Meet Manrit Kaur

Office Locations: Springfield

Q&A with Manrit Kaur

• Q: Tell us about your background as a physician assistant.
  A: I received my undergraduate degree in Biology at Rutgers University, and later completed my Physician Assistant Master’s Degree at Mercy College. My clinical clerkship took place across the states of NY and NJ, so I am grateful for my diverse learning experience.
• Q: Why did you choose to become a physician assistant?
  A: I chose to become a PA after acquiring a passion for medicine during my high school experience at the Academy of Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences. I learned about the career of physician assistants when pursuing my undergraduate degree, which allowed for me to start practicing medicine at a younger age with a flexible schedule. The positive experience I acquired while shadowing other PAs further solidified my drive to pursue this degree.
• Q: Why did you choose to practice in an open access primary care practice?
  A: I chose to practice in an open access primary care practice because it provides a gateway for helping patients on a daily basis. I am able to apply my knowledge and experience to improve the health of patients and can see this progress grow with time. I was particularly drawn to open access care because it allows me to grow and develop as an individual, as I am able to meet people of all walks of life.
• Q: What unique skills do you possess?
  A: I feel that the unique skills which I possess are patience, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and an optimistic attitude. My optimistic attitude allows me to find happiness in nearly any situation, so it doesn’t take much to put a smile on my face. I should also add that I am able to take a “quick” power nap, almost anytime, anywhere!
• Q: Describe your day to day activities, priorities and tasks. What do you like best?
  A: I enjoy walking early in the morning, prior to my scheduled shift, as this peaceful activity prepares me for the day ahead. Upon arriving at work, I attempt to take care of urgent messages and tasks, and later spend the majority of my time practicing medicine to make a positive impact, big or small, in the lives of my patients. After work, I try to allot time to tutor my elementary school students, and walk my dog, Giselle, who perhaps walks me instead.
• Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
  A: I feel that my greatest accomplishment lies in the progress that I make in lives from the moment it is planted in the minds of children. For this reason, I try to devote my free time to teaching students. Whether this be elementary schooled first graders who required an endless supply of Disney-themed stickers to discipline, or college students who are testing their patience with the Kreb cycle, I am very proud of my decision to help struggling students. Doing so has allowed me to improve my own skills of communication, understanding, and rapport.
• Q: What are the key challenges of this field of medicine? How is it changing?
  A: I feel that the key challenge of primary care lies in attempting to coordinate communication with a wide network of health professionals involved in patient care. This network can include, but is not limited to, imaging centers, specialists, and laboratories. This has become much easier with the advent of EMR technology, which streamlines services to help providers organize patient information and deliver/answer messages.
• Q: If you couldn’t be a physician assistant, what would you be doing?
  A: I would most likely be working in an orphanage in a rural area surrounded by farms. I would spend my morning teaching children and would dedicate our time in the afternoon caring for animals and exploring the outdoors. Our evenings would most likely be spent thinking of possible meal options for the following day, as my cooking abilities are limited to only making Cup Noodles, which I have never gotten right!
• Q: What makes working at Care Station special?
  A: Working at Care Station truly is a blessing because I work with a great team of doctors, nurses, and management staff who all help me deliver my best service. This promises quality care of our patients. Also, Care Station is devoted to improving patient care via evidence-based medicine, which is very impressive. I am able to practice in a welcoming environment which is always evolving to reach its highest potential for the well-being of our patients.
• Q: Why should patients choose Care Station for their primary care?
  A: Patients should use Care Station for their primary care because it practices proactive health care, meaning patients are screened for health conditions and diseases before a possible manifestation of symptoms. This includes quarterly checkups to monitor blood work, annual screenings for imaging tests, and even receiving additional services including Gynecology, Gastroenterology, Podiatry, and Sports Medicine conveniently in one location.
• Q: Tell us a little something about yourself.
  A: I enjoy the company of young children and animals the most, since I am drawn to their frank nature with unconditional love towards others. Although children have an uncanny ability to always test the patience of anyone that they encounter, their smile and echoing laughter can brighten up the darkest of days. As for animals, I am currently trying to improve my relationship with my dog, Giselle, who pretends to drink water from an empty water bowl to avoid making eye contact with me when I approach her for cuddles after work.
• Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
  A: During the summer, I like to spend my free time hiking with my reluctant siblings, who I cleverly bring along to carry the essentials of food and bug spray. I try to convince my moody dog, Giselle, to join our adventures, but this often results in her excessive panting and side-eye glances directed towards me, perhaps shedding a slight vibe of regret. Despite the obstacles, I thoroughly enjoy hiking in less commonly visited parks to view the peaceful surroundings of nature. During the winter, I prefer to spend my free time falling asleep while reading novels, dragging friends and family members to museums with me, and preparing children’s crafts for my town library’s annual Summer Reading Program, which I ingeniously force all my students to participate in!