Kirsten Fraser

Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant

I was born and raised in Branchburg, New Jersey, and received an undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac University in Health Science.

I have volunteered at my local hospital in various departments, including transport, pharmacy and the NICU, where I gained experience working with underserved populations. In the pharmacy, I was inspired by the lead pharmacist, who always went out of her way to assist anyone in need, expecting nothing in return; I hope to display similar qualities of selflessness in my career. I also had the opportunity to assist infants born addicted to drugs. I held them and provided them with comfort as they went through the difficult withdrawal process.

As early as high school, I saw great discrepancies in opportunity which, by an accident of birth, allowed one student copious opportunities while leaving another with few. These professional and academic experiences led me to seek involvement with the Urban Service Track. I hope during my time in the UST I can help those left with minimal opportunities, who are often looked down upon by society. Society often sees struggle as a sign of weakness; I, however feel it often leaves those engaged in it stronger than before. I hope to go into pediatric primary care where I can build relationships with my patients and watch them grow, and to fill the gap in primary care that has emerged as the health care industry has become more specialized.