Marissa Saltzman, PA (MS '15)

Share your story:

I was inspired to apply to the IHN after interning at a pharmaceutical company in the Nutrition Sciences Department. I was initially interested in working full time in pharma from a nutrition perspective after that internship. However, my time at the IHN inspired me to go into clinical medicine. While completing my thesis with a pediatric GI attending, I shadowed during hospitals rounds, learned to perform physical exams, observed GI procedures, and watched as the GI team formulated medical plans. It was during this time that I decided the right path for me was to become a Physician’s Assistant (PA). I graduated from Weill Cornell Medicine PA program in 2018 and initially worked as an inpatient internal medicine PA. After just over two years, I decided to specialize and I have now been working as a GI PA in private practice. I am thrilled with my decision to become a PA and highly recommend the profession to anyone who is interested!

Is there a memory that stands out from your time at IHN?

My favorite memory of my time at the IHN is working on my thesis project. I learned more than I could have ever imagined about the world of academic research. Specifically, the IHN greatly prepared me for my PA program, where I also had to complete a thesis. I was so well prepared to write another thesis that I won an award for my research and was subsequently inducted into the National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. 

What skills or values do you think are essential for being in your professional field today?

Compassion, patience, empathy, organization skills, quick thinking, public speaking, and a constant desire to learn.