Fuller Transforms Father’s Struggles into Motivation in Pursuit of Physician Assistant Career at PC

Anna Fuller is about to become a double graduate of Presbyterian College, not to mention having been the first person in her family to graduate from college and now graduate school.

Fuller graduated from PC in May 2023 with her bachelor’s degree in biology, minor in psychology. “Going to PC for my undergraduate studies was one of the most rewarding and influential decisions I’ve made,” says Fuller. “The connections I made, the mentoring I received and the opportunities I was given have made me forever thankful for PC and all of the people I met during my journey. I couldn’t envision myself pursuing my master’s anywhere other than Presbyterian College.”

The first generation student was motivated to pursue a medical career after her father experienced an alarming medical incident during her senior year of high school.

“My dad developed septic shock, and for weeks we were unsure what his outcome was going to be,” says Fuller. “Watching all the medical providers, especially his PAs, made me realize that I want to help others in the way all of the medical providers helped my family.”

Since her father’s recovery, Fuller has had the opportunity to work in hospital settings and put herself in the shoes of people who are going through circumstances similar to what she and her family experienced. She believes having that perspective makes her a stronger asset to families. “I admired the interactions I had with physician assistants as both a family member and my time working and shadowing. I ultimately felt that pursuing an education as a PA was the best fit for me.”

Since starting at PC for her first degree more than five years ago, Fuller says she has found support and encouragement behind every door.

“Every professor in the undergraduate biology department fueled my knowledge, pushed me to do my best in every class and ultimately helped me solidify my choice of PA as a career field,” says Fuller. She worked closely with Kim Lane and Lynn Downie at the academic success center to secure her first internship. That internship also led to her first job at a local hospital.

“Every medical provider that allowed me to shadow them and helped me gain clinical knowledge has made a lasting impact that I am very thankful for.”