A Willingness to Learn
Although I have no formal PA employment experience, I believe that I have a significant amount of surgical exposure and would be a great candidate to train. I am a very adaptive applicant and can learn to succeed in any situation that I am placed in.
My Passion for Surgery
My number one goal as a PA is to provide competent and effective care to my patients. I chose surgery because it excites and amazes me. Each of my rotations has been exciting, but my cardiothoracic surgery experiences have by far been the most memorable.
Trauma Case That Changed Everything
An experience that directed me toward a career in cardiothoracic surgery began when I assisted the trauma team and the cardiothoracic surgery team in the operating room with a cardiopulmonary penetrating trauma case. That experience allowed me to gain exposure to CT surgery and ECMO.
The experience began in the ED with a trauma alert and quickly escalated to the OR, where the work began. The patient had been shot at least five times. One wound, the area of most concern, was just inferior to the left mid-clavicle. The injury warranted exploratory surgery to investigate.
This was the first time that I had seen a sternotomy performed. The heart was exposed, with one healthy lung and one very damaged left lung. The bullet had damaged the left upper lobe. Being in a trauma scenario, we ligated the damaged lobe and stopped the bleed. We then had to assess the bullet wounds affecting the extremities, which fortunately did not damage any large vessels.
It was then decided to close the chest. As first assist, the surgeon and I began to wire the chest shut. As we placed the last wire, our patient began to decompensate. It was then decided that the patient required ECMO. The patient was cannulated, and the chest was able to be closed. Thankfully, our patient survived. He then became “my patient” during my rotation, and from then on, I was responsible for his wound care and for following their management.
That was my first experience with cardiothoracic surgery.
The Organ Procurement That Left a Mark
Another experience that has shaped me began by leading the “Walk of Life” down the halls of the ICU into the OR for organ procurement. All available staff was asked to meet in the halls to honor the donor. At the head of the bed, I proceeded with our patient into the operating room.
I then scrubbed in with three fantastic transplant surgeons from Miami University Hospital in preparation to harvest the lungs, kidneys, and liver. It was an experience I will never forget. I was first assist within the cardiothoracic cavity for the procurement of the lungs.
I was blessed to have been the only student in the OR—a situation where a PA student would likely get bumped by a more senior resident or fellow. Throughout the process of dissecting, I watched the heart and lungs perform and was in awe of the anatomy and beauty of the structures.
After the procurement of the lungs was complete, the surgeon placed the fully inflated lungs in my hands. I braced—but when I received them, I smiled. I had just assisted with something so amazing—a moment I will never forget.
My efforts on that 20-hour day at the hospital felt impactful and filled me with satisfaction. I left the hospital that night knowing that I had helped three people receive healthy organs that could change the trajectory of their lives. I had difficulty sleeping that night because of the excitement.
Looking Ahead
Had I known that I would have so much passion for cardiothoracic surgery, I would have pursued an official CT surgery rotation. However, I am confident that I am fascinated by and passionate about cardiothoracic surgery.
I understand that I do not yet have experience as a practicing Physician Assistant but would appreciate an opportunity, because I believe that I would be an impactful contributor to your service.
Sincerely,
Eric Kingsley, PA-S2
Student Government President