EDGE-PA Mentor and Partner Testimonials | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Mentors and Partners Share Their Experience with the EDGE-PA Program

The EDGE-PA program connects mentors, partners, and aspiring physician assistants to support career growth and education. These testimonials highlight the program’s impact through mentorship, professional development, and community collaboration.

“Originally, I was a student in the EDGE-PA program, striving to gain admission into PA school. Thanks to the incredible support I received, especially with my essays and interview preparation, I was accepted into Drexel University’s PA program. That experience was both inspiring and transformative, and it motivated me to give back as a mentor to other aspiring students.
As a mentor, I’ve focused on building a meaningful connection with my mentee, offering consistent encouragement and support while balancing the demands of PA school myself. Through our relationship, I’ve seen firsthand how guidance and belief can fuel motivation. My mentee continues to push forward in pursuit of his dream of becoming a top PA, and I’m proud to be part of that journey. I hope to continue paying it forward and empowering future students just as others once did for me.”

Thomas Randle, EDGE-PA Mentor

“This was my first year serving as a mentor in the EDGE-PA program, and it’s been a truly rewarding experience. I became involved to help support and guide pre-PA students as they prepare for the challenges of PA school. It’s been inspiring to see their growth in confidence and academic readiness over just a few weeks. I would absolutely recommend the EDGE-PA program to anyone interested in becoming a PA!”

Dr. Yufu Kuo, EDGE-PA Mentor

“The EDGE-PA has been a rewarding way to mentor and uplift pre-PA students, especially those who have faced challenges getting into PA school. I’ve seen my mentee gain confidence. I highly recommend the program for anyone pursuing the PA career.”

Carmen Cortez Ortega, EDGE-PA Mentor

“I learned about the EDGE-PA Program through one of Dr. Kibe’s posts on LinkedIn and knew I wanted to get involved. As someone who faced significant social barriers to becoming a PA, it is so fulfilling to be able to provide the mentorship, feedback, and resources I wish I had while navigating the process of applying to PA school, getting through PA school, and starting my first job as a PA. It is a low-effort time commitment for a significant, substantial impact on helping shape someone’s future. It has been very rewarding, and my mentee is so grateful for the support. I look forward to being involved for years to come!”

Cooper Couch, PA-C, EDGE-PA Mentor

“My involvement with the EDGE-PA program occurred through communication with faculty at CDU. One of our current EDGE-PA matriculants is currently a Social Alliance (Beyond Flexner) scholar and the class president. I believe that the EDGE program helps bridge their transition into PA education.”

Partnering PA Program

“As part of our partnership, I delivered a presentation to students in the EDGE-PA program. While I presented to a smaller group of students within the EDGE-PA program, the gratitude shown and the number and depth of questions asked were unrivaled by other programs I’ve presented for. Moments like that make the job worth it.”

Partnering PA Program

“As a graduate of the CDU PA Program and now a practicing PA, I was given the opportunity to be a mentor for the CDU EDGE-PA Program. Working directly with extremely motivated pre-PAs consistently reminds me of how great the PA profession is. I have thoroughly enjoyed mentoring pre-PAs & seeing their growth. EDGE-PA provides invaluable assistance, resources, and support to students who are on their pre-PA journey. The participants gain important information and insight into our profession that allows them to be well prepared for the rigorous application process. I’m grateful to be able to mentor the future PAs of the world as a part of the EDGE-PA program!”

Lizabeth Acosta, PA-C, EDGE-PA Mentor

“I was introduced to the Charles Drew EDGE Program by Dr. Carl Frizell, who served as my mentor during PA school. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of the program. Having a mentor provided not only academic support but also emotional reassurance during difficult moments, which made a significant impact on my success and professional development.”

EDGE-PA Mentor

“I was a part of the EDGE-PA program’s 2023 cohort. I decided to become a mentor for the program because I wanted to give back in any way I could. I mention this program to anyone who will listen because I believe this kind of program is essential to the overall goal of expanding access to PA education.”

Dante Miles, EDGE-PA Mentor

“As a CDU PA program alumni, I really enjoyed being a mentor and giving guidance to my mentee!”

LaToya Abernathy, PA-C, EDGE-PA Mentor

“Joining the EDGE-PA Program was a turning point in my journey to becoming a PA. After navigating three difficult and discouraging CASPA cycles on my own, I finally found the support I needed as part of the very first EDGE-PA cohort. The program provided mentorship, structure, and resources that simply weren’t available to me elsewhere, and it truly became the final piece that helped me gain acceptance into PA school. Even now, our first cohort remains in close contact. We continue to uplift, encourage, and support each other through every stage of our PA journey. I now serve as a mentor to pre-PA students through the program, and I would confidently recommend EDGE-PA to anyone, especially those who may not have access to traditional guidance or resources. It creates equity in the application process and makes the dream of becoming a PA feel not only possible, but achievable.”

Elijah Jones, EDGE-PA Mentor

“I heard about the EDGE-PA program by word of mouth. I had a personal desire to help the next generation of PAs and explore life coaching. I believe I have positively impacted my mentee by bringing positive energy to focus. He has increased his confidence, created more specific goals, joined professional organizations to help with networking opportunities and has been open to feedback. CDU energy is palpable! I love the opportunity to give back and the resources provided for mentors and students along the way. I would recommend this program without a doubt!”