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09/17/2025
Ohio PA Student Panel Offers Real Talk for Pre-PAs on PA School Life and Applications
On September 13, 2025, the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants hosted a PA Student Q & A Panel, the most recent learning opportunity in OAPA's Pre-PA Virtual Event Series.
Designed to help Pre-PA students prepare not only for the PA school application process but also for life as a PA student, the event featured panelists from 10 PA programs across Ohio, offering diverse perspectives and firsthand advice to pre-PA students.
Ohio PA Student Panelists
Allyson Whitaker - Miami University
Madeline Hendrix- Mount St Joseph University
Rylee Evanger- Ursuline College
Claire Dettwiller- Marietta College
Landry Mathews- University of Findlay
Kailey Kilgore- University of Toledo
Lilyanna Ritenour- Lake Erie College
Alexandria Villeneuve- Case Western Reserve University
Alicia Lomax- Cedarville University
Priya Patel- Case Western Reserve University
Kyle Dilger- Kettering College
Moderated by Jill Brown, PA-C, Amanda Nguyen, PA-C, and Vanessa Godines, PA-C, the session covered a wide range of topics. Panelists shared their experiences with the CASPA application process, choosing PA programs, preparing for interviews, and asking for letters of recommendation. They also offered guidance on gaining meaningful patient care and shadowing hours, navigating financial challenges, and selecting undergraduate majors.
Attendees gained insight into the day-to-day realities of PA school, including balancing academics with personal life, study strategies, and the challenges of clinical rotations. Students discussed their favorite rotations and valuable resources such as apps, books, and study tools.
Wellness was also a key theme, with panelists sharing tips on managing stress and burnout, staying organized, and supporting one another through difficult times.
The session provided a unique opportunity for Pre-PA students to hear directly from those actively navigating the PA journey. With engaging discussion and practical takeaways, the panel was a valuable resource for anyone preparing not only to apply but also to thrive once in PA school.
