This new episode of Derm Dispatch, Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, and Jessica Dell'aquila, MS, PA-C discusses career transitions, professional growth, and the evolving role of physician peers in the healthcare industry. Dell'aquila, a Charleston, South Carolina-based physician assistant (PA), shared her journey after five years of clinical practice, including surgery, abdominal transplants and functional medicine, before making a vital move into the healthcare industry.
Dell'aquila highlighted the key skills that enabled her to transition: strong communication and critical thinking. These core competencies, honed through direct patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration, served as a solid foundation as they challenged an environment that was more business and strategy-focused. She emphasized that working in the industry involves a sudden and humble learning curve, although still patient-centered. Many aspects, such as contracting, marketing, and healthcare work, are unfamiliar with most clinicians and require dedicated time to master it.
“There was a big learning curve and in reality I was very humble,” Del Akira said. “There are so many in the healthcare world.
The conversation touched on general concerns during the mid-career PAS: Professional Stagnation. Jessica was openly debating the reach of the growth cap for clinical practice around the 5-7 year mark. She attributes a successful transition to strategic networking by reaching out to other PAs in industry roles, conducting information interviews and carefully documenting lessons learned.
The PA agreed to the growing need for structured business and industrial education in the PA training programme, noting that many new graduates are taking part in practice with little knowledge of the healthcare system beyond clinical domain. It also addresses the restrictions imposed by restrictive clinic contracts. This can suppress growth and encourage turnover.
Dell'aquila reflected on the personal and professional performance that her new role offers. She misses the intimate rewards of direct patient care, especially in emotionally impactful specialties such as transplants, but she now values the broader impact that coupled with her own development has on patient outcomes. The discussion ended with a call for action. Build a stronger peer support system for PAS, navigate industry roles, and expand awareness of alternative carrier pathways within healthcare.
“I think the most rewarding aspect is the fact that while you can impact your patients, you still see yourself and your professional growth. That's always been an important part for me,” concluded Del Akira.
