Alumnus David Garcia is applying knowledge and experience gained from Keiser University’s Biomedical Science and Physician’s Assistant (PA) programs toward his role at Treasure Coast Medical Associates and his involvement as an advisor.

Now a professional member of Keiser University’s Biomedical Science Advisory Board, Garcia enjoys delivering seminars relating to the Medical Model used by the profession and the critical thinking skills required to oversee the uses of pathology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, and more to treat the human body.

As a science and microbiology enthusiast, Garcia first developed his vision of becoming a PA while serving as a United States Army Combat Medic under Major Elrico Fernandez and is extremely grateful for the opportunity and its profound impact on his career path. “Thanks to Major Fernandez’s knowledge and compassionate leadership I quickly learned that if soldiers were getting taken care of, then family members were put at ease. It was very gratifying to see their heartache and stress alleviated by sound medical care and compassion,” he reflected.

After returning to civilian life, Garcia was soon drawn to Keiser University’s condensed class schedules and credits the university for offering him a second chance at career success. He’s particularly grateful to Biomedical Science Program Director Dr. Michael Wier.  “An amazing person with a heart of gold, Dr. Weir treats everyone fairly and respectfully while helping to facilitate success. He is both a father figure and a mentor to me,” said Garcia who went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie campus in 2018, and his Master of Science degree through the university’s Fort Lauderdale campus Physician’s Assistant program in 2020.

Once equipped with the academic experience and degrees necessary to enter the profession, Keiser University career advisors quickly lent support. “Leslie Haviland was always available and listened to my specific needs while providing excellent feedback for my resume. She was able to put employment feelers out, and I had work in no time flat,” he said.

When asked what he’d recommend to others who are striving to realize their dreams, Garcia said, “In addition to ensuring you have a huge capacity for compassion and are a critical thinker, it’s important to direct ‘tunnel vision’ focus toward success and to have a strong personal support system to help you reach your goals.”

Keiser University’s Master of Science Physician’s Assistant program maintains high-quality faculty to help students become caring health care providers and learn the material necessary to prepare for future careers as PA’s. Learning takes place in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical sites where students can gain real-life, hands-on educational experiences. Nationally certified and state-licensed, Physician’s Assistants work as part of a team to practice medicine with collaborating physicians and other health care providers.

The Keiser University Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences program prepares students for entry into health sciences and analytical/research laboratories. Graduates possess the skills to perform in a variety of science-related positions in health departments, zoos, clinical and environmental chemistry, pharmaceutics, and laboratories.  Graduates of the program will have completed the prerequisites necessary to be successful in graduate programs in the sciences as well as a multitude of professional programs such as occupational and physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, physician and physician assistant programs.

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 2,900 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites.  Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit http://www.keiseruniversity.edu.