National Champ. Volunteer. PA Graduate. Cam Scheitzach ready to complete legendary UK career

By Ella Rosner and Ryan Clark
CHS Contributors

There aren’t many graduates who will have the resume of Cam Scheitzach.

Scheitzach, a 24-year-old native of Orlando, Fla., will soon graduate from UK’s Physician Assistant Studies program, and while that is impressive enough, she also earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science while playing volleyball at the University of Kentucky.

In fact, during her time as a collegiate athlete, she led UK’s volleyball squad to three Sweet Sixteen appearances, four SEC championships, and an NCAA Division I National Championship in 2021. 

But even that doesn’t tell the entire story. After shadowing multiple Physician Assistants, she witnessed quality healthcare being delivered to patients and was immediately inspired. Scheitzach described her soul as being “set on fire” by the career and its vital role in healthcare. 

While in undergraduate school, and in preparation for PA school, Scheitzach was involved in multiple clubs on campus, including being an ambassador for My Kentucky Home and Emerging Leaders. She also gained experience in research, working as a nursing aide and as an ophthalmic technician, while volunteering her time at the Hope Center and the Refuge Clinic. 

“Being a PA can be best described as being the connector and glue of the team; behind the scenes, you keep the ship afloat,” Scheitzach says. “Being that glue for a team is something I implemented in my volleyball career and now, seamlessly translates with a team of healthcare providers.”

After graduation, Scheitzach hopes to pursue her aspirations to work in OB/GYN as a Physician Assistant. Today we congratulate her!

Here’s 5 Questions with Cam Scheitzach: 

1, Why did you originally choose UK for undergrad and why did you decide to stay for PA school? 

I chose UK because I was offered the opportunity to play collegiate volleyball and pursue an education. The staff at Kentucky Volleyball felt like home away from home — little did I know I would meet some of the best people life has to offer. I’m forever grateful for (Head Coach) Craig Skinner giving me the opportunity to play for him and UKVB. 

Further, I have roots in Kentucky — I have family in Louisville, my mom went to UK and my parents met at UofL in graduate school. During my undergraduate years, my brother transferred to Kentucky and was a manager for the baseball team. Ultimately, it was a no-brainer for me because Kentucky had always been a second home to me. I chose to stay in Kentucky because of the mission and values UKPA is built on to improve the health and wellbeing of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Throughout my undergrad pre-PA track, I was immersed in being a witness to Kentucky’s health and saw how I could fill the gap as a PA. Further, the rigorous program offered opportunities to be plugged into the community and receive a top-notch education. It is crazy to think I will be graduating from the program! 

2. How have UKPA and CHS influenced you, as both a person and as a future provider? 

First and foremost, UKPA and CHS have granted me the opportunity to be a part of the 2025 Physician Assistant graduation class. That, in and of itself, is a huge blessing! Over the past two years, they have equipped me to be a well-rounded provider, invested in my bigger picture, and have supported my ambitions to pursue opportunities in the women’s health specialty as a PA-S. 

3. What is your favorite memory from your time here at UK? 

My favorite memory from my time at UK is winning a national championship in April 2021 with my best friends and the best people. Winning a national championship is a dream for every collegiate athlete. To do that, with your best people, is an indescribable heart beam. It was truly the biggest honor to bring joy to the BBN, represent the state and grow the sport. 

4. What does the future look like for you? What do you hope to do next? 

Future plans consist of graduating from PA school (crazy to even type that), studying for my boards, and (hopefully) landing a big-girl job in OB/GYN. I am passionate about empowering and educating women — there is so much value in delivering quality care and advocating for women in a specialty that can be complex at times. A future dream down the road would be to give back in some way. Whether that looks like being involved in JDRF for type 1 diabetics (stemming from my personal journey with T1DM), paving a wave for physician assistants interested in women’s health, or stepping into the realm of leadership. Ultimately, there is a fire in me to give back to the people and communities that have supported me to achieve my dreams. 

5. If someone were to ask you advice about following in your footsteps, what would you tell them? 

Gosh — such an important question! There is so much value in sharing experiences and helping others get to where you are (and more) because you too were once in their shoes, starting at square one. 

Truthfully, I feel like this is such the space to share advice that I heard in my undergraduate years and still live by:  

• Being the most authentic version of yourself is your power. I genuinely believe this applies to all aspects of life — professionally, in sports and life in general. It is so human to doubt yourself, to feel unqualified to have a seat at the table. But it’s on your heart for a reason — you are qualified to learn and embrace the role you're in.
   
• Leave it better than you found it. Whether it is your seat in a classroom, your performance in your job, how you make someone feel, or your investment in a program — you have the opportunity to change the trajectory. 
   
• How you take care of the little things is how you take care of the big things. 
   
• You would never know unless you tried! Submit the application, go for the job, pick up the phone and call for the opportunity. You never know the experience you could gain!