Delaney Bacon
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Class of 2022
Where is your hometown?
Fort Collins, CO
What clubs and activities are you currently involved with?
Student Diversity Task Force- PA Representative, PA 2022 Class Council- Diversity Representative, OB/GYN club, and STIGMA club
What initially brought you to RVU? Why did you decide to pursue this degree?
I spent a handful of years during and after undergrad exploring a variety of different healthcare roles, from a pharmacy assistant to a pathology lab intern, then onto global health extension officer and clinical research coordinator. My favorite aspects of each experience seemed to fit perfectly into the responsibilities of a PA: autonomy to diagnose and treat patients with ample time to connect with them about their healthcare and health education needs. I was drawn to the RVU PA program specifically because of their focus on holistic competency-based, team-based learning in order to form truly well-rounded, collaborative, and compassionate PAs.
What do you enjoy doing when not at RVU?
I really enjoy the fresh mountain air, so I will take any excuse to go camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. I unwind by playing music and often spend my 10 minute breaks between online classes playing guitar or keyboard. You’ll often find me at a park playing pick-up sports/games with friends and family. I also make a point to read and stay current on social issues, especially as they relate to the medical field.
What is an interesting or little known fact about you.
I am conversational in Swahili because I lived and worked in Tanzania for two years with the United States Peace Corps. Ninaweza kuongea Kiswahili kwa sababu niliishi Tanzania kufanya kazi kwa miaka miwili na Peace Corps ya Marekani.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given by a professor or a student while at RVU?
I was encouraged early on in my didactic year to “keep an eye on the bigger picture,” and it has become my motto. We will all have bad days: lower-than-expected test scores, difficult assignments, enormous amounts of course material, a complicated standardized patient that did not go as planned, etc. It’s important to remember that these challenging experiences are molding us into compassionate and competent healthcare providers, and we are growing tremendously through the program both personally and professionally. We must have grace for ourselves, especially on our bad days.
What are your medical interests?
I am interested in women’s health, behavioral health, family medicine, and internal medicine, though I am excited to explore more specialties during my upcoming clinical rotations.
What is a favorite memory you have from being at RVU?
My favorite memory thus far is being a part of the Inaugural Summit for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which was a 4-part series with guest speakers from across the country to discuss common injustices in the field of medicine and how the RVU community can improve its advocacy. It was inspiring to see RVU students, faculty, and staff come together to have incredible discussions about how to foster a culture of inclusion in our future practices, at the university, and in the medical field at large.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
When I was a prospective student, I wished someone reassured me that admission into PA school is not entirely about looking like the perfect PA student on paper. There is no one true path to PA school. As long as you are genuinely building your skills and life experiences in your preparation for school, you will go far. Focus on what you are learning from each job, shadowing, and volunteer experience. If you have something to show for it on your application and in your interview, do what you are passionate about and don’t be afraid to explore the field. You may even stand out more in the stack of applications in your experiences are unique and authentic.
