Hi all – I’m Lucinda, a 15-year veteran physician assistant who recently transitioned from the operating room to Psychiatry—a journey that wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. Despite the challenges, I’ve navigated my way through, and I’m now committed to making this pathway smoother for other PAs, while also adding some enjoyment to the process.
About four years ago, I knew I wanted to get into Psychiatry but didn’t know where or how to start. I reached out to some of the MDs at my large government hospital, but I was met with surprise as they were unaware that PAs could work in Psychiatry, only having hired fully trained NPs before. I scoured the internet and found fellowships, but they required relocating to other states—a major disruption that my husband and I agreed was too much.
I even started an online Mental Health counseling degree, but halfway through, I halted due to COVID-19 and the realization that this path wouldn’t teach me any pharmacology. This setback forced me to rethink my approach.
Finally, I found minimal training opportunities, but securing a job proved to be challenging. I started shadowing at a local university with a Residency program and eventually found my way to my current Collaborating Physician through cold calling. He recognized the training PAs received, offering me an entry-level position and the chance to gain valuable experience. Anyone know the ABBA tune… “when you’re all alone, and the pretty birds have flown, honey I’m still free, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME”?
So, after approximately two years of scouring the internet, testing out degrees that didn’t fit, and piecing together my education, I finally secured a job in Psychiatry. Here I am, having carved a path through sheer perseverance.
Then I thought – “There’s got to be an easier way….”
It really shouldn’t have to be this challenging for PAs to transition into Psychiatry—it doesn’t have to be. Once we’re there, it’s crucial to feel supported with education tailored for PAs, by PAs. My CP is amazing, but as a 20-year veteran psychiatrist, his perspective can sometimes differ significantly from mine.
Not only am I a bit sciency, but I also embrace the more mystical side of things. I am a trained yoga/meditation teacher and believe in magic, intuition, visualization, and the metaphysical—all of which I see as tools just as powerful as the most scientific methods in transforming our lives.
By harnessing both the scientific and the mystical, I plan to deliver foundational psychiatric knowledge. Once you understand the basic principles, you can begin to practice it as an art. We all have the power to transform our thinking and thereby transform our lives. If you can believe it, you can achieve it.
Embark on your magical journey of transformation!
Alchemy:
the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transformation of matter,
particularly turning base metals into gold or finding a universal elixir.
It’s a fitting metaphor for our journey in Psychiatry—turning foundational knowledge into therapeutic gold.
