PA Week 2024
Posted on October 7, 2024 by CAHP
Every year, physician assistants are celebrated across the country from October 6-12 during PA Week. The physician assistant studies program at the University of South Alabama prepares students for a variety of clinical practice settings through the provision of comprehensive medical knowledge, skills and attitudes.
In celebration of PA Week 2024, we are highlighting a few members of the PA Class of 2026. Let’s get to know Douglas Dapp, Anna Davidson, Sterling Gatlin and Christina Macera!
Douglas Dapp
Where are you from?
“Chattanooga, Tennessee”
What was your undergraduate major?
“Chemistry”
Why do you want to be a PA?
“One of the main reasons I wanted to become a PA was because of the versatility of
the role. I am excited by the lateral transferability of the profession, as well as
the flexibility of schedule and a great work-life balance.”
What led you to choose South?
“A combination of the fantastic program curriculum, enthusiastic staff, and high first-time
PANCE pass rate.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“I have greatly enjoyed the curriculum, faculty, and facilities here at South Alabama.
Go Jags!”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I enjoy powerlifting, beach volleyball, racquetball, and painting miniatures for
tabletop board games.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I don't have anything in particular planned, but I'm excited to start working and
see what happens!”
What advice would you offer to future PA students?
“It might seem impossible, but you were chosen for a reason. Utilize the numerous
resources provided by the staff and upperclassmen that came before you. Believe in
yourself and trust the process!”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I have a black belt in Tae-kwon-do (L2 - 1st degree).”
Anna Davidson
Where are you from?
“Philadelphia, Mississippi, but have lived in Mobile, Alabama, for three years now!”
What was your undergraduate major?
“Biology with Minor in Chemistry”
Why do you want to be a PA?
“To put it simple, I just love people. I love the hope and encouragement that I can
give those around me. Throughout my journey working alongside healthcare providers
such as PAs, volunteering in underprivileged communities that lack healthcare, and
seeing my mom interact with and care for Rocky who was a quadriplegic patient for
the first 15 years of my life, I have been inspired to become a PA because of the
growing compassion in my heart to serve those around me through patient empowerment
and self-healing in addition to the love I have for learning and solving problems
for the greater good and well being of others.
“To live the dash, means to make a mark in this world, both for the kingdom and in my case, the world of medicine. This is where I want to be. Leaving the place behind me and the people beside me, more encouraged, empowered, and full of hope than when I found them. It’s in serving others that I now know and understand that a leadership role such as this is not about taking charge but it's about taking care of those in your charge which is the kind of PA I aspire to be.”
What led you to choose South?
“In addition to having lived here for the past three years and loving the area, the
faculty and staff were welcoming and demonstrated a professionalism that caught my
attention. There are many schools to choose from that blurred in my mind, but South
just kept resurfacing. The faculty have quickly become like family and each of them
go above and beyond for us, not just through the interview process, but long into
your journey of becoming a PA. Even after receiving several acceptances to prestigious
schools on paper, South was still the place to be. Walking into an encouraging and
kind group of faculty and cohort reminds me of the ‘why’ behind choosing South and
if I had to choose again, I would pick South 10 out of 10.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
|“The most welcoming and encouraging environment. The positivity and constant support
should stand out to anyone considering South. It is here that I feel at home. A true
testament to southern hospitality is seen here. Every professor, staff member, and
even my fellow cohort is quick to help and offer a hand.
“My first week here I had car trouble, but my worry to be in attendance for classes was put to bay when a student eagerly volunteered to drive me around after knowing me for five days. This is just one of the many examples found when you say ‘YES!’ to coming to South and what you will experience on the other side, both through fellow students as well as faculty. Becoming president of my class was also a highlight for me as I enjoy leading and serving, and what better way to advocate for my class than through this incredible honor. Excited for what the next two years at South will bring and what Jesus has in store for me!”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“One of the greatest joys each week is getting the opportunity to teach kids about
Jesus through Bayside Metro Ministry and walking alongside women desiring a closer
relationship with Jesus through mentorship. I also love a good book, writing and recording
podcasts, traveling across the world to see the beauty that surrounds us, riding horses,
and spending time with my family and friends, especially my husband and our two dogs!
A passion of mine is international missions as I recently just completed a trip to
Uganda with a medical team, providing care to over 600 people in three days.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“Not 100% certain on the specialty as I am still actively learning all the specialties
that medicine entails. Specialties that I love and am drawn to so far are pediatric
oncology and dermatology. Pediatric oncology, because the love I have for kids and
the desire I have to learn ever so changing medicine runs deep. I believe this field
of medicine is always in need of another light pointing others to the hope that can
be found. Working in dermatology has shown me the love I have for the complexity found
in treating the skin. The skin is an organ greatly impacted by everything from the
autoimmune disease you have to the food you consume. It offers a great range of flexibility
and the opportunity to treat patients of all stages of life. In addition, I love a
good skin care regimen.
“In regard to plans outside of practicing medicine, my husband and I plan to build our future home surrounded by horses and cattle, leading Christian centered horseback riding lessons and hunts especially to underprivileged communities preferably in a rural area. I also want to serve extensively in international missions and local missions, leading medical teams to provide care to areas where medicine is nonexistent and mentoring young medical professionals both in their careers as PAs but also in their walk with Jesus. I want to continue to build on my involvement in AAPA, speaking and advocating for the profession at a large level paving the way for the future. My passion is empowering those around me to be their best self and I cannot wait to continue to grow in areas dedicated to that through medicine and ministry! Who knows, my name may be on a bookshelf near you!”
What advice would you offer to future PA students?
“Work hard. Set goals for yourself. Do not box yourself off from others. Embrace the
community. Remember that the only person you should compare yourself to is the person
you were the day before. Never stop trying. You can do it. It may be hard. It may
be time consuming. You may feel like you are drowning, but you have come this far
and you will continue to push forward because of the drive and determination you have
in your heart.
“Write your ‘why’ & stick it on your mirror as a reminder to yourself daily, whether that be through the shortcomings, the long hours spent studying, and anything else that may be challenging. It may feel like a lot, but the staff and fellow students will pick you up, will provide resources, and one day soon enough, you will be on the other side offering advice and being an encouragement to the next cohort! Cheers to becoming a dang good PA & putting in the countless hours that make it worth it!”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I have been married three years to my best friend, Jordan, and we have two goofy
pups, Kash, who is a blue heeler and is eight years old and Cooper, who is a golden
retriever and is four years old!”
Sterling Gatlin
Where are you from?
“Dothan, Alabama”
What was your undergraduate major?
“Microbiology”
Why do you want to be a PA?
“I spent six years working as a medical laboratory scientist in a hospital laboratory
setting, and during that time I could not shake the feeling that I could better serve
patients as a PA than I could by continuing my career in the lab.”
What led you to choose South?
“The PA program has a reputation of turning out excellent PAs.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“My experience at South has been nothing short of excellent. To clarify, I was accepted
into Faulkner's Class of 2025 but was not able to matriculate due to their program's
accreditation status, so I had to reapply to other programs the following application
cycle, which was when I got accepted into South's program. At the time, having to
reapply and wait another year to start PA school was heartbreaking, but now I am so
thankful it happened. It definitely feels like I belong here.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“Spending time with my family (wife, two kids). Fishing. Golf.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“At the moment, my plans are to find a job wherever there is a need in or around Dothan,
Alabama.”
What advice would you offer to future PA students?
“Make friends early on in PA school, ideally some friends that you think are more
intelligent than you. The first semester is breathtakingly overwhelming, so having
people around you that can help break down difficult concepts for you can really help.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I went tandem skydiving as a part of a bachelor party. I highly recommend it. Just
make sure you choose a reputable skydiving center for obvious reasons.”
Christina Macera
Where are you from?
“Pensacola, Florida”
What was your undergraduate major?
“English”
Why do you want to be a PA?
“Helping people has always been one of my greatest passions. As a Civil Affairs team
medic in the Army, I experienced many deployments and training operations where I
constantly wished I had more knowledge and expertise in assessing and treating the
patients in my care. Pursuing a career as a physician assistant will allow me to gain
that deeper understanding and be better equipped to serve both soldiers and civilians.
This role represents a way for me to extend my ability to care for others with more
significant impact and precision.”
What led you to choose South?
“More than accreditation status and phenomenal reputation, South offers a sense of
community that is hard to find in other PA schools. Many programs focus on competition
or independent learning, while South emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect and
professionalism. During a visit to the school, I quickly recognized this attitude
and felt drawn to the program.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“Challenging and interesting. Each faculty member offers a wealth of experience while
taking a genuine interest in us as students; we are met with immediate mentorship
and guidance. The South PA program models coordinated healthcare delivery, and I've
formed strong connections (and friendships!) with my classmates and professors that
will continue well into the future.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“Spending time with family, heading to the dog beach, hiking, kayak fishing, & true-crime
podcasts!”
What are your plans after graduation?
“Emergency Medicine or Surgery; continue with the Army Reserves.”
What advice would you offer to future PA students?
“Stay Curious—Be Flexible—Practice Resilience”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“After ten years of active duty, and before entering PA school, I worked as a Nationally
Registered Paramedic & tactical medic.”