Hunter Gibbs, PA-S
Name: Hunter Gibbs, PA-S
Title: Physician Assistant Student
Location: AL
School/Program: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Currently Wearing: The Fleming Men's Athletic Fit Lab Coat
Why did you choose your profession?:
I chose to become a Physician Assistant because I wanted to be the hands and feet of medicine. I wanted to be patient-focused and relationship-centered when I enter the workforce. I have so many different avenues I want to pursue in figuring out where I can best work in healthcare, and the horizontal flexibility offered by the PA profession allows me to be more relational in my medical practice and take some time to figure out my niche.
Current Passion Project:
I am very interested in and actively pursuing different ways to get legislatively involved in the improvement of the PA profession. Whether through AAPA involvement or PAEA fellowships, I try to always have an ear to the ground to find new avenues for student leadership and representation.
Who was/is your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my older sister. She's my only sibling, and from the beginning, we've been best friends. She's the smartest person I know, has worked amazingly hard to get where she is and continues to do crazy cool things like it's nothing. Need help coding? She can teach you. Need something 3D printed? She'll design it and print it for you. Her knowledge is staggering and she is so humble throughout everything. All around a top-shelf human being who's always cheered me on.
Fun Fact 1:
I attended a Japanese preschool in Okinawa and learned kanji as a child. Really wish I still remembered it.
Fun Fact 2:
Learned Pig Latin when I was 8 and its the only other language I can actually speak. You see where my priorities lie.
Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field?
Ask anyone and everyone questions. I talked to people I have never met on the phone or through email to get advice, hear their own journeys to PA school, or for help with my personal statement. The process is difficult, but there are so many people willing to help but it's one you to reach out.
Guest Blog Article:
PA Student Ambassadors Show Support for PA Week