CARA KEATING

My career journey began as an exercise physiologist in cardiac and pulmonary rehab. I loved the clinical aspect of that work, but I wanted to further my career. The challenge was that the next role beyond exercise physiologist would have removed me from patients, which I didn't like. So I started exploring other pathways to be more clinical, including nursing, physician, and physician assistant. Based on the time in my life and the people who helped influence my decisions, the physician assistant path just seemed to make the most sense. My first job out of PA school was terrifying and very difficult because I came out of school not knowing what I didn't know, and I was working in critical care. I departed that position after only a year and went back to cardiology, which was my first love from my exercise physiology days. There, I was aligned with just an incredible mentor who could teach me a lot, not just about cardiology but life principles in general, making sure that while I was able to do more, I remained very humble in my approach to people and those in my life. Over time, that humility and growth in my education moved me to help start providing more education and influence to the newer generation. I moved to a learning specialist role where I oversaw training for new hires into outpatient cardiology and served as one of the preceptors. I did very well at precepting and was awarded Preceptor of the Year twice. Then my current employer asked me to do an even bigger job. Now I oversee the APP education for all new hires into cardiology across the Central Florida Division, assuring they're getting the appropriate support to enculturate them to their place of employment. We give them the tools they need to be successful, whether that's professional development or help with efficiency, and help them find their passion too. At the end of their first year, what we consider transition to practice, we ask them where they want to go next, encouraging further growth through publishing, mentoring, precepting, or even state and legislative advocacy. I still do clinical work, seeing patients in the hospital and outpatient sector, mostly heart failure patients. I'm also creating an APP Fellowship for cardiology. My inspiration for moving into education was assuring that all patients are getting the best care.