Riley Thompson is discovering the role of nutrition in compassionate care as a future PA
Riley Thompson, a recent graduate from the Nutritional Sciences program at the College of Health & Human Sciences, earned a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and has been accepted into TTHSC's Physician Assistant Program.
"My primary career goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals who lack access to adequate healthcare resources," Thompson said. “I am particularly interested in working in primary care settings, where I can develop long-term relationships with patients and address a broad range of healthcare needs.”
Thompson's path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is deeply influenced by her upbringing in a rural community with limited access to healthcare.
"In the rural area where I was born and raised, obtaining quality care posed significant challenges for my family, friends, and community," Thompson said. “After working in a medical clinic during high school and continually witnessing the distinctive challenges individuals in underserved areas face, I became determined to do my part in addressing these disparities.”
At Texas Tech University, Thompson's education in nutritional sciences provided a solid foundation for her healthcare career. She noted that understanding nutrition and dietetics is important for disease prevention and management, which is essential for comprehensive patient care.
Her undergraduate courses expanded her knowledge in nutrition and gave her the confidence to integrate it with healthcare delivery. Additionally, faculty mentorship and guidance played a significant role in shaping her career path. Thompson expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement from faculty members who helped her navigate the complexities of preparing for a medical career and solidified her commitment to serving others as a PA.
Thompson's clinical exposure and shadowing experiences confirmed her decision to become a physician assistant.
“The unique patient-provider relationship offered by the PA profession also specifically appealed to me,” Thompson said. “PAs often have the opportunity to spend more individualized time with patients, allowing for a deeper understanding of their needs and circumstances. This perfectly reflected my commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.”
For TTU students considering a PA career, Thompson offers valuable advice:
- Research the PA profession to understand its scope, requirements, and opportunities.
- Gain exposure through shadowing and volunteer experiences in healthcare settings.
- Focus on building a strong academic foundation.
- Utilize TTU's resources like pre-health advising, workshops, and information sessions.
- Engage in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
- Network with PAs, PA students, and admissions offices.
- Stay resilient and committed, recognizing that the journey requires dedication and passion.
Looking ahead, Thompson aims to positively influence the health and well-being of underserved communities after graduating from PA school.