Recent Seton Hill graduate Hannah Rimel, PA-C, graciously took the time out of a busy career as an orthopedic surgery PA to answer some questions about her experience in the Physician Assistant Program at Seton Hill.

What is your current position?

I am an orthopedic surgery physician assistant with Independence Health System.

What’s a typical day like for an orthopedic surgery PA?

So everyday is a little bit different which makes it interesting. Some days I work in the office from approximately 8 AM - 4 PM seeing patients. These patients are typically postoperative visits and follow ups. If we have any postoperative patients in the hospital, I will round them before office hours start. On OR days, our surgeries typically start at 7:30 AM. I usually arrive at the hospital around 7 so that I can do computer work such as orders before the surgical cases start. Our end time for the day varies depending on how many cases we have that day, and their complexity. We usually finish up between 3 - 4 PM. 

Do you assist with surgery?

For the surgical cases, I talk to the patients before we take them back to the OR and send them the prescriptions that they will need following the surgery. I am in charge of positioning the patient, prepping, and draping. I then first assist the surgeon during the case. I am also in charge of closing and applying the splints. After the surgeries are over, I complete quick postoperative notes in the chart so that the nurses have an idea of what took place during the operation before the surgeon has a chance to submit the full operative report.

"The Seton Hill Program prepared me to be a PA by not only teaching me the necessary curriculum, but also other characteristics that are necessary to excel in this profession - such as dedication, compassion, and teamwork." 

How do you feel that Seton Hill prepared you for this career?

I started my career with an exceptional medical knowledge base that I was able to build upon with on the job training. I feel that this kind of education allows PA’s the flexibility to work in any specialty. Seton Hill’s PA program also taught me the perseverance necessary to get through the difficult days that we all will encounter. 

Is there anything specific about your Seton Hill experience that stands out to you?

I was able to form lifelong relationships with my classmates and professors, all while preparing for a career as a PA. The Seton Hill Program prepared me to be a PA by not only teaching me the necessary curriculum, but also other characteristics that are necessary to excel in this profession - such as dedication, compassion, and teamwork.