On Friday, March 21, 2025, Catholic Central students learned about various career paths in the medical field during a DRIVE Development Day. Three alumni, each with a different role in healthcare, shared their experiences, offered advice, and inspired students to consider a future in medicine.

Jacob Paige ’15

The first speaker, Jacob Paige ‘15, walked students through his journey into the medical field, emphasizing the vast career options available. Currently a professor of anatomy and physiology at Hondros College of Nursing, Paige talked about medical career paths ranging from medical doctors and physician assistants to physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and speech therapists.

He discussed the growing demand for healthcare professionals. With life expectancy dropping from 78 to 76 years due to chronic disease and national health expenditures soaring to $5 trillion, the need for dedicated professionals in medicine has never been greater. He discussed exciting advancements in medicine, such as 3D-printed organs, artificial blood, and bionic limbs.

His advice to students was simple but profound: healthcare is about lifelong learning and service. “Pursue your future career with the intent that you’re always going to be developing your skills. The human body is complex, and there’s so much more to discover.” He encouraged students to explore medical sciences if they are curious about how the body works and how to solve diseases. “If you’re looking for a sign to go into healthcare, this is it.”

Scott Thompson ’89

The second speaker, Scott Thompson ‘89, discussed the role of a Physician Associate (PA), explaining how it differs from other medical professions. A graduate of Western Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy, Thompson walked students through the process of becoming a PA, from obtaining a bachelor’s degree and gaining healthcare experience to completing a PA program.

Thompson detailed the benefits of being a PA, including flexibility across medical specialties and the ability to work in various fields without undergoing years of residency like physicians. He emphasized the importance of understanding the financial aspects of medical careers, discussing salaries and student debt, and encouraging students to consider what kind of lifestyle they want.

“You can make great money as a PA,” he said, “but if you’re in it for the money alone, you’ll pay a high price. The key is finding fulfillment in what you do.”

Ben Phillips ’15

The final speaker, Ben Phillips ‘15, shared his story of an aspiring doctor to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse. Originally planning to become a surgeon, he obtained a biomedical science degree at Western Michigan University, working in labs and as a tutor. However, after shadowing doctors and reflecting on the years of schooling required, he decided to switch paths and enrolled in nursing school at Wayne State University.

Phillips spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of working in the PICU. “My favorite days are when I get to work with families—making a child’s day better, easing a parent’s stress, and ensuring they feel safe leaving their child in my care.”

He emphasized the flexibility of nursing, where professionals can switch specialties, advance into education or leadership roles, and work schedules that allow for work-life balance. However, he also addressed the difficulties, including burnout, demanding hours, and the heavy responsibilities placed on nurses.

“The best doctors are great because they have amazing nurses supporting them,” he said. “Patients might forget their doctors, but they always remember the nurse who helped them through their worst moments.”

Each speaker reinforced that healthcare is a career of lifelong learning, resilience, and service to others. They urged students to explore medical professions early by shadowing professionals, volunteering, and getting involved in healthcare settings.

“The sky is the limit in the medical field,” Phillips said in closing. “No matter what path you take, if you’re passionate about helping others, there’s a place for you in healthcare.”