We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Levine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

My first job as a physician assistant began at the nation’s leading cancer center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. I had just graduated from Weill Cornell Medical college which was literally across the street. I knew I wanted to remain in NYC for a bit longer, and I knew I liked a renal transplant rotation I had just completed. My goal was to find a job in NYC related to kidney transplant but that proved challenging. The Universe did listen though because a Urology position opened up which happens to include kidneys as part of their disease scope and it was within walking distance to my apartment.

My goals and aspirations at the time were to be like a sponge and absorb all I could from these physicians and researchers who were top in their field. The cancer cases that walked through those doors were cases that other surgeons would turn away due to their complexity. They walked through the doors of MSKCC to find hope. I was honored to be part of that team for many years.

I am extremely blessed to have started my career here for a variety of reasons and I have life long relationships to this day of colleagues I met there. This was a very strong foundation of which I could be my urology career, mainly focusing on cancer of the genito-urinary tract.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a physician assistant in the field of Urology for 19 years. After being in the field for awhile, you begin to see a gap in the availability of education, support and community for those dealing with various urological issues. Without a doubt more than ever, people go to the internet with various symptoms that they end up googling and literally go down a rabbit whole of fear and the unknown. I am looking to provide these three pillars—education, support and community via the online space to those facing challenges navigating these common medical conditions in our field. It is pretty amazing that the internet has allowed us to communicate in an easy fashion all over the world. The way medicine is practicing is shifting, and the way patient’s are helped and treated is changing also.
My first offering will be those dealing with prostate cancer and their journey navigating the secondary side effects of prostate removal.

I am most proud that I can walk into any room and be confident that I can help the person with what they need help with in a caring manner. In my field, I am dealing with issues that can be hard to discuss, and I hope that I provide each patient with ease and comfort that I have the credibility to help them and the compassion to do it in a way that they can feel safe and supported.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Personal development has helped me in every aspect of my life, including my career and my aspirations of the direction I see it going. I read books, listen to podcasts, and attend seminars to absorb as much of it as I can. My favorite self help thought leaders are Gabrielle Bernstein and Abraham Hicks. These mentors have taught me the importance of understanding that life is an internal game. You have control of your thoughts, reactions and actions and these make up your reality. You are the creator and who you are being day to day matters. I think this frame of mind is certainly going to help me as I go and walk this path forward.

As I step into this new version of myself I rely heavily on my spirituality and know without a shadow of a doubt that I am being guided. I will continue to listen to the whispers and show up! I also know that what is meant for me will not pass me by just as long as I lessen the resistance and allow it in.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Confidence! Confidence helps in every aspect of my life, but it really helps in my field as a PA in Urology. I have students whom shadow me and ask me for what is the biggest piece of advice to them. I always say the same thing–interact with patients in a confident manner and if you do not know an answer–always ask!!! Also confidence and expertise comes with doing something over and over again.

I truly believe that you learn as you perform and experience things on the job. Day 1 of seeing patients looks very differently than how I feel now, and it comes with time and experience.

Another thing that has helped me succeed as a person, and in essence my career also–is physical activity. The time I enjoy the most is returning from work and thinking about where I would like to run that day. It is my opportunity to move, breathe, think, and connect with my body. My favorite place to exercise is the beach and the various hiking trails all around San Diego.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @uroqueen11