Erin will be the first to tell you that it hasn’t always been easy. But, then, Erin has never been one to shy away from hard work. One of the biggest challenges for Erin was finishing the PA program at Cornell University in New York. "PA school was very intense. This intensity made me dedicate my life to school and the basics. Even then, there were many things that I simply opted out of. Like sleep, for example!"

After successfully completing the PA program, Erin went on to pursue her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Today, she balances her time between treating ER patients in a medically underserved rural community of Michigan, and teaching the next generation of Physician Assistants at Central Michigan University, where she helps shape the curriculum. Somewhere in between rounds and classes, she’s also managed to create nine instructional videos on suturing techniques which she posted on YouTube and compiled onto a DVD for her students.

When asked which role she prefers, Erin says, "Honestly, I enjoy them both equally." Erin thrives on seeing her students gain knowledge and confidence. While challenging her students, she also enjoys challenging her own critical thinking skills in the ER. "It can be very gratifying when I know I have done something that will benefit a patient."

It’s this curiosity and passion to help others than compelled Erin to become a Physician Assistant. While completing an internship as a dietitian, Erin had the opportunity to observe a PA assisting in a surgery. "Seeing how involved the PA was in the actual surgical procedure really made me curious about the role of PAs in healthcare."

As an emergency room PA, Erin has learned just how integral and valued Physician Assistants have become in the delivery of healthcare. Says Erin, "PA provider care is quite complimentary to ultimate physician responsibility. By potentially freeing physicians from many tasks, we can allow them to focus on their strengths."

That’s Erin for you: using her talents not to forward her own professional aspirations, but to improve overall patient care.

"Erin represents the best qualities of professional women in healthcare: that rare blend of confidence, competence and compassion," says medelitatm founder and fellow Physician Assistant Lara Manchik. "She deserves recognition. Erin would never boast about her accomplishments, so we’re happy to do it for her."

In appreciation of her dedication — in the classroom and in the emergency room — medelita recently gave Erin a complementary lab coat with custom embroidery. When asked how she likes her new look, Erin says, "I love my medelita lab coat. It fits me perfectly, and I honestly feel more comfortable and confident when I wear it. I think it is terrific that medelita is presenting new uniform options to women in healthcare."

We think it’s terrific that someone like Erin is out there on the floor and in front of students, sharing her gift with others. But for Erin, it’s not so much about where she’s been, but where she’s going. "Hopefully, I will have opportunities to do great things for the healthcare world in the coming years."

We have no doubt she’ll do exactly that.