Ashley Jensen, a physician assistant at Exodus Healthcare Network in Magna, Utah is a recipient of Utah’s Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance program grant. “Student loans are a mental weight from the time they are taken out until they are paid off,” Jensen says. “Despite the education being far worth the cost, they still influence every decision and cause stress at every life change. Knowing that I have help to pay them off has been a huge relief and motivated me to continue serving my patients while enjoying my job.”
Jensen has found it rewarding to participate in this loan repayment program, which requires that participants treat underserved populations. One of the most meaningful interactions she recounts was using her Spanish-language skills with a Latina woman who had delayed care for years due to financial challenges and fear of going to the doctor. Jensen’s cultural competence and compassion made the woman feel more comfortable as Jensen performed routine blood work. She found that the woman had a high A1C level, indicative of diabetes. Jensen’s team guided the patient on how she could manage the diagnosis, and after a few months of a recommended diet, regular exercise, and medication, the woman had reversed her diabetes.
“She was an example to me of how providing health education in a way the patient can understand can empower patients to completely change their health themselves.”
-Ashley Jensen
Exodus Healthcare Network provides award winning family medicine. Our wide range of family medicine providers will help you and your entire family live the healthiest and best lives possible. Our Mission is to encourage and give hope in the lives of others. This is what drives our providers to a higher commitment to you and your health.