Amani Al Sheikh Aleais, PA24
Why did you choose to pursue this degree?
"From a young age, I was interested in medicine. Growing up in a war zone, I witnessed healthcare providers working selflessly, willing to sacrifice their lives to save others, including my father's life. I aspired to be the person who provides care and helps others during their vulnerable times. I learned about the PA profession during undergrad, and it immediately captured my interest due to the versatile nature of PAs' roles within the healthcare field and their ability to practice in diverse healthcare settings and specialize in various medical specialties, working collaboratively within a healthcare team. Through my experiences of shadowing and working alongside PAs, I saw how PAs have the opportunity for professional growth in areas such as education and public health. Nevertheless, PAs are being recognized for their pivotal role in regions with shortages of healthcare providers, where they step in to provide essential services and bridge gaps in healthcare delivery."
Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?
"During my interview with the program director, Beth Buyea DHSc, PA-C, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. She genuinely wanted to get to know me, and our interaction felt like a conversation rather than an intimidating interview experience. I remember the questions were all aimed at getting to know me as a person, rather than just evaluating my qualifications. Once I was accepted into the program I knew it was the right fit for me."
How has your experience in the program been like so far?
"The best part of my experience at Tufts is being part of such exceptional, hardworking, and collaborative peers who are not constantly competing against each other but rather come together to help each other out. In addition, my experience here has played a crucial role in nurturing my personal growth through the opportunities to interact with a diverse range of individuals, engage in community volunteering services, and partake in interprofessional education alongside students from other Tufts programs. These interactions have collectively instilled in me the importance of collaborative work, a skill that is vital for my future career as a PA."
What is your favorite aspect about the program?
"I have two favorite aspects I want to share. To begin, the faculty is outstanding as they are constantly putting in tremendous effort to ensure the success of their students and each one of them goes above and beyond both inside and outside the classroom to ensure the students are accommodated. They are highly receptive to students’ feedback and are always willing to make adjustments, whether it's in the curriculum or program improvements. Another favorite is having the privilege of meeting incredible friends during my time here who I am beyond grateful to have in my life. When I initially relocated to Boston, I was hesitant as I did not know or have anyone in the area. Now, I consider myself fortunate to have made lifelong friendships, all thanks to Tufts."
What is your proudest personal accomplishment while at Tufts?
"Twelve years ago, when I first moved to the States, I could never have imagined that I would be where I am today—a student who will be graduating in 4 months from a well-known PA program in Boston. Being part of this program and contributing to the diversity of my class is something I take immense pride in."
What do you wish to accomplish upon graduation?
"Once I pass the PANCE, my goal is to return home to Southern California, where my family and fiancé live, plan my upcoming wedding, and embark on my career as a PA. While I'm keeping an open mind about which specialty to pursue in my first job, I have found myself enjoying working in the operating room as well as caring for medically complex patients on the inpatient floor in a multidisciplinary setting. One of my long-term goals is to give back to the PA community, by mentoring and supporting aspiring future PAs just as how I was mentored by practicing PAs in the past and I am forever grateful for their support."
What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?
"Tufts PA program is an evolving, collaborative, and diverse program that prioritizes student well-being, training, and overall success. The program upholds high standards, contributing to its exceptional reputation and high passing rates on the board exam. It also provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore numerous opportunities to enhance their communication, education, and training skills. Throughout your journey here, you'll find yourself surrounded by supportive faculty members and wonderful caring peers who will not only contribute to your academic growth but also provide constant support on those challenging days."
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