Thao-My Nguyen shares a day in her life as a Physician Associate (PA) student at Yale School of Medicine.
Q+A
A Day in the Life of a PA Student: Thao-My Nguyen
Where did you grow up and where were you living immediately prior to Yale?
I grew up in Durham, N.C., where I was first exposed to the world of medicine. I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2024, where I conducted clinical research on traumatic brain injury biomarkers and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant before matriculating into the Physician Associate Program.
Why did you choose Yale School of Medicine?
I chose the Yale School of Medicine for a multitude of reasons. I have long been interested in global health, and the opportunity to complete an international rotation was especially appealing. Additionally, Yale offers a wide range of electives to supplement our education. I recently completed a Medical Spanish course, which will help me care for diverse patient populations in the future.
Finally, I was drawn to the block-based structure of the curriculum. At Yale, I have the independence to learn in the way that is most effective for me.
Can you briefly describe your schedule on a typical weekday?
On a typical weekday, I have class between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Once a week, I have anatomy lab as well as ILCE (interprofessional longitudinal clinical experience) at the hospital.
My education at Yale feels well-rounded, with a strong balance between lectures, hands-on learning, clinical experiences, and collaboration with other YSM students. After class, I enjoy getting together with friends from other graduate programs and exploring new study spots.
What neighborhood do you live in?
I live in East Rock with two of my classmates. East Rock is a quaint neighborhood on the outskirts of campus and is home to many families and graduate students. It is nice to step away from the hustle and bustle of campus at the end of the day. There are also many popular shops and restaurants within walking distance—my favorites are One6Three pizza and Elena’s on Orange!
What is your favorite thing to do in/near New Haven?
My favorite thing to do in and around New Haven is explore new restaurants. New Haven is so rich in culture and there are a variety of unique cuisines to try. Yale and Yale New Haven Health host an annual New Haven “Restaurant Week” which is a great way to discover the city’s hidden gems and see everything it has to offer.
Do you have any final thoughts or advice for prospective students?
The Physician Associate Program at Yale School of Medicine is a choice I would make over and over again. At Yale, my education is comprehensive, my experiences are unique, and I feel supported by my faculty. The Yale mission allows me to focus on what is important to me, while preparing me to be a leader rooted in compassionate care.
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