In her oncology career, Candice Schultz, PA-C, sought to educate patients about their diagnosis and treatment, which is the most rewarding part of her role as a physician assistant (PA) at the M Physicians Radiation Therapy Center in Wyoming, MN.
Her inspiration to become a physician assistant started while working as a medical assistant at a women's clinic in Santa Monica, CA. She admired and respected a physician assistant at the clinic and decided to pursue the career.
“I wanted to learn more, and I knew I was capable of more, so I told myself, I'm going to do what she does. I already had an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Minnesota, so I had to start all over to become a physician assistant,” says Schultz.
Schultz started over with prerequisites and eventually got into PA school in Buffalo, NY. She worked her way up from private practice clinics to oncology at UCLA and Stanford, specializing in breast surgical oncology. “My specialty was breast surgery, reconstructive plastics, medical oncology and radiation oncology,” Schultz adds.
In 2021, Schultz came back to Minnesota to really learn more about radiation oncology. She applied for the job at M Physicians Radiation Therapy Center and has been working with Dr. Sumit Sood ever since.
“Many patients don't know much about radiation and how it works. So it's great to educate them, provide treatment and guide them throughout their cancer treatment journey,” explains Schultz.
Daily Routine at the Radiation Therapy Center
A typical day at the Radiation Therapy Center for Schultz starts with a morning huddle to review patients coming in that day with Dr. Sood and the care team. Schultz manages follow-ups for breast, prostate and lung cancer patients, focusing on side effects and treatment plans. She also reviews scans, imaging and labs and ensures a plan for the patient's future.
Schultz's Role as a Physician Assistant
Her role as a PA truly complements the work of the physician and care team. With her extensive oncology experience, Schultz contributes significantly to the strength of her team. “Being a PA and working in oncology since 2008 gives me a unique role because I've worked on the surgery and plastic surgery side,” says Schultz.
“I bring oncology experience to this role, and female patients, in particular, really appreciate my background in breast surgical oncology because I understand what they’ve been through with their surgery. So, I think my expertise enhances the multidisciplinary approach to patient care,” she adds.
Schultz finds the most rewarding part of her work to be educating patients about their diagnosis and treatment. “I love to educate patients and be able to spend as much time with the patient as I'm allowed. To go over whatever they want, whether that's imaging or pathology or the plan going forward,” explains Schultz.
She expresses happiness and gratitude for working at the M Physicians Radiation Therapy Center. “The University of Minnesota is my alma mater—I graduated in the early ’90s with a degree in political science, not my PA degree, but it’s still home to me. I love working here, and the entire team is fantastic. My colleagues have been incredibly welcoming and collaborative, and I look forward to a long future here,” she concludes.