Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Paola, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Getting lost in a good book always takes me away to a new place and time. It allows me to reset my mindset and have a fresh perspective when I am back to patient care.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C, a nationally recognized bilingual healthcare leader and practicing physician associate with over 20 years of experience in clinical care, administration, and organizational leadership. I currently serve as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Peer-to-Peer Team Specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I focus on advancing efficiency, patient access, and provider support in one of the world’s leading oncology institutions while working clinically in breast medical oncology.
Beyond my clinical role, I’ve built my career around advocacy, mentorship, and health equity. I am honored to serve on the national governing body of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), where I help guide strategy, oversight, and policy for more than 189,000 PAs across the United States. I also serve as a leader within PAs for Latino Health (PALH), where I spearheaded the first Pre-PA Mentorship Program, now entering its third cohort, which has already helped underrepresented students successfully gain admission to PA school.
What makes my journey unique is that I’m a first-generation Colombian, and that perspective fuels my passion for mentoring, opening doors for others, and creating pathways into healthcare for underserved communities. Whether through policy work in Washington, grassroots community health fairs, or national media outreach, I aim to amplify diverse voices in medicine and help dismantle systemic barriers to care.
Currently, I’m pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree with a focus on healthcare management, administration, and artificial intelligence, because I believe the future of healthcare depends not just on clinical excellence, but on innovation, equity, and leadership that reflect the communities we serve.
At my core, my “brand” is about bridging gaps between patients and providers, students and opportunities, policy and practice. I’m deeply committed to building a healthcare workforce that mirrors the diversity of our nation and ensuring that every patient, regardless of background, has access to compassionate, high-quality care.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My physics teacher recognized the healthcare provider in me and was the one who encouraged me to pursue a career in the physician assistant/physician associate role.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: your voice matters, don’t be afraid to use it. For a long time, I poured myself fully into clinical care, believing that my role was only at the bedside. While that work was meaningful, I often silenced my perspective when it came to the bigger picture, the inequities and systemic barriers I saw every day for underserved communities. I wish I had found my courage sooner to speak up, to advocate, and to lead. What I would want my younger self to know is that advocacy is not separate from patient care; it is patient care. Our communities need our voices as much as our skills, and even one voice can spark change.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I am deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is that healthcare access should be a right, not a privilege. My work is centered on expanding my leadership roles and service to both my community and the PA profession, with a focus on breaking down barriers to care for underserved populations. I am especially passionate about encouraging and advancing culturally inclusive care, ensuring that patients are not only able to access healthcare but also feel seen, heard, and respected within it. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or equity-driven initiatives, I am committed to using my platform to strengthen healthcare systems and create pathways where diversity and inclusion are prioritized. My hope is that over time, this work will help transform both policy and practice so that every patient, regardless of background, receives high-quality, compassionate care.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I am gone is that I was someone who used her voice and leadership to make healthcare more equitable and inclusive, especially for the underserved. I want to be remembered as a passionate advocate who expanded opportunities for others and opened doors for future generations of diverse healthcare leaders. Just as importantly, I hope people remember that I was a devoted daughter, mom, and spouse who deeply valued friendships and relationships, and that I worked to leave every space, community, and person I encountered better than I found them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paolagonzalezpac.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/paola_gonzalez_pa_c
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolagonzalezpa-c/
