Two Mount Physician Assistant students reflect on a semester of clinical learning, cultural discovery, and global healthcare perspectives in the United Kingdom.
At the Mount St. Joseph University, learning goes far beyond the classroom. For two students in the University’s Physician Assistant Studies Program, an international clinical experience in the United Kingdom offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to broaden both their medical training and worldview.
As members of the Mount’s Physician Assistant (PA) cohort graduating on May 7, 2026, Madeline Hendrix and Mary Katharine Jolly spent a semester abroad affiliated with Aston University in Birmingham, England. While they did not attend traditional classes, the pair completed clinical rotations across Russell’s Hall Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, gaining firsthand experience in the UK healthcare system.
Why did you choose the Mount?
“I chose the Mount for its strong reputation for clinical training, small cohort size, and supportive faculty. The program’s emphasis on service and patient care strongly aligned with my values. Being born and raised in Cincinnati, I wanted a program closely involved with the local community where I could build meaningful connections and one day give back.” Madeline Hendrix
“From my very first interaction, the faculty were incredibly kind, personable, and genuinely invested in students. During my interview, it felt less like being evaluated and more like being welcomed into a community. I was also drawn to the Mount’s dedication to service and the extended clinical year for hands-on experience.” Mary Katharine Jolly
What inspired you to pursue Physician Assistant Studies?
“I love people and want to be a lifelong learner. I was drawn to the PA profession because I wanted a career where I could directly help patients and be part of addressing provider shortages. Being a PA is more than a job—it’s a commitment to serving others in a meaningful way.” Madeline
“I was drawn to the profession because of the balance between autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility. I’ve always been passionate about patient-centered care, and becoming a PA felt like the perfect way to combine my love for medicine with service to others.” Mary Katharine
How did the Mount prepare you for leadership and involvement?
Both students became active leaders within the Sister O’Connell Physician Assistant Student Society (SOPASS), strengthening their professional development beyond the classroom.
Madeline served as her cohort’s AAPA representative, attending the National AAPA Conference and Ohio’s Advocacy Day at the Statehouse, while Mary Katharine served as treasurer during her didactic year, supporting community service initiatives and advocating for the profession.
What was your clinical experience in the UK like?
The students’ time abroad centered on clinical rotations in surgical ENT settings, exposing them to rare and complex cases not commonly seen in the U.S.
“We had the unique opportunity to see a wide variety of cases, including a paraganglioma clinic, cochlear implants, mastoid revisions, total thyroidectomies, and grommet placements.” Madeline
“It was an incredibly immersive and hands-on learning experience. We were exposed to both rare conditions—such as acoustic neuromas and thyroid cancers—as well as common presentations like vertigo and recurrent ear infections.” Mary Katharine
What differences stood out between healthcare in the UK and the U.S.?
Experiencing care through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) gave both students a deeper understanding of global healthcare systems.
Madeline noted differences in documentation styles, provider decision-making, and the NHS’s emphasis on sustainability and resource stewardship. “The pace of care felt slower and more deliberate,” she shared.
Mary Katharine echoed that perspective, saying the experience provided insight into the strengths and challenges of both systems. “It showed us that neither system is perfect, but each has important lessons to offer.”
Favorite memories from abroad?
For both students, the experience was made even more meaningful by sharing it together.
“My favorite memory was traveling with MK and growing closer through the experience,” Madeline said. “We explored new places, tried new foods, and shared so many meaningful moments together.”
Mary Katharine added that immersing herself in different cultures and healthcare systems alongside Maddie made the experience unforgettable.
Outside of clinical rotations, the pair explored London, Edinburgh, Paris, Amsterdam, and Bath—visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Roman Baths, Edinburgh Castle, Borough Market, and the Anne Frank House. From high tea in London to walking more than 22,000 steps through Paris in a single day, the semester blended clinical growth with cultural exploration.
For students like Madeline and Mary Katharine, the Mount’s PA program continues to create opportunities that prepare future healthcare professionals to lead with compassion, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the world around them.
