Kelly Roth’s Path to Physician Assistant

Kelly Roth, PA-C, knew from the time she was in high school that she wanted to build a career in medicine. With the original intention of becoming an M.D., she began a pre-med track in college. However, during her undergraduate degree, she doubted her desire to actually attend medical school. She instead decided to work as a research assistant directly following the completion of her bachelor’s degree from Colby College. Through this, she was able to gain enough patient experience hours to apply to PA school. Kelly felt a pull towards the PA profession due to a better work-life balance and shorter overall training path. She then completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Le Moyne College in upstate New York.

Kelly now works at a private orthopedic practice under one surgeon. In a typical week, she spends about two to three days in the office and about two to three days in the operating room. When working in the office, Kelly’s day usually begins around 8 am. She has her own schedule and sees between 20 and 25 patients per day. When working in the operating room, her day will typically begin around 7 am. Throughout the course of the day, she’s usually involved with 5 cases. Her role in the operating room consists of setting up the room, verifying the patient, draping the patient, assisting the surgeon during the procedure, and completing post-operation orders.

One thing Kelly truly loves about her career as a physician assistant is the opportunity to constantly be learning and constantly be challenged. Although she has built a good foundation throughout the four years she has spent working in foot and ankle, medicine is very humbling because there is always something new to learn, such as seeing different outcomes to the same surgeries.

While Kelly loves her career, she recognizes that there are a lot of pressures administratively. There are a lot of rules and regulations that need to be followed, as well as time pressures. All of these have a large impact on day-to-day operations.

When embarking on a journey to a health profession, Kelly advises that you keep an open mind. By speaking to people in various health careers and taking a wide variety of college courses, you will eventually find the path that is right for you.