Kelli Nelson

Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program

I grew up in Stratford, Connecticut and obtained my bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania in nuclear medicine technology.

Throughout my life, I have been involved in volunteering opportunities to benefit my local community: I have volunteered with Relay for Life, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and Leukemia and Lymphoma society. But the volunteer opportunity that has affected me the most has been helping rebuild homes in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina with the Appalachia Service Project. I have frequently remembered this opportunity, as well as the resilience the affected communities showed, throughout my professional and volunteer experience. Finally, my previous work experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist have allowed me to serve underserved patients throughout the greater Hartford area.

The Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program study of and focus on interdisciplinarity demonstrates the degree to which healthcare is a collaborative effort, one that must include the community to be served. Additionally, as a future physician assistant, it is critical that I understand the obstacles and struggles my patients are experiencing; the UST/AS Program can provide me with the education I need to gain that understanding. Through the UST/AS Program, I will gain the tools to educate my patients and to become a better primary care provider.