Reservist turns to technology to secure dream job

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Corenthia Fennell | Staff Sgt. Joanna Boyd, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron contingency aeromedical staging facility, deployed from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., applies make-up to Staff Sgt. Vincent Avila, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-16 crew chief, during a recent mass casualty rehearsal. Sgt. Boyd, a native of Hastings, Mich., recently interviewed and was selected to attend next year’s Physicians Assistants program at Western Michigan University, all through Skype, an internet-based voice and video communication tool.  

SALAH AD DIN, IRAQ

02.26.2011

Story by Senior Airman Tong Duong 

332d Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - With a downturn economy and dream jobs a rarity, one airman interviewed from halfway around the world for a opportunity.

Staff Sgt. Joanna Boyd, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron contingency aeromedical staging facility, deployed from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., was like many who were indecisive in a career, but a chance encounter changed all that.

“I met a physician’s assistant in the spring of 2009, after transferring to my unit. I shadowed him and knew in my gut it was what I wanted to do,” the Hastings, Mich., native, said. “I was 25 years old at the time and it felt good to finally know ‘what I want to be when I grew up.’ ”

Sgt. Boyd recently interviewed with one of three schools she applied to. She was selected to attend next year’s Physicians Assistants program at Western Michigan University, all through Skype, an internet-based voice and video communication tool.

“When I interviewed, the director explained that I would be get an email if I was selected. I was thinking I would find out in a couple weeks, but at the end he asked ‘what would you say if I offered you a spot in next year's class,’ ” Sgt. Boyd said. “This is a dream come true for me.”

The first physician’s assistants school was established at WMU in 1972. Listed in the top 10 percentile for PA schools in the states, more than 1,200 hopefuls applied this past year. Only 100 people were selected for interviews and 40 were offered a spot in the next class. Sgt. Boyd was the first student to be selected for an interview via Skype.

Despite having more than 4,000 clinical hours through the military, as well as a 3.8 grade point average in her undergrad in health science and management, Sgt. Boyd felt she had a small chance of getting selected.

“I felt in my heart that if I could get an interview and sit down in front of someone, they would know how badly I wanted a spot in the class,” she said.

The PA profession started in 1965 for military medical personnel who had a lot of experience but no career on the civilian side to accommodate. Now physician’s assistants are highly sought after because they are a cost effective way of working with our aging population, Sgt. Boyd said.

While the program is 24 months long with minimal breaks, she is extremely motivated because of the "amazing and bright career" ahead of her. Upon completing next year’s course, Sgt. Boyd will also finish her master’s in physician assistance studies.

“As a marathon runner, I kind of compare this entire journey to it,” she said. “Getting here was the training, which is hard and some days you feel like you're a failure. The next day, you pick yourself back up and lace your running shoes and head out the door again.

“There are days where you want to settle but somehow you keep pushing yourself to find out what the best thing is.”

The sergeant has already ordered books suggested to her by mentors and those currently attending the PA school, so as to use her time at JBB to get a head start on the course.

Sgt. Boyd credits the Air Force for her good fortunes.

“I love the military and our country,” she said. “Since joining I have met some of the most amazing and influential people who have truly taught me life lessons. If it weren't for the military, I would have never met the [physician’s assistant]… It's amazing how things work out.”

The sergeant said she went to college right after high school and had no clue as to what she wanted to do. After two years of college experience she just felt lost.

“I was sitting at lunch one day and I swear God just said to me, ‘You should join the military,’ ” she said.

Boyd did some research online and a reserve recruiter was the first one who contacted her. After talking with friends and family about it, she joined six months later, following in the footsteps of an uncle and her grandpa. Upon completing technical school, Boyd went back to school full time and finished her bachelor’s degree.

Sgt. Boyd’s interview was made possible with the help of member at JBB, from computer support to a quiet room, and support from staff members.

“The space warfare support on base set me up with a laptop and one of our flight doctors let me use his office. The team I work with was very supportive as well; they covered my roles in the CASF and ensured I would be able to focus on the interview,” Sergeant Boyd said.

CASF flight commander, Lt. Col. James Neblett, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group was elated to hear of her acceptance.

“I think it is fantastic Sergeant Boyd was admitted to a program via a Skype interview,” the Pulaski, Va., native, who is deployed from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Ga., said. “She has a firm working knowledge of physiology and patho-physiology.”

Many use technology to advance their daily lives. One airman took advantage of it to secure a spot in next year’s physicians assistants program at WMU. For Sgt. Boyd, this is another step closer to what she considers her true calling.

“The feeling of being selected is almost unreal, I don't think it will truly feel real until the first day of class,” Sgt. Boyd said. “I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many people rooting for my success. God has and continues to throw amazing opportunities my way; I never want to take those things for granted.”

• Date Taken: 02.26.2011
• Date Posted: 03.13.2011 06:30
• Story ID: 66964
• Location: SALAH AD DIN, IQ