Nora Fitzwilliam, PA24

What inspired you to pursue your PA degree, and how has your personal journey shaped your career goals?

I have always been drawn to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up with a physician as a mother, I understood the dedication and compassion that a career in medicine required. Working in medicine for the past 5 years has brought me a sense of fulfillment. This journey has taught me that my only goals as a Physician Assistant are to be happy in my position and to help my patients to the best of my abilities.

How have your experiences at Tufts prepared you for your future career?

Tufts’ PA program taught me many things in the classroom and beyond. Through lectures, simulation experiences, and inter-professional events with various schools I have learned the importance of caring for patients using a well-rounded approach that is only possible with the help of my colleagues.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time at Tufts that has left a lasting impression on you?

Volunteering with my classmates at Friday Night Supper, a local soup kitchen in downtown Boston, taught me things about this community that I will take with me as I begin my career. As a PA program requirement, community service became a regular part of our lives during our didactic year and is something that I have continued on my own because of this program. I have learned the importance of integrating with the community that you serve as a provider.

If you could go back to before you started at Tufts and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be and why?

You are not alone. Prior to beginning the PA program, I remember feeling excited and nervous about the difficult journey ahead. From day one, the faculty encourages students to work together and learn from each other. Once I began this program, I never felt alone. The faculty are accessible whenever you need them.

How do you envision making a difference in healthcare as a PA, and what areas of medicine are you most passionate about?

I aim to make a difference as a PA by making my patients feel heard. Throughout my time in school, I had countless patient interactions where the patient recounted a time where they felt overlooked or ignored during interactions with providers. As PAs, we are seeing a vulnerable side of our patients and it is important that we commit to respecting them by listening to their concerns.

Can you share a memorable patient interaction or clinical experience from your training that has reaffirmed your commitment to the PA profession?

I helped take care of a very sick patient in the ICU. He was able to make a full recovery and I was present at his discharge. He had tears in his eyes as he thanked me and the PAs on the team. I was honored to be able to play a role in this man’s journey. As PAs, we are trained to take care of patients as part of a healthcare team. Without the entire team, this patient would not have received optimal care.