Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Alce.
Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Brittany Alce and I am a Physician Assistant and a classical pianist. My story started at the age of 3, when my father, who is also a musician, sat me on our piano and began teaching me how to play. At the same time, I became engrossed with the idea of becoming a mad scientist, so my mother bought me a chemistry set. Fast forward to my college years, I double majored with a B.M in Piano performance and B.S in biology. I took a year off where I worked as a medical scribe during the day, a church pianist on the weekends, and a piano player at a dueling piano bar at night while preparing to apply for PA School. I graduated PA school in March 2020, right into the pandemic! It was really tough, however, I was able to land a job in urgent care, where I was seeing upwards 100 patients a day due to the pandemic. After a year, I finally was able to land into my dream specialty, where I happily practice as a Dermatology Physician Assistant and still play piano on the weekends. I am now married to my sweet husband, Quens Alce, and reside in Orlando with our labradoodle Jerome.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I had no social life lol! I couldn’t do music or science, so I chose the hardest path and did both. Prior to starting PA school, I worked 3 jobs while studying at school. There were many times I wanted to give up, but I felt my purpose was stronger than my struggle. In addition to that, when I graduated in March 2020, I was a bright-eyed new grad Physician Assistant who graduated right into a pandemic. I hear burnout usually happens after 10+ years of practice, but I started to feel the pressure only after a year. I really had to learn that self-care us paramount if you are in the business of treating others, otherwise, you will always feel depleted and have nothing left to give.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sure! I am a Classical Pianist and a Physician Assistant. On the medical side, I specialize in Dermatology and I provide medical and cosmetic services to my surrounding community. I also participate in community outreach to bring about awareness of skin health and education! On the musical side, I mostly play and sing for various occasions on the weekends! You can find me at church, weddings, or miscellaneous events providing entertainment. I love what I do!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In my situation, there are two approaches. In the music industry, introducing yourself and taking down numbers is so important! Standing in the corner being shy will not land you guys, trust me I was that girl at some point. In medicine, when I interview at a job, I make sure to ask questions like does this position offer mentorship or has monthly journal clubs. It’s important that wherever I work nurtures the growth of the health professionals it employs because medicine is always evolving. However, going to conferences and seminars is a great way to meet other professionals in your field! If you’re an introvert like me it may take more effort on your part, however, I have formed extremely strong connections simply by being confident! “Treat everyone you meet as if they know something you don’t” has always been a quote that’s worked for me.
Image Credits
Brittany Alce
