Knyaw Academy’s Post

Featuring Joseph Ko, a recent Physician Assistant graduate! Q: Can you tell us your name and current role? A: My name is Joseph Ko, and I will be starting as a physician assistant in the Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Division at the University of North Carolina Medical Center later this month. Q: Educational background? - Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Duke University - Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Respiratory Therapy degree from Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC Q: Earliest childhood memories? A: My fondest childhood memories revolve around my family. I always look back fondly on our family trips, which were the best days of my life. I still look forward to family trips, especially now that they include my nieces and nephew. Q: What inspired you to become a PA? A: I want to help people, expand my knowledge, and challenge myself. I still can’t quite believe I’ve achieved this, but I know I have so much more to learn as I embark on this new journey. Q: Challenges You Faced? A: The passing of my father right before I finished high school was a pivotal moment in my life. It forced me to grow up a little faster, and much of what I do now is to make him and my family proud. Working as a respiratory therapist as a new graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic was another major challenge. It allowed me to grow and motivated me to pursue my current path. I learned valuable techniques to manage burnout, which I continue to use and will apply in my new career. Q: Your Biggest Supporters? A: My mom and my siblings. They may not realize how important they are in helping me get to where I am today. Just being around them brings me peace, especially with my nieces and nephew. Their little hugs give me the energy to keep going during tough times. Q: What Do You Appreciate About This Career? A: I appreciate the opportunity to educate patients about health topics and see their understanding and gratitude when someone takes the time to explain things or care for them. This keeps me going, even on difficult days. I also value the flexibility of a PA degree, which allows me to explore different specialties or pursue research or education in the future if I choose to pivot. I also appreciate that people trust me to help them navigate the most difficult moments of their lives whether it is for themselves or for their family members. I will be doing a lot of that in the job that I will be starting. Q: What advice and tips do you have for young people? A: I was probably my own biggest doubter. I don’t claim to be the smartest person—far from it—but I worked hard to get where I am today. Set yourself a goal, write it down, and keep working toward it. It sounds cliché, but it’s something I had to do when I started my journey in healthcare. Many years later, I’m achieving some of those goals. I still have a long way to go, but this is a milestone.

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