“I truly believe that no one pursues a career in health care. It somehow chooses itself
for you.”
This belief is espoused by Izabella Matatova (MS/PA ’22), a graduating physician assistant (PA) studies student who feels that healthcare careers are for “people who want to make a difference in the world.”
Twenty-five years ago, Matatova and her family came to America as refugees from Uzbekistan.
“We didn’t know any English, did not have anything. I learned English from watching cartoons,” she said. However, while cleaning offices with her grandparents to make extra money when she was younger, Matatova dreamed of making that difference.
She aspires to work in a variety of medical fields, an option that physician assistants have, to “find my passion in a way that gives back to the community that helped raise me.” Following graduation, she is considering working in primary care, preventative medicine, and possibly dermatology, women’s health and behavioral medicine.
With an interest in medicine, Matatova said she chose the PA pathway because of the “flexibility and lateral mobility the career offers. I have many interests in the realm of medicine,” she said, “and would love to be able to explore all of them if given the chance.”
In addition, she plans to one day help young PA students during their journey towards a healthcare career.
Prior to matriculating at PCOM Georgia, Matatova graduated from Duluth High School in Gwinnett County and earned a bachelor
of science degree in biology at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
She said, “I have a lot of love and pride for both my high school and undergrad university. I was lucky enough to grow up in two of the most diverse schools Georgia has to offer.”
She chose to remain close to home for PA school as well. “I chose PCOM Georgia because my family means the world to me. I was attracted to PCOM because of the diversity it offered, which was a very important aspect in a school for me,” she said.
As a student, one of her most meaningful activities was having the opportunity to help vaccinate faculty members and students for COVID-19. “This was a great experience to be involved in during such a hard time,” she said.
She thanks her parents for the opportunities she’s been given. “Without their struggles and hard work, I would not be even close to what I have accomplished,” she said. “They are so full of life and love and truly make the most of every situation. They have taught me to keep pushing no matter the difficulties.”
She leaves similar advice to future physician assistant students.
“Take it one day at a time. It will go by so much faster than you will ever anticipate. Make friends. Find your people. PA school is hard enough as it is. There is no reason to go through it alone.”
She added, “Finally, have fun. The memories and friends you make and the patients you will see during rotations will make a great impact on you.”
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