Lea Murphy

Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program

I grew up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, and completed my Bachelor of Science in health science studies in 2020 at Quinnipiac University as part of the Entry-Level Master’s Physician Assistant Program.

My volunteer experience has come mainly through volunteering at the Connecticut Food Bank and at various nursing homes through Quinnipiac’s Pre-Physician Assistant Club. I have also volunteered at my local hospital’s emergency department. Professionally, I have worked as a pharmacy technician at an independent pharmacy that specializes in packaging and delivering medication for those in assisted living facilities. This experience gave me an intimate view of how gaps in access to medicine could be closed: simply by ensuring that people who are unable to visit a pharmacy themselves can receive their prescriptions. Additionally, I have worked as a certified nursing assistant in a skilled nursing facility.

I sought involvement with the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars (UST/AS) Program because I am passionate about preventative medicine and patient education. As a future healthcare provider, I know that it is important that I understand the disparities that exist in healthcare, especially for underserved populations, so that I can better care for and educate my patients. I hope that the UST/AS Program will allow me to expand upon these interests by helping me develop skills that will prepare me for a career in primary care.