Dr. Devin Paul Ericson

I always wanted to help people. For the longest time, I wanted to be a lawyer. In high school, I realized I was more interested in science and medicine, so I made the change. I didn't even know physician assistants existed until I started working as a tech at St. Anthony's (now Mercy South). I learned what PAs do, and I fell in love with it. I knew right away that's what I wanted to do. I care about my patients. I'm here to treat the whole patient rather than just whatever issue they have. A sore throat, an earache, an ankle that's been bothering you, that may be the issue that's presenting that day. But if I can treat you as a whole person, that leads to a better outcome. Treating the whole person makes a better bond than just treating an illness. The most important characteristic a good PA has is kindness and compassion--the ability to treat patients as people, understand where they're coming from and know that this illness is affecting their lives. That sets you apart.