As part of the 2023 PA Week Celebration, the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) are highlighting NCAPA Members and PAs Going Beyond at every stage of their PA career, from being a Pre-PA to having been a practicing PA for over 20 years.
Our Pre-PA Highlight & Interview for the 2023 PA Week is Jaclyn Montague, an NC State University graduate and a current medical assistant for Raleigh Orthopaedics!
Jaclyn is originally from Westchester, New York. She was born in Guatemala City and adopted at 5 months old before moving to North Carolina with her family in December 2009. She studied Nutrition Science at North Carolina State University (“Go Pack!” – Jaclyn) and graduated December 2022.
How did you get to be interested in the PA profession?
“I was first introduced to the PA profession through a friend in high-school. I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field but I was unsure if I wanted to attend medical school or nursing school. My friend knew I was very family oriented and hardworking, she told a PA has flexibility and balance in their personal and professional lifestyle. I want to be physician associate because I want to take time to understand and assistant those in need. I want to create safe and secure relationships with my future patients.”
What are your current extracurriculars and involvement?
During my free time, I volunteer at Duke Raleigh Hospital on Saturdays. I assistant on the surgical oncology and general surgery floor. I also like to shadowing different specialty clinics within my community.
How are you preparing to apply for PA school?
I am currently preparing for the GRE, gaining patient care experience and volunteering at a local hospital!
Why did you choose to become a Pre-PA member of the NCAPA?
I chose to become a Pre-PA member of the NCAPA to create relationships with other Pre-PA members, PA students, and certified PAs. NCAPA keeps me up to date on current legislation that PA’s are advocating for patients and general healthcare.
