🇺🇸 English

An Interview

Raised in Puerto Rico, this Urology PA-C brings both dedication and heart to her work, serving her community with purpose and pride. Her journey reflects not only a commitment to patient care, but also a deep belief in the growing role of physician associates on the island.

Q&A with Mariela:

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a PA?
I was born in Newark, New Jersey, and my parents moved back to Puerto Rico when I was six years old. Since then, I’ve lived and completed all of my education here on the island. My mom was a nurse, and from a young age, she instilled in me an interest in healthcare. After exploring different career paths in medicine, the PA profession aligned best with my personality and with what I hoped to achieve in the field.

What has your experience been like practicing as a PA-C in Puerto Rico?Practicing in Puerto Rico has been incredibly rewarding. Being able to provide care to people here at home is hard to match. That said, there are still many challenges that PAs face here, and I hope that one day those barriers become a thing of the past so we can practice to our full scope.

What are some career highlights or moments you’re most proud of?Honestly, one of the things I’m most proud of is staying and practicing in Puerto Rico. There’s something very special about caring for your own community. Beyond that, the moments where patients trust me with their care, and I can see a real difference in their health, are the ones that stay with me the most. Those are the moments that remind me why I chose this profession.

What challenges have you faced as a PA on the island?
A major challenge has been the need for ongoing education about our profession—not only among patients, but also among other healthcare professionals. It’s a daily reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done, but also that if we continue to come together and advocate for our role, meaningful change is possible.

How do you see the future of the PA profession in Puerto Rico?
There is no doubt that Puerto Rico needs PAs. The shortage of access to healthcare clearly highlights the importance of expanding our role. With continued advocacy and awareness, I believe PAs will play an increasingly vital part in improving access to care and strengthening the healthcare system on the island.

What advice would you give to PA students or new grads entering the field?
Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The transition can feel overwhelming at times, but every experience is an opportunity to grow. Trust your training, advocate for your patients, and remember why you chose this profession in the first place.

Fun fact:
Outside of medicine, I’m a big fan of sitcoms and definitely enjoy unwinding and relaxing after work. I love spending time with my cats and exploring new beaches around Puerto Rico whenever I get the chance.

Closing Remarks:

Mariela’s story is a reminder that behind every growing profession are individuals choosing to stay, serve, and push it forward. As PA-Cs continue to expand their presence in Puerto Rico—including in specialties like urology—their role in improving access to care becomes not just important, but essential. 🌟

🇵🇷 Resumen en Español

Resumen de Entrevista

Nacida en Newark, Nueva Jersey, y criada en Puerto Rico desde los seis años, completó toda su educación en la isla. Inspirada por su madre, enfermera, desarrolló desde joven un interés por la salud y encontró en la profesión de PA la mejor manera de alinearse con sus metas y personalidad.

Ejercer como PA-C en Puerto Rico ha sido una experiencia muy gratificante, especialmente por la oportunidad de servir a su propia comunidad. Actualmente se desempeña en urología, donde valora profundamente la confianza de sus pacientes y el impacto directo que puede tener en su bienestar. Sin embargo, reconoce que aún existen retos importantes, como la necesidad de mayor educación y reconocimiento de la profesión tanto entre pacientes como dentro del mismo sistema de salud.

A pesar de estos desafíos, mantiene una visión optimista: Puerto Rico necesita PA-Cs, y con mayor concienciación y abogacía, su rol será clave para mejorar el acceso a la atención médica en la isla.

A quienes comienzan en la profesión, les aconseja mantenerse curiosos, abiertos al aprendizaje y confiar en su formación, recordando siempre el propósito que los llevó a elegir este camino.

Fuera de la medicina, disfruta relajarse viendo sitcoms, compartir con sus gatos y explorar nuevas playas alrededor de Puerto Rico.