Henry (Hank) Bingham’s journey to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) was deeply influenced by his rural ÁùºÏ±¦µä background and experiences working as a nursing assistant and endoscopy technician. Recognizing the pressing health care needs in rural communities, he was drawn to the Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med).
Reflecting on his time in the program, he shares, “the clinical rotations, especially my four months in Ely, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, solidified my passion for rural medicine.” Bingham found his calling in family practice, where he could see patients of all ages and tackle diverse medical issues. Now, as he prepares to graduate from the PA program this July and start his career at Banner Health in Fernley, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Bingham feels a deep sense of fulfillment and readiness for the next chapter.
Why did you decide to become a Physician Assistant?
“Before I decided to become a Physician Assistant, I was a nursing assistant and an endoscopy technician. At both jobs I realized I had a desire to continue my education and become a provider. I decided to finally apply during COVID while I was cleaning endoscopes as an endoscopy technician. I am so grateful I did. Becoming a Physician Assistant has fulfilled my desire to give back to the community I live in and increase my medical knowledge. It has been a fulfilling adventure.”
What specialty or area of PA are you most passionate about pursuing?
“I am most interested in family practice as I can see all ages and practice all different areas of medicine. I am also interested in rural medicine as I have a rural background. Rural communities are sometimes most in need of health care; however, due to geographic and financial barriers, rural ÁùºÏ±¦µäns may not be able to obtain care. The hurdles of rural medicine are also exciting and require you to utilize resources you wouldn’t otherwise use. I was able to spend four months in Ely, ÁùºÏ±¦µä during my clinical rotations which solidified my passion for rural medicine.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your UNR Med education and how did you overcome it?
“Personally, transitioning from being a medical professional to being a full-time student was a hard transition for me. This required me to rethink my study habits and time management. PA school is intense and requires most of your time to study and learn. This meant missing weekends and some holidays with family and friends so I could progress my education. This sacrifice was difficult but has paid off in the end and I am grateful for all I have learned up to this point in my career.”
Can you share a memorable experience during your training that has significantly impacted your journey?
“Medicine is so broad, it is difficult to think of a singular encounter to encompass my journey, so I will compile my experiences. I have had the pleasure of seeing and talking with patients of all ages, from one-hour-old newborns to 105 years old adults. I have also had the privilege to beckon life into this world in the form of assisting with births and I have been able to prepare patients for the end of their lives by providing them dignity and solace during plan of care discussions. I am always struck by the resilience of people and the great stories I have been told along the way. I still have a lot to learn, but the experiences I have gained thus far in school have helped shape me into the PA I will become, and I am humbled.
From left to right, PA students Ryan Mass, Hank Bingham and Rene Torres.“The UNR Med PA Studies program cares greatly about their students. The student to faculty ratio is second to none and faculty is always accessible. The program excels at highlighting the underserved populations of ÁùºÏ±¦µä and ensures graduates know how impactful they can be as providers. Additionally, this program has a unique emphasis on point of care ultrasound which has broadened our ability to care for others.”
What advice do you have for future students?
“Realize you learn something new every day, which is exciting! On my hardest days I remind myself I am learning lessons I will be able to pass on and apply later in my life. Sometimes these lessons are hard and uncomfortable but even these lessons are still valuable. The ability to be a lifelong learner will make you a more valuable, humble person to others and most importantly, yourself."
What are your career plans after graduation?
“I have recently accepted a family practice position at Banner Health in Fernley, ÁùºÏ±¦µä. This is an exciting position as I can begin practicing for rural ÁùºÏ±¦µäns in rural ÁùºÏ±¦µä and continue to learn more about medicine from the experienced clinicians at this facility.”
