Once per month we profile one of the outstanding medical doctors, physician assistants, or nurses of One Medical Group in downtown San Francisco. This month is Jennie Cossman, PA-C.
Interview with Jennie Cossman
What made you want to be a Physician Assistant?
Since childhood, my nurturing personality and interest in healthcare have guided me in the direction of medicine. My mother, who is a pediatric nurse practitioner, also strongly influenced my decision. I went through undergraduate in pre-med studies, and began looking into other options within the medical profession, which might allow me to have more of a flexible lifestyle. Physician assistants have the ability to complete their education earlier, spend time with their families, yet, still enjoy the gratification that comes with helping and healing people. After spending an entire summer shadowing PAs of myriad specialties, I realized that PAs have a surprising amount of autonomy, and therefore, being a physician assistant was the perfect career for me!
What is the difference between a PA and an MD?
Training for a PA parallels the medical education of MDs, except that it is a condensed version of the entire MD program, requiring an undergraduate and graduate degree. A residency for sub-specialization is not required, which allows for more career flexibility. PAs are able to have their independent patient relationships, prescribe all medications, and have more time for patient education.
What do feel you have the most knowledge about, what do you deal with the most?
Allergies and asthma, women’s health, and chronic disease management, such as hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, are a few of my interests. I have asthma and allergies myself, so I can empathize with my patients on those issues.
What are your keys to health, and what do you live by?
Take time to enjoy life. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your daily schedule.
Take an hour a day for yourself.
Find exercise that doesn’t feel like drudge work. Dance! Box! Do anything! Just sweat!
Remember…your mind and body always work together. One cannot function to it’s fullest without the other. When you eat better, you feel better. Be sure to get enough sleep! Getting 8 hours of sleep per night is the best way to keep your mind and body healthy.
To schedule an appointment with Jennie Cossman visit One Medical Group San Francisco or call 415-578-3100.
Thanks for the interesting and informative post. i look forward to more in the future.
Posted by: Pima Medical Institute – Medical Career Training & Healthcare Education | February 23, 2010 at 01:24 PM
Nice interview and I like Jennie Cossman PA-C, looks at life,take time to enjoy.A beautiful and intelligent woman.
Posted by: medical records company | March 23, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Take time to enjoy life. Find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your daily schedule.
Posted by: web based emr | May 08, 2010 at 09:18 AM
Funny how the simplest of things can create health. When in doubt, "less is more" I suppose. And, taking care of ourselves helps out others (for those that feel they can only give, give, give...) ; )
Posted by: Penelope Agnese | August 16, 2011 at 10:43 PM