Since becoming a Certified PA in 2020, Kathryn Iwasaki PA-C has practiced in psychiatry, emergency medicine and neurosurgery. The flexibility to practice in multiple specialties was one of the reasons why Iwasaki chose a career as a PA.
She discovered the PA profession while in undergraduate school. “I switched to the pre-PA track while in my junior year of college and worked hard to meet the requirements of direct patient care experience, shadowing, earning a competitive GPA, and extracurricular activities.”
Iwasaki currently works at a Level II Trauma Center as a neurosurgery PA and at a local community hospital as an emergency medicine PA.
Every day as a PA is different for Iwasaki. Some days she serves as first assistant in the operating room. On other days you will find her in the emergency room checking for strep throat or repairing a laceration.
“Every day comes with different challenges – on some days, I celebrate achievements and happy moments with patients and on other days I empathize with and counsel patients through difficulties.”
Building a good rapport and trust with patients is important to Iwasaki. She believes trust helps make positive strides towards better health.
