Championing the Way to Paying It Forward by Morgan

Championing the Way to Paying It Forward by Morgan - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

I never met a man that smiled so much because he loved his profession, until I arrived at my cardiology clinic as a certified medical assistant (CMA). His name is Dr. Champion, and for me and many patients, he has championed his way into making our lives better. In the whirlwind of gaining clinical experience and applying to Physician Assistant (PA) programs, Dr. Champion was at the forefront of consistently cheering me on. Not only is Dr. Champion a light within the clinic, but he also became a mentor whose belief in me transformed my journey.
When I decided to work as a CMA at this cardiology clinic, I chose it because I believed it could mold me into the provider I aspire to become. It was the same clinic that saved my father’s life when he had a heart attack, which was a pivotal moment that ignited my passion for cardiology and preventative care. I had hoped to gain the clinical skills and insight needed to become a compassionate provider. Little did I know I would be gaining so much more during my time here. From the moment I joined the clinic, Dr. Champion’s infectious energy and deep love for his profession was impossible to ignore.
Every day, I witnessed Dr. Champion always greeting the nurse’s station with a warm smile and good morning, joking with the staff, and lightening the mood for patients by wearing his silly yet endearing pants that never failed to make patients laugh. Dr. Champion epitomizes the perfect balance of intelligence and compassionate care that I admire in healthcare. As I witnessed his leadership, making every patient feel seen and valued, he saw potential in me that I sometimes struggled to see in myself.
During breaks, while triaging his patients, I would ask Dr. Champion about his journey to medicine and other aspects of his career, and we were able to build a genuine bond. His insight was important to me, as I had begun my journey of applying to PA Schools. When I shared my dream of becoming a PA, he immediately offered to write me a glowing letter of recommendation. That act alone was generous, but once I received PA school interviews, Dr. Champion offered to help me prepare for interviews. In the weeks prior to my interviews, despite his busy schedule, Dr. Champion made time to come in early before work, to help me prepare for my interviews. For example, he encouraged me to highlight my passion for addressing health disparities. He coached me on interview questions, helped me refine my answers, and reassured me to trust myself and the story I bring.
Waitlisted. This was the first email message at the top of my Gmail from a PA program I interviewed. This was my second cycle applying to PA schools, and I was anxious and nervous that I would not get acceptance. Dr. Champion saw my frustration and encouraged me to trust the path. He said, “Continue to let your passion speak for itself.” His statement allowed me to stay motivated because I am committed to fighting health disparities in marginalized communities and improving health outcomes. Through his mentorship, I learned to recognize my strengths and embrace the confidence I once lacked. Dr. Champion not only helped me strengthen and prepare for my interviews and provided a letter of recommendation, but he also helped me realize my potential as an aspiring PA and to know that I belong in the healthcare field.
Today, I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into a PA program. It was through the transformative mentorship of Dr. Champion that helped me reach this milestone on my journey to PA school. His unwavering support inspires me to not only be a compassionate provider, but also a future mentor for aspiring healthcare providers, especially for those who may doubt their potential as I once did.
The greatest providers not only heal patients, but also empower them to grow, and inspire others to dream bigger than they thought possible. Dr. Champion’s kindness, humility and belief in me has left a mark on me, and I am committed to paying it forward by championing the dreams of others, just as he did for me.