Physician Assistant, New Orleans

Please introduce yourself. Who are you and what is your job/career?

My name is Jessica O’Neill. I am 31 and live in New Orleans with my wife. I work as a Physician Assistant in OB-GYN.

What was your first job?

My first job was at 14 years old for a Thai restaurant. I remember being so excited to start working at the same age my big brother had. 

Can you describe your profession to those who might have never heard of it before?

Physician Assistants, or PAs, are relatively new. The profession was originally made in the 1960s due to a shortage of physicians. We can evaluate patients, prescribe medicine, assist in surgeries, and much more under the supervision of a physician. PAs can work in just about any specialty of medicine, such as primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, cardiology, etc.

What was your process for choosing your career path? Was it a long journey or an easy one? At what moment did you know that you wanted to be in this profession?

My journey to choosing this career path was a very long and complicated one. I had originally studied chemistry in college, then worked in engineering for a medical device company for 5 years. I really enjoyed my job as an engineer, but I yearned to make a greater impact. It was in the midst of this career that I had the realization and desire to pursue becoming a PA.

I oddly do remember the moment I decided to make this career change. 

In 2016, I signed up to volunteer for a medical clinic in a slum community in Mumbai. I remember being so inspired by the providers I traveled with. This experience was deeply humbling, and to be honest I was simply privileged to be there. But I am grateful that the experience was a call-to-action, and that I have been changed ever since.

First day of PA School

Can you walk us through your typical day of work?

I work 3 days a week in a clinic from 8-5, and 2 days a week in surgery. During the clinic, I see 15-20 patients a day for a variety of reasons: annual screenings, STI testing, birth control, irregular periods, pregnancy confirmations, routine OB visits, post-partum and post-operative visits. During surgery, I work as a first-assist for surgeries such as hysterectomies and laparoscopic procedures.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I get to create a safe space for patients who are often coming in with very personal questions or concerns. It’s no secret that patients often feel vulnerable or anxious at the gynecologist. But my goal is to make them feel more comfortable, to listen, and to validate their concerns. 

I also care a great deal about my pregnant patients. Among wealthy nations, the United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality. The statistics are staggering and only getting worse. According to a study recently published in JAMA, the rates of women who die within a year after pregnancy have more than doubled between 1999-2019. This is a health crisis that I wish more people were addressing.

What did you study? How much schooling do you think is required to get into your role? What could you have skipped?

I was a chemistry major, which helped with my application but a science degree is not mandatory. Every PA program has a different set of requirements, but on average they require some basic science courses (bio, chem) and some advanced courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology). Many also require psychology, genetics, and maybe a different language based on what state the school is in.  In addition, most programs require at least 1000 hours of direct patient care experience, such as working as a Medical Assistant, EMT, or Medical Scribe. I chose to work as an EMT, which required a training and certification course.

If I could go back in time, I would have chosen courses like anatomy/physiology as my electives during undergrad, and I would have worked as an EMT during college to get that experience earlier on.

Did you have any mentors that helped you along the way?

Saying yes would be an understatement. I consider dozens of people my mentors if their advice has shaped me in any way. Most of my mentors for this role have been other Physician Assistants and doctors, but my dad is my greatest mentor byfar.

What would you say to someone who is looking to figure out what they want to do?

Talk to as many people as you can. I am only where I am today because I asked people questions about their jobs, and many were kind enough to answer. Ask anyone about what they do for work and you might be surprised what peaks your interest. If you feel awkward reaching out to someone you’re not close to, who cares? The worst thing that can happen is you don’t get a response, so just reach out to someone else. First-hand accounts are greatly insightful, but beware they are often biased, too. Take all advice with a grain of salt. Take what works for you, and leave the rest.

How can people contact you/find you on socials if they have questions?

My linkedin address is www.linkedin.com/in/jessmarieoneill. As I mentioned, so many people have helped me make it to this point. I am happy to repay the favor and speak to anyone interested in becoming a PA!