Riley: Ottawa tutor

Certified Tutor

As a recent graduate of Northwestern University's rigorous Physician Assistant program, I'm passionate about helping future PAs succeed because I understand firsthand how demanding and high-stakes the PANCE exam can be. I want to provide students with the structured guidance, encouragement, and study strategies I wish I had more of during my own preparation. Watching students grow in confidence and turn complex material into mastery is incredibly rewarding.

I recently completed my Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Northwestern in downtown Chicago, and I'm now a certified PA-C. During PA school, I was known among my peers for my collaborative approach to studying, creating shared resources, and helping classmates review high-yield concepts before exams. I've also mentored undergraduate students considering a career in medicine and participated in peer-led review sessions during didactic year. While I haven't formally tutored yet, I'm excited to bring my clinical knowledge, organizational skills, and supportive mindset to a tutoring setting.

I tutor all subjects on the PANCE blueprint, with a strong emphasis on cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology, which make up the largest portions of the exam. These were also my clinical rotation focuses, and I feel especially confident helping students understand the "why" behind diagnoses and treatment decisions. Cardiology is my favorite subject to tutor because it brings together physiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making in a way that's both challenging and fascinating. I also feel very confident in hematology/oncology, and am currently pursuing a job in hematology/oncology as a PA.

My teaching philosophy centers on active learningasking questions, using clinical vignettes, and breaking down systems into manageable pieces. I will incorporate active recall because I want students to really understand the concepts and be able to tie them together rather than just memorizing. I tailor each session to the student's goals and learning style, whether they need help building a study schedule, reviewing content, or approaching test questions strategically. I believe in building a supportive and low-stress environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions.

Outside of academics, I'm a former Division I collegiate swimmer at Purdue University and enjoy staying active through running, lifting weights, and spending any time outside! I'm also passionate about global health and recently completed a clinical rotation in Cape Town, South Africa, working with underserved populations.

I'm excited to support PANCE students on their journey to becoming confident, compassionate, and competent PAs.