In the twentieth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Krystal — a public health professional, ophthalmology technician, and future nurse practitioner whose journey through medicine has been anything but linear. With a deep commitment to culturally competent and trauma-informed care, Krystal is now preparing to pursue an ABSN and ultimately the NP route, drawn to the versatility, leadership potential, and patient-centered flexibility the profession offers.Krystal opens up about how she initially approached the medical field with hesitation. Intimidated by the competitive culture surrounding pre-health pathways, she chose public health for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees—until a full-time office job made her realize she was meant to be closer to patient care. That realization sparked a courageous pivot: completing her prerequisites, applying to PA school, and earning admission on her first cycle. As the first in her Jamaican family to enter the medical field and obtain a graduate degree, her achievement became a defining milestone.She shares how her partner, friends, and mentors sustain her through the most challenging parts of her journey, and how witnessing the impact that compassionate providers can make—even within a flawed healthcare system—continues to fuel her purpose.We also dive into Krystal’s passion for addressing burnout and the toxic pressures that shape pre-health and medical education, especially for first-generation and underserved students. Having experienced the strain firsthand and seen its far-reaching effects, she’s made it her mission to advocate for healthier, more equitable pathways into healthcare.To close, Krystal reflects on her work with @thepivotpa.np, her growing platform dedicated to mentorship, honest conversations, and transparency in the APP journey. From guiding prospective students to fostering community and dreaming up future scholarship collaborations, her story highlights resilience, reinvention, and what it means to build a meaningful career in medicine—on your own terms.

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