The Biggest Impact: As graduation nears, UKPA student Olivia Goerdt reflects on journey — and what comes next

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

With her last semester coming to an end in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant Studies department, Olivia Goerdt finds herself in a familiar place for many future clinicians: Looking ahead to what’s next, while taking time to reflect on how far she’s come.

Goerdt, 24, is a third-year PA student completing her clinical rotations and will graduate in June. After months of hands-on training across Kentucky, she is beginning to see her future more clearly — and it’s pointing toward primary care.

“I have absolutely loved family medicine,” Goerdt said. “I love talking to people and following not only their medical journeys, but their journeys in life as well. I want to be someone’s primary provider — from having a cold to having the worst day of their life.”

Over the past year, Goerdt has completed clinical rotations in pediatrics, family medicine, women’s health, general surgery and internal medicine, training everywhere from Lexington to Hazard, Cynthiana and Paris. Each four-week rotation has offered a new perspective on patient care — and on herself.

“I’ve been all over Kentucky for the past few months,” she said. “Every rotation has taught me something different, not just medically, but about what kind of provider I want to be.”

Originally from McDonald, Penn., Goerdt first came to UK as an undergraduate neuroscience major. She stayed for PA school after feeling an immediate sense of belonging during her interview.

“The UKPA staff made me feel like I truly belonged here,” she said. “The program’s emphasis on lifelong learning really aligned with my personal goals.”

Goerdt’s desire to become a PA was shaped early by personal experience. After tearing her ACL as a volleyball player, she was diagnosed and guided through recovery by a physician assistant — a moment that stayed with her.

“She gave me confidence and hope when I needed it most,” Goerdt said. “I always used to say that I wanted to be the hero. That experience made me realize I wanted to be that source of knowledge and healing for others.”

Now nearing the end of her training, Goerdt says PA school has reinforced that “why” — while also preparing her for the realities of patient care.

“The best part of PA school has been the people,” she said. “My classmates and professors are incredibly passionate and supportive. I’ve grown so much through this program, and I feel constantly inspired by those around me.”

Last year, Goerdt was awarded the PA Moms Advocacy and Leadership Scholarship through the Physician Assistant Foundation, recognizing her involvement in advocacy and leadership, including serving as co-advocacy chair on the student board and participating in Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants Lobby Day.

“More than easing financial stress, the scholarship reminded me that giving 100 percent matters,” she said. “It motivates me to stay committed to my classmates, my community and my future patients.”

As she completes her remaining rotations — including infectious disease, emergency medicine, critical care and psychiatry — Goerdt is embracing the uncertainty that comes with standing on the edge of her career.

“Right now, I’m leaning toward primary care,” she said. “I want to follow patients long-term and be their first point of contact. That’s where I feel like I can make the biggest impact.”

For prospective students considering the PA profession, Goerdt offers simple advice.

“Say yes to every opportunity, even if it’s intimidating,” she said. “Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you and never forget your ‘why.’”

As graduation approaches, Goerdt says she’s grateful for her family’s support, for the mentors who shaped her, and for a program that prepared her not just to practice medicine, but to lead with compassion.

“I’ve learned that being a PA is about lifelong learning and patient-centered care,” she said. “UKPA didn’t just teach me how to be a provider — it helped me become the kind of provider I always hoped to be.”