Reilly J.

Reilly graduated from Penn State University with a degree in biobehavioral health with a minor in Spanish. During college, she gained experience working as an EMT and medical assistant at an urgent care facility, and traveled to Nicaragua on a medical brigade, providing medical care to a small community near Managua. She also studied abroad in Barcelona, broadening her cultural perspectives.

Reilly's passion for research was evident even during her undergraduate years, as she conducted investigations into the biological effects of child maltreatment and abuse. Additionally, she was heavily involved in Penn State's student-run philanthropy, raising funds for childhood cancer. As Pre-PA Club President, she organized meetings, educational presentations, and guest speakers to provide information regarding the requirements for applying to PA school, strategies for boosting applications, and general advice about the profession.
In addition to her work on the Gannon University PA admissions committee, Reilly was deeply involved in community service throughout her academic journey. While in PA school, she volunteered her time and language skills, translating at local free medical clinics and schools, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds had access to quality healthcare services. Her outstanding performance in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship earned her induction into the Kappa Gamma Pi Honor Society, and she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Her dedication to research was evident in her presentation on the "Importance of a Medical Home for Foster Youth" during the poster symposium at the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants conference. Additionally, Reilly collaborated with physical therapy students, researching and presenting on Congenital Muscular Torticollis, further showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to healthcare.

Students she’s worked with have been accepted to programs including Harvard Medical School, PCOM, Thomas Jefferson, and Gannon University.

Reilly is passionate about helping students manage the application process. Students she has coached have been accepted to PA programs at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Gannon University, and Thomas Jefferson University, as well as graduate healthcare programs at Harvard Medical School. 

Her approach to coaching centers on understanding applicant strengths to ensure they are prepared to create a compelling application. Her experience navigating the PA school application process has instilled in her a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that applicants face. She is passionate about helping students understand their capabilities and strengths, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their pursuit of a career as a physician assistant.