From Construction to the ER: One RN-turned-PA's Unconventional Path to Medicine | Ryan Foley, PA-C, RN

What does it take to completely reinvent your career path at age 30? Ryan Foley knows exactly how daunting this journey can be. Starting as a construction worker with a vocational high school background, Ryan made the bold decision to pursue medicine, beginning with remedial college classes and reverse engineering his way to becoming a physician assistant.Ryan's approach was brilliantly methodical. Rather than rushing straight toward PA school, he first became a registered nurse—a decision that provided clinical experience, financial stability, and professional connections. "I had a goal in mind and engineered it backwards," he explains. This reverse-engineering process not only made his dream achievable but gave him invaluable perspective that continues to shape his practice today.The conversation dives deep into the cultural differences between emergency medicine and other specialties. Ryan offers a memorable analogy: "When you're comparing the ED versus the ICU, it's the ADD kids versus the OCD kids." This perfectly captures how emergency medicine professionals thrive amid constant shifts in attention and priorities, yet paradoxically find calm during critical moments. "For as chaotic as a trauma can be, everyone's just very calm, knows their role... It kind of hits that flow state," he shares.Perhaps most valuable is Ryan's insight on patient communication. Despite sophisticated diagnostics and technology, he emphasizes that simply asking patients what they think might be wrong and truly listening to their stories remains the cornerstone of effective medicine. "When patients feel listened to, they're going to trust you more," Ryan notes—a simple but profound reminder that medicine, at its core, is about human connection. Whether you're considering a career change, curious about emergency medicine, or simply fascinated by healthcare journeys, Ryan's story offers both practical guidance and genuine inspiration.Support the showPlease connect and say hello >>> Email me!              Support shadow me next >>> Thank you!Want to be a guest? >>>  Click here!Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. Whether as a doctor, a physician assistant, a therapist or nurse, here Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and understand your place in medicine.