Emily Luplow, 2018 grad, recently completed the five-year accelerated BSHS/MSPA program. She earned her undergrad in Health Science and then earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The MSPA program included a 12-month didactic phase followed by a 12-month clinical education phase in the form of supervised clinical practice experiences. She recently passed the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam in August.
As a senior at LuHi, Emily was awarded direct admittance - meaning she did not need to apply separately to get into the graduate program - into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program (MSPA). Only about 30 students each year earn direct admittance.
In this spotlight, she shares a little about her experience in the program, her future plans, and her advice for current high schoolers.
What was a challenge of the program?
One aspect of the program that I found to be challenging was being so far away from home. It took a lot of time to adjust to not seeing my family. However, I gained a lot of independence and I believe my faith and relationships with others grew stronger. Another aspect of the program that I found difficult was time management. During the didactic year, we had exams every 2 weeks on different body systems which required a great deal of time studying. I also still wanted to spend time doing other activities such as reading, being with friends, or working out. I had to learn quickly what studying techniques work best for me and how to manage my time.
What was most rewarding in the program?
I gained friendships that I know will be lifelong. I also gained a lot of independence being so far away from home. WIth this, came confidence in myself and my abilities that I believe I lacked earlier on in life. One last rewarding aspect was the church home that I found in Valparaiso. My faith life grew stronger and as a result, my relatiosnhips deepened. I learned how to communicate better with my long distance boyfriend and family back home.
You recently passed the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam! What's next for you?
I am getting married on October 15th to my highschool sweetheart - Tyler Eldred. I also have been applying to PA jobs in the Denver area. I am eager to start work after the wedding and hope to one day specialize in Emergency Medicine. I am looking forward to being back in the beautiful state of Colorado with my family.
Are there any LuHi teachers you'd like to give a shout-out to?
I am so grateful for all of the LuHi teachers. I would love to give a special thank you to Mr. Blomenberg for teaching me to not just memorize information. I realized the importance of this during PA school and the significance this has on medicine. It is important to understand the WHY behind a lot of diagnoses and what you need to do to ensure that does not happen again or how to treat it. I would also love to thank Mrs. Kidston and Mrs. Davis for instilling in me great Christian values and morals that young girls need before going to college. It is important to know your worth and whose you are.
Do you have any advice for our current students?
Take classes in High School that you think you might enjoy even just a little. This can help narrow down a career path that is right for you. Also, practice different studying habits before going to college. For instance, are you a visual learner or do you learn better by saying things out loud or writing it down. Lastly, the relationship that you have with Jesus is the most important going into College. He will never leave you, disappoint you, or judge you.
Thanks for your time Emily! We are praying for you as you start a new chapter in your life!
