Meghan Sharkey

I am a third year Physician Assistant (PA) student at Rush University and will complete my training in December 2022. Prior to PA school, I was employed as Emergency Medical Technician, first at a private ambulance company and then in a hospital emergency department (ED). I have since received additional training and experience in a variety of areas that allowed me to further my medical knowledge and skills, including rotations in neurosurgery, neuroscience intensive care, and movement disorders.

Unique to the Rush University PA Program, our third year is spent gaining additional clinical experience in a specialty track of our choosing. I am currently completing five additional 5-week rotations in internal medicine subspecialties which have allowed me to advance my skills in areas such as neurology and palliative care, among others. As a highly motivated individual, I have a strong desire to exceed expectations.

I am confident my clinical background and procedural experience have prepared me to contribute to your team as a healthcare provider. As a hardworking, team-oriented professional, eager to begin my practice as a PA, I will bring my best every day to my patients and colleagues.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Neurosurgery – Riverside Medical Center

• Directly assisted neurosurgeon in procedures such as discectomies, laminectomies, and spinal fusions
• Mastered surgical techniques including wound closure of multiple tissue layers using a variety of techniques including running subcutaneous sutures and hand knot tying
• Evaluated patients in outpatient clinic to determine surgical candidacy, monitor wound healing, and provide comprehensive patient education regarding surgery and associated risks and benefits

Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit – Rush University Medical Center

• Managed complex patients with conditions such as stroke, intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, seizures, brain or spinal tumors, meningitis, and encephalitis
• Functioned as part of APP team, completed daily rounds with neurointensivist and neurocritical care fellow, collaborated closely with neurosurgical team

Movement Disorders – Rush University Medical Center

• Managed patients with disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, essential tremor
• Gained exposure to DBS programming with Abbott, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific systems 
• Performed Botox injections for sialorrhea

Palliative Care – Rush University Medical Center

Psychiatry – Rush University Medical Center

Internal Medicine: Hospitalists – Rush University Medical Center

Cardiology – Rush University Medical Center

Nephrology – Rush University Medical Center

Family Medicine – NorthShore Health Systems

Geriatrics (PM&R) – Rush University Medical Center John R. Bowman Center

Emergency Medicine – Weiss Memorial Hospital

General Surgery (Colorectal Service) – Rush University Medical Center

Women’s Health – Rush University Medical Center

Pediatrics – St. Patrick Family Health Center

Pediatric Cardiology – Rush University Health Center

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center – Hinsdale, IL October 2018 – May 2020

Patient Care Technician – Emergency Department 

• Effectively liaised health information between patients and providers.
• Obtained vital signs, monitored blood glucose, collected blood and urine specimens. 
• Performed EKGs, venipuncture, wound care, splinting, CPR, and post-mortem care. 
• Set up for and assisted with bedside procedures under direction of MD/PA/NP.
• Assisted patients with personal care and activities of daily living.

Edward Ambulance Services – Naperville, IL February 2018 – May 2019

Emergency Medical Technician

• Responded to emergencies out of local behavioral hospital and nursing homes.
• Safely transported patients to rehabilitation and nursing facilities, hospice centers, and behavioral hospitals.
• Identified signs and symptoms and provided appropriate treatment under the direction of Medical Control. 

Illinois Department of Human Services – Champaign, IL August 2016 – May 2017

Personal Aide

• Helped student with cerebral palsy with ADLs, IADLs and transfers.

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Anticipated: December 2022

Rush University, Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts in Community Health Graduated: May 2017

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign