BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023: Alumna one of 25 chosen for Louisville Metro Women Ambassadors program
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
In January, the Louisville Metro’s Office for Women launched its inaugural ambassador program to help raise the status of women and girls in Louisville.
Twenty-five women were chosen for the six-month program — one of them being CHS alumna Candice Hite, PA-C.
“I’m a 28 year-old black female healthcare provider, Pre-PA coach, and creative,” said Hite, a Louisville native. “I’m a Physician Associate and I love what I do. More importantly, I love helping others get to do it as well. I’ve made it a part of my life’s mission to not only be a minority unapologetically in healthcare, but to go back and help bring every other minority that wants to change/save lives to these spaces as well.”
Maternal health. Housing. Education. The participants will explore issues like these while trying to offer solutions — and the women are of all different races and ages.
“I love mentoring and coaching other students along their journey,” said Hite, who graduated with an MS in Physician Assistant Studies in 2019. “I offer coaching calls and host networking events. I excel at cultivating safe-spaces so that real progress can occur and intimate connections can form. I’m constantly working on ways to ‘Send the Elevator Back Down’ for the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
Hite, who has previously worked in Interventional Pain Management and Personal Injury, said she is currently looking for a new position after relocating back to her hometown. “I’m excited to try a different specialty and widen my skills and experiences,” she said. “I offer pre-PA coaching and development services. I coach students on how to package and position themselves throughout their journey so that by the time they’re ready to apply, they are the ‘must admit’ applicant.”
Now, let’s find out more about her. Here’s five questions with … Candice Hite:
Why UK?
I was born and raised in Louisville, Ky., so I’ve always been very familiar with UK. When I decided to start looking at PA programs, my choice was a no-brainer. As I did more research, I fell in love with UK’s PA program — the staff, the way the program was set up, etc. — it always felt like home and as if I belonged. UK was my top-choice PA program and with all of my efforts, I was accepted the first time I applied.
Why PA?
I come from humble beginnings, so ascending these heights did not come easy. I was initially pre-med until I discovered the PA profession. I made the switch and never looked back. I love practicing medicine and being able to impact lives by living out my passion. I’ve been a PA for three years and it’s already opened doors for me and people that look like me. I’ve broken generational curses, and started the pathway to generational wealth for my family. Being a PA has changed the trajectory of my entire life.
How did our program help prepare you for your current role?
UK really took the time to pour into us and create well-rounded healthcare professionals. Not only did I learn how to be a knowledgeable healthcare provider, but they also focused on the soft-skills that really create a quality experience for patients. They focused on empathy, compassion, professionalism, etc. I’m great with patients and I can thank UK’s PA program for that.
Any favorite moments? Professors? Classes?
My favorite professors were Dr. Schuer and Dr. Collett. They were awesome and really added to the experience. One of my favorite moments was being nominated to participate in Dean’s Interdisciplinary Honors Colloquialism. We were teamed up with CHS students in different programs and had to work on a research project and present it to the entire College of Health Sciences. It was a lot of hard work in addition to my PA studies, but it was very rewarding.
Tell me about the women’s initiative you’re a part of and why you wanted to be involved in that?
I became involved with Louisville Metro’s Office for Women Ambassadors program to grow as a leader and be able to better create change in my hometown. It’s a network of dedicated women who are committed to being a part of the solution.
BONUS: Lastly, what would you say to someone interested in going down the same path? How would you recommend CHS and the PA program?
There’s a ton of advice I could give, but most important, I’d say ‘Go for it!’ Believe that you can do it and give it all you’ve got. Perspective is everything when it comes to taking on a task this big. Create a plan and stick to it. Do your research and use the resources around you. Reach out to advisors, mentors, PA support groups, social media and others on the same journey as you for guidance.
UK CHS and the faculty at the PA program really treated me like family. I made it through a pregnancy in the middle of the program and didn’t miss a beat. They rallied around me and provided the support I needed to finish the program strong. It’s an honor to be a graduate of UK’s PA program.