Brayan Alberto Chagolla Felipe was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to the United States at a young age. During routine pediatric appointments, he was first introduced to the role of a physician assistant (PA). He was fascinated by the way the PA carefully explained medical information to his mother in a manner that was both thorough and easy to understand, despite her having no medical background.
Even as a child, Chagolla showed an interest in health care. He spent time wrapping bandages around his animal figurines and paid close attention to every detail. As he grew older, he naturally became the interpreter for his family during medical appointments, translating conversations between health care providers and his parents, even when he did not fully understand the medical terminology himself.
Those experiences sparked an early interest in medicine, but it was through later volunteer and work experiences that his career path became clear. That path eventually led him to the 夜色视频 School of Medicine Physician Assistant Studies Program, where he is on track to graduate this July 2026.
While volunteering at a shelter, Chagolla witnessed a physician assistant help a Spanish-speaking woman access the medical care she needed. Watching the PA use their bilingual skills to bridge communication gaps and advocate for the patient reinforced his desire to pursue the profession.
His decision was further solidified while working in a hospital, where he observed the versatility of PAs and the collaborative role they played across multiple specialties. Seeing PAs adapt to different clinical settings while working closely with physicians and other health care professionals confirmed that it was the right career for him.
“I chose to become a PA because the profession combines medicine, empathy, teamwork and the opportunity to make health care more accessible for diverse patient populations,” Chagolla said.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, he was especially drawn to the opportunity to help patients who face cultural and language barriers when seeking care.
The biggest challenge Chagolla faced during PA school was managing the immense volume of information while also overcoming self-doubt. He often compared the pace of learning to “drinking from a fire hose.” Falling behind could make it difficult to catch up because of how quickly new material is introduced.
Chagolla and his sister.There were also times when he questioned whether he knew enough or was making the right clinical decisions. He overcame those challenges by developing a structured study routine, seeking feedback from professors or peers, and reminding himself that uncertainty is a normal part of learning medicine. Through clinical rotations and patient encounters, he gradually gained confidence in his clinical judgement.
One of Chagolla’s most memorable moments occurred during his Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation, when he had the opportunity to help deliver a baby. The PA he was working with intentionally scheduled him on a day when a patient was expected to give birth.
Although the PA reassured him that he could simply observe if he was uncomfortable participating, Chagolla chose to assist with the delivery.
He remembers pacing around his house beforehand, anxious about the experience. Once he arrived at the hospital and the delivery began, however, his nerves faded as he focused entirely on supporting the patient and helping ensure everything went smoothly.
“It was scary, but incredible to witness the beginning of a new life and support the patient through such an important experience,” Chagolla said. “It is an experience I will always remember and one that made me feel proud of how far I have come in my training.”
Looking ahead, Chagolla hopes to practice as a PA in orthopedics and chronic pain management while continuing to use his bilingual skills to provide compassionate care and patient education to individuals from diverse and underserved communities. Within the next five to ten years, he hopes to become an experienced provider trusted by both patients and colleagues.
Above all, he hopes to give back to his parents and siblings, whose sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering support made his journey possible.
For future PAs, Chagolla offers heartfelt advice: “Do it. It is important to understand why you want to become a PA and return to that motivation whenever the program becomes difficult. Develop strong study habits, build a reliable support system, and do not be afraid to ask questions or request help. Avoid comparing your progress to others because every student enters the program with different strengths and experiences. Most importantly, take care of yourself.”
Chagolla's journey to becoming a PA has been shaped by his commitment to serving individuals who face language barriers, particularly those in underserved communities. Fluent in Spanish and driven by a deep sense of compassion, he hopes to improve access to health care through clear communication, patient education and high-quality care. As he begins his career, Chagolla remains committed to giving back to the community that helped shape him while honoring the support and sacrifices of his family.
