Alaina Cousineau, PA25
Explore Tufts' PA Program through our students’ stories. This National Physician Assistant Week (October 6-12), we're thrilled to share the incredible journeys and experiences of our Tufts PA Program students.
These are just a few glimpses of the incredible individuals who make up our Tufts PA Program family. Their stories will inspire you, motivate you, and make you realize the boundless opportunities that await within our program.
Stay tuned this week as we share these compelling stories and invite you to be a part of the Tufts PA community!
Why did you choose to pursue this degree?
"My interest in medicine began from my personal experience losing a family member who received a terminal diagnosis and their subsequent medical treatment that followed. The profound care and kindness extended to us with each interaction with his medical staff made me want to find a way to share that level of compassion with others. I sought after a career where I could take care of other people’s loved ones the way so many courageous providers had my own. When I discovered the versatility of the PA profession, and ability to make a tremendous impact, I knew that this was the field for me."
Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?
"I was initially interested in Tufts to become a Physician Assistant because of their mission statement. As a PA, I want to support a diverse patient population, advocate for the profession, seek and offer mentorship, and commit to a life of learning to better serve my patients. It was very clear that Tufts shares this desire and wants to mold medical providers that deeply desire to connect with their patients and see them for more than their chief complaint, but for the entirety of their health and who they are. My decision became easy during the interview process on Zoom, as even through a computer screen, I could feel the tremendous warmth and drive of the Tufts PA program staff. As I begin my third semester of didactic year, I know that I could not have chosen a better program."
What has your your experience in the program been like so far?
"I was truly shocked my first month of didactic year to see the professors' authentic and profound desire for their students to truly learn and understand the material presented. They strive to make sure every student is not only competent in medicine, but they share their love for this field. This program makes clear that collaboration is essential to being successful in this program, which will truly make us all better members of our future medical teams!"
What is your favorite aspect about the program?
"The interdisciplinary mission of Tufts! It is such a gift to learn from practicing medical providers, from various arms of the medical team. We have learned under amazing Registered Dietitians, Medical Doctors, Dentists, PAs, and have collaborated with the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Medicine thrives when it is not siloed from its various counterparts, and by learning from and working with different clinicians, we will better serve our patients and advance their health tremendously."
What is your proudest personal accomplishment while at Tufts?
"I am deeply proud of the friendships I have formed and the constant opportunities for both academic and personal growth within this program. I am so proud to sit with my classmates daily and see how deeply each individual strives to become the best version of themselves to affect lives and make a substantial difference. I am currently on the Cadaver Memorial Committee, where we will be hosting an event to show our deepest gratitude for the many amazing individuals that donated their bodies to advance our medical education and allow us to pay forward their donation by becoming well trained, thoughtful and considerate providers one day."
What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?
"If you are so lucky to be chosen by this program, as they are so thoughtful and intentional about curating a warm and special culture, then it will be the best choice of your medical career to be trained by the Tufts PA staff."
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