Samantha Wereszczak, PA-S, RRT
Name: Samantha Wereszczak, PA-S, RRT
Title: Physician Assistant Student & Respiratory Therapist
Location: Pennsylvania
School/Program: Salus University
Currently Wearing: The Elizabeth B. Women's Athletic Fit Lab Coat
Why did you choose your profession?:
I originally went to school to become a Respiratory Therapist because I wanted to be very hands on with my patients and the specialized role of an RT intrigued me. I loved the idea of having specialized training in the cardiopulmonary system. I worked at a Level 1 trauma center in the Medical ICU as an RT for 3 years. There I was the inspired to go back to school to become a Physician Assistant after w working so closely with PAs. I saw first-hand their role within healthcare, how valued they were, and how knowledgeable they were. This inspired me to further my education & use that knowledge to help my patients more than I already was. I currently am in my first year of PA School officially embarking on my journey to becoming a Physician Assistant!
Who was/is your inspiration?
I definitely have been inspired by so many people who have all contributed to getting me where I am today, they may not even know it! They all have inspired me and helped me get to where I am today as a whole, but each contributing to different things. My strength comes from my sister, my ambition comes from my parents, my motivation is my fiancé, my stability comes from my friends... It’s a never ending list that grows every day!
Fun Fact 1:
I was a dancer for 18 years! From the time I was 3 until the end of my college dance career... I started in Mommy & me classes, did ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop... then went on to a collegiate level dance team where we placed 3rd in the nation for our hip hop routine in 2016!
Fun Fact 2:
I travelled to Peru & lived in the rainforest for a week! I learned about botanical medicine & toured a Medicinal botanical Farm located in the rainforest which supplied a lot of the local villages. It was such a unique experience!
Do you have any advice for others interested in entering your field?
Do not give up! The process of applying to PA school has become increasingly more difficult as the profession has started to grow. But, if this is what you want do not give up! I had to apply two cycles before I received an acceptance, and I was ready to apply a third time if need be! Persevere. A rejection does not mean you will not be a good PA, it just means timing is not right, or the school is not right or whatever it may be. If this is something you want, keep fighting for it!
For more information, be sure to contact her here:
@my.path.to.pa