By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

During her experience as an X-ray and sonography student, Lauren Evans craved more continuity of care and the ability to form relationships with patients.

“I will always have a passion and hold great respect for the imaging department,” Evans said. “However, I had a desire to do more for the patients and community. The PA profession will allow me to educate patients and provide high-quality, accessible care.”

Tuesday, Aug. 29, Evans and the other students in her Physician Assistant Studies class will participate in their Black Bag ceremony in Morehead.

“The University of Kentucky PA program has been a perfect fit for me,” said the 22-year-old from Vanceburg, Ky. “It is a well-known program built on professionalism, empathy and teamwork. The program enables me to focus on rural health by completing the program at Morehead State University. Being at MSU while obtaining my undergraduate degree made me appreciate the tight-knit community and I knew this was the perfect place to mold me into a compassionate PA.”

Getting the Black Bag signifies the transition between obtaining knowledge and applying it. The students will be receiving the tools to practice medicine, and with those tools they will begin to apply the knowledge they have been learning along the way. This is the next big step for them, as it will bring them all closer to being the people they hope to be.

“The Black Bag ceremony has come so quickly,” Evans said. “It is surreal to think about how far my class has come in only eight months. This ceremony will be rewarding, as it is a stamp marking that we are ready to begin physical examinations. I’m excited to be presented with my stethoscope and other tools to prosper into the PA I aspire to become.”

Evans also balanced the work and life of a PA student by prioritizing to make time for her close-knit family. Her advice to those interested in following her down this path?

“Be prepared to invest a lot of time and energy into this program,” she said. “Your classmates will become your family, and learning alongside them is so rewarding. Everyone here will support you and want to see you succeed. All the hard work and preparation for your application will definitely be worth it.”