“I receive the patients directly from the OR and from then on, they are my responsibility,” says Ilan, who lives on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “I treat each and every person like they are my only patient.”

It’s no small responsibility. Patients must be monitored closely for everything from vital signs to changes in lab values to medications to the possibility of their bodies rejecting the newly transplanted organ. “I’m very grateful to Touro for pointing me in this direction,” says Ilan of his career choice. “We were given many rotation options and a strong clinical education. We were a close-knit group and we got to see all sorts of possibilities for a PA. Choosing Touro was very beneficial to me.”

Ilan still appreciates all the professors did and their willingness to impart real-life information to the students. He is also thankful for the school’s flexibility. He worked during the day and attended school at night and on weekends. “Among other things, they focused on helping us prepare for the licensing exams,” he says.

Ilan’s career continues to engage him: “I especially enjoy seeing people with significant illnesses get a new lease on life.”