Q&A: PA Program Minute

Physician Assistant Student Kenny Nguyen Answers Frequently Asked Questions

University of California San Diego School of Medicine welcomed the inaugural class of the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program in June of 2024. The two-year program strives to train graduates who will be prepared to provide safe, effective, person-centered healthcare in various settings to improve the health and well-being of their patients and communities. We talked to one student, Kenny Nguyen, to see what the program means to him. Photos by Erik Jepsen. University Communications.

Why did you apply to the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program at UC San Diego School of Medicine?

When I saw that UC San Diego was starting their first physician assistant (PA) program, I instantly applied. With the opportunity to be part of a university I trust and be a part of history in the inaugural program, it was my top choice. In addition, the program had a small class size, and everything just seemed to fit me.

I received my undergraduate degree from UC San Diego in biochemistry and cell biology and didn't want to miss the opportunity of coming back. I really enjoyed my undergrad, and I missed the beautiful campus especially considering my last two years were remote due to the pandemic. Being close to home in Southern California was another big reason I choose to return to UC San Diego. Through my training, I will be impacting communities that I have personal connections to and learning and participating in health care settings that I see myself being a part of in the future.

Why is the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program important to you?

This program is important because it is the second university within the UC system to adopt a PA education program, showing the growing significance of the profession and leading the way for more universities to establish their own programs. There are shortages in health care everywhere and relieving that burden for current providers will lead to better patient-centered care and public health outcomes.

Why are you pursuing a career as a physician assistant?

I chose to become a PA to become an advocate for my patients, to make lasting relationships through their health care endeavors and to educate patients to take an active role in their well-being. Additionally, the flexibility of being a PA to work in various specialties and settings was also another key factor in my interest in becoming a PA. Whether it be in emergency or internal medicine or orthopedics, I think exploring different areas of health care hands-on throughout my career presents a continuous learning opportunity that I will always find challenging, yet exciting.

What are you most looking forward to during your time in the PA program?

I’m looking forward to making lasting connections and new friendships with my other classmates. We all come from different backgrounds and perspectives, which is something I have always really enjoyed learning about. With our small class size we are bound to get close to one another by helping each other along the way.

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?

Even when I was an undergrad, I loved the biomedical library, now called the Sally T. WongAvery Library, because it was a lot less busy than Geisel Library. It was clean, quiet and there were always places to study with great lighting and views of the medical campus. Now that I’m part of the School of Medicine, it’s like a second home with how close it is and remains my go-to destination.

Do you remember the day you found out that you were accepted into the PA program at UC San Diego, what was it like?

I remember exactly how the day was. I was sitting at my desk when I received a call from an unknown phone number. I let it go to voicemail since I usually don’t pick up random phone calls. But then I read the first line of the message saying it was the program director at UC San Diego. I quickly realized I should have answered.  My heart racing, I called him back immediately and he let me know I was accepted. I didn't know what to say but thank you. A wave of relief came over me, and I waited for my mom to come home to tell her the good news that she had also been stressing over. She gave me a high-five when she heard the news.

What is something that the students might be surprised to learn about you?

I cried a little at our white coat ceremony during Dr. Villarreal’s speech. The amount of work he did behind the scenes for us and how much he cares was heartwarming and something I won’t forget.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

 I can name all the European countries on a map!