After years of working toward a career in healthcare, Zainab Olanipekun is taking the next step toward becoming a Physician Assistant at Barry University. Her interest in patient care began in high school, when she earned her EMT certification. She has now been licensed for eight years.

Originally from Northern New Jersey, Zainab graduated from Syracuse University in 2022 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She later spent about three years working as a Patient Care Technician in a palliative oncology clinic, where she gained valuable experience and developed a deeper understanding of compassion, resilience and patient-centered care.

“These are lessons that I will carry with me into school and beyond,” she shared.

After being accepted into four PA programs, Zainab chose Barry University because of its strong reputation and commitment to service. She wanted a program that would challenge her academically, prepare her for the PANCE and help her become a compassionate, competent provider.

“I wanted a program that would challenge me academically while also emphasizing the importance of treating the patient as a whole and serving the community,” she said.

She also appreciates the opportunity to take Medical Spanish, which aligns with the needs of the diverse communities she hopes to serve. And, as she puts it, “It also doesn’t hurt to go to class in nice weather!”

As she begins the PA program, Zainab is most excited to bring her previous experiences into the classroom, learn from her professors and peers, and grow her clinical skills and confidence.

At Barry, she hopes to discover the area of medicine she is most passionate about through her clinical rotations while building lasting relationships with her classmates.

“More than anything, I want to leave Barry feeling confident in the person and provider that I’ve become, knowing that I worked hard to get there.”