PA Students Get Hands-On Experience - Part IV
Eva Parsa, PA-S is our most recent PA Student completing her clinical rotations with us. She comes to us from George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences where she is in her second year of pursuing her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. She is trilingual, which is truly a gift to our patients - advanced in English and Dari and intermediate in Spanish. She is committed to advancing equitable healthcare and increasing access for under served communities so she fits right into our team.
We sat down with Eva to learn more about her experience working at Culmore Clinic. Here’s what she had to say.
What was the most meaningful patient interaction you had during this rotation, and why did it stand out to you?
One of the most meaningful interactions I had was with one of my very first patients. This patient was managing multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, without insurance. Despite significant barriers, the patient was incredibly engaged and eager to learn about lifestyle changes. They were willing to make the commitment to better health and attend nutrition classes. This encounter reminded me of the resilience of patients in underserved communities and reinforced the importance of patient education as a powerful tool in our medical toolbox.
Can you describe a clinical challenge you encountered and how you managed or learned from it?
During my rotation, I met a patient who came in with severe headaches, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, and she was very determined to get a referral. Through our conversation, I learned she had recently lost her sister, the matriarch of her family, which was taking a profound toll on her health. Navigating the language barrier and sensitive nature of the visit with the help of interpreters, empathy, and patience reminded me that patient care extends far beyond physical symptoms. This experience taught me the importance of addressing the whole person—their emotions, experiences, and social context—in order to provide meaningful, compassionate care.
What aspect of care during this rotation do you want to share with others as you move on to future rotations?
I would like to share how impactful free, community-based clinics can be in bridging the gaps for patients who often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. I will carry forward the mindset that even the smallest interventions—like taking the time to listen to a patient's concerns or to explain a diagnosis clearly—can have a big impact.
As a medical learner, and a non-fluent Spanish speaker, what strategies did you use to build trust and communicate effectively with patients who may have never seen a student practitioner?
Having only spent a few years studying Spanish in school, I leaned heavily on interpreters. But, I also made a conscious effort to learn simple Spanish greetings and medical phrases, maintain eye contact, and use open body language. I found that showing respect, being empathetic and taking the time to listen—even when communication took longer—helped establish trust between myself and my patients.
How did working with uninsured and immigrant patients shape your understanding of healthcare access and equity?
Working with uninsured and immigrant populations at Culmore Clinic has profoundly shaped my understanding of healthcare access and equity. I observed that barriers to care extend far beyond just having a clinic available. Patients often face financial limitations, language barriers, fear of navigating the healthcare system, and uncertainty about their eligibility for services. Unfortunately, we see many patients who delay seeking care until their conditions become urgent. This entire experience underscored how social determinants—such as housing, employment, and family responsibilities—directly affect health outcomes. It reinforced the importance of culturally sensitive care, patient education, and most importantly, patient advocacy. I came to appreciate that providing equitable healthcare requires not only addressing medical needs, but also supporting patients in overcoming major obstacles to access.
Since early summer we have been welcoming Physician Assistant Students (PA-S) to complete their clinical rotations at our Clinic. Last month we spotlighted one of the students, Lauryn Albold (PA-S). You can read that blog entry here.