate.”

Providing for Rural Communities

Studying Public Health at Campbell has led to a unique and closer look at North Carolina’s rural and underserved communities for Lesley.

“It’s great to be able to study the data [about social determinants of health] at a closer level and understand the theory behind how to implement interventions in a sustainable way that considers all of the key players,” she said. “This means not just going into a community and making the changes you think should be implemented, but also asking the community themselves.”

In pursuing her MS in Public Health and in preparation for PA school, Lesley has gotten involved with many community health initiatives, namely in maternal health, helping to organize and promote a perinatal resource fair.

“Being able to look at patients-per-provider statistics and compare those numbers in rural counties to counties like Wake County, where I’m from… it really just brings to light how important it is to serve our local rural communities. That’s also what I am looking forward to doing as a PA – being able to provide care in underserved areas.” -Lesley Chao

Heritage and Connection

With May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Lesley also reflected on her heritage as a Taiwanese American. “Growing up, my parents tried not to put a lot of pressure on me, which I’m grateful for. It is significant to point out the model minority myth that a lot of children of immigrants deal with, and it is important to remind yourself that you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.”

She recounts times working in the ED, intaking patients who only speak Mandarin. “I see them visibly relax when I speak to them in Mandarin, chatting with them as I take their vitals. Kids, especially, start to relax. When I was a kid, I only began learning English in kindergarten, since we only spoke Chinese at home. Being able to communicate with the kids and adults in a language that is very familiar to them has been a strong way for me to connect with them as patients.”

“A diverse background will be helpful going into clinical medicine, because you will be able to understand patients’ backgrounds at a deeper level.” -Lesley Chao

Getting Involved in Your Academy

Lesley had the opportunity to complete her 2025 spring practicum with NCAPA’s Director of Membership, Caroline Purdy, where she helped to create resources for NCAPA’s Student Representatives. She has also participated in PA Day at the Legislature, NCAPA’s annual advocacy day in Raleigh where practicing PAs and PA students from across the state meet with lawmakers to discuss enhanced PA practice laws.

Her answer when asked on the importance of joining and getting involved in your state academy? “It’s absolutely important,” she said. “We have to be involved to shape the future of our profession. North Carolina is a very strong state for PA practice, and we need to maintain that. One of the strongest ways to do that is to get involved with NCAPA.”

Her Advice to Pre-PAs

Reflecting on her application cycle to PA school, Lesley said the mental aspect of the journey was the largest challenge. She initially started her CASPA application in 2022 and had everything lined up to submit: a completed GRE, scores ready to be sent, letters of recommendation written, transcripts ordered, and essays completed. However, she didn’t submit that cycle – instead, she opted to follow her intuition, strengthen her application, and apply with confidence in a later cycle.

A PA mentor of hers encouraged her to do what feels right for her, on her own timeline. “There’s no right or wrong way to do it,” she said. “It’s a tough journey, but you have to do what’s best for you.” 

One of Lesley’s biggest takeaways from her pre-PA journey has been to avoid comparing yourself to others. “It’s easier said than done,” she reassured. “But your journey is unique, and you are unique – and schools will see that.”

With her matriculation into PA school fast approaching, she also volunteers on a medical hotline, coordinating logistics and resources for patients who may be experiencing miscarriages and more. Lesley also enjoys taking some free time to practice yoga and teaching classes as a certified yoga instructor, and spending time with her two rescue cats, Peanut and Basil. She is set to graduate from PA school in Spring 2027.

Interested in becoming a PA? Planning to apply to PA school? NCAPA offers resources and support for Pre-PA students through a Pre-PA Membership. Become a Pre-PA Member today!