One motivation for Carissa Puerzer in choosing her academic path was the
current and projected shortages of physicians in the United States,
especially in remote rural areas and economically depressed urban
communities. Physician assistants can provide many of the same basic
services offered by physicians and can supplement health care in
these areas. By opting to pursue this career, Puerzer will be able to
put her skills to good use in the medical field and will be able to
help others who might not otherwise have access to viable health
options in their immediate area.
Puerzer
has had an interest in health and fitness from an early age. During
her high school years at De Pere High School in De Pere, Wisconsin,
Puerzer participated in track and field events and specialized in
hurdles, achieving a considerable degree of success in the sport. She
also volunteered at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center and provided
valuable support for the health care providers at this facility. By
taking advantage of this opportunity, Puerzer was able to acquire
first-hand experience in the medical field. This further reinforced
her decision to pursue a career devoted to helping patients obtain
the best possible medical care possible in the healthcare
environment.
Puerzer
is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology in
Wisconsin. This will provide an excellent foundation for her future
academic studies in the acclaimed physician assistant training
program at this institution. The University of Wisconsin School of
Medicine and Public Health recruits students for this program each
year and seeks out qualified students to take on an intensive
on-campus training course or a three-year distance learning option.
In both cases, students who complete these programs will be well
qualified for a position as a physician assistant in major medical
facilities or in rural and urban healthcare environments.
Although
her studies keep her pretty busy, Puerzer manages to find time to
relax and listen to her favorite bands. She is a talented amateur
photographer and has a portfolio that includes thousands of pictures.
Advanced photo-editing programs allow Puerzer to create minor
masterpieces and to capture stunning images of sports events, campus
activities and portraits of her friends and family. She continues to
run to stay fit and to maintain peak health and physical condition.
Puerzer’s commitment to helping others has also led her to
volunteer with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and to support
the organization’s fundraising efforts nationally and in the local
community.
As
a physician assistant, Carissa Puerzer will be able to provide
improved access to health care for patients in remote or underserved
areas in the United States or throughout the world. By putting her
talents to good use on behalf of those most in need, Puerzer can give
back to her community and can offer added hope for patients and their
families.
