From Surgery to Sales: One PA's Journey with Jessica Dell'Aquila, PA-C

Jessica Dell'Aquila's career journey breaks the conventional mold of what we expect from healthcare professionals. Starting with a clear vision at just 18, she enrolled in Seton Hall's innovative six-year dual degree program, emerging with both her undergraduate biology degree and master's in physician assistant studies—a testament to her focused determination from the beginning.Her clinical career began at Penn Medicine, where a unique rotational position in general surgery exposed her to multiple specialties in rapid succession. When presenting the opportunity to join the transplant team permanently, Jessica found her clinical calling. Working with transplant patients offered profound rewards as she guided them through their entire hospital journeys—from pre-operative preparation through recovery and discharge.But after five years of clinical excellence, Jessica felt an unmistakable pull toward something different. Despite finding deep satisfaction in patient care, she recognized untapped potential within herself that traditional clinical roles couldn't fully nurture. This realization led her to make a bold pivot into the medical device industry, specifically as a clinical specialist in structural heart.What makes Jessica's transition particularly fascinating is how she leverages her clinical expertise in an entirely new context. Her days now involve supporting physicians during procedures, providing critical guidance on device selection, developing educational programs, and contributing to business strategy. The learning curve has been steep—mastering cardiac medicine after specializing in abdominal transplant, learning to read various types of echocardiograms, and developing business acumen—but her clinical foundation has proven invaluable.Perhaps most insightful is Jessica's reflection on how respect is earned differently in her new role. While her PA credential previously carried inherent respect, she now builds credibility purely through the value she delivers and relationships she cultivates. For healthcare professionals contemplating similar transitions, Jessica recommends exploring roles that align with both clinical experience and personal temperament, with clinical specialist positions serving as excellent entry points.Looking for career guidance or curious about transitioning from clinical practice to industry? Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn to learn more about navigating this rewarding but less-traveled professional path.To connect with Jessica, find her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about the dual B.S./M.S program at Seton Hall here. 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.