Liya Kuruvilla, PAC

I was born and raised in the city of Chicago. My husband and I moved to the pacific northwest just a few months ago to have better access to the outdoors. Since being here, we love hiking, camping, and the occasional visit to wine country.
I became a PA because the role allowed me to combine my love for science with helping people. The role also allows for the flexibility I want and offers many opportunities to really bond with patients. I chose cardiology because it’s challenging, fast-paced, and because I truly connected with the science of it.
I was admitted into a direct program for physician assistant sciences out of high school at Gannon University. This allowed me to do a 3 + 2.5 year program where I was able to complete my PA degree in an accelerated way. I did a rotation in Cardiology during my clinical year and was able to secure my first job in Cardiology at that same hospital in 2/2020.
As a PA, I believe one of the most important roles is taking the time to focus on patient education. The specialty of Cardiology can be particularly overwhelming for patients, so I make it a priority to help them understand their condition and care plan.