Today we’d like to introduce you to Jourdan Fralin.
Hi Jourdan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path into medicine started at James Madison University in Virginia, where I volunteered at the health center — splitting my time between urgent care and the women’s health clinic. That was really where my interest in women’s health took root.
After graduating, I spent three years working at a dermatology clinic while I figured out my next steps. During that time, I shadowed in a variety of specialties to explore where I wanted to land, and volunteered with the Drake House and mentored children — that demographic is something I’m really passionate about. I also made a point to travel and spend real time with friends before diving back into school, since I knew once I started my PA program that kind of freedom would be harder to come by.
From there, I went on to Barry University’s PA program, where I’m now finishing up my clinical rotations and graduating this December. My rotations have centered heavily on women’s health and oncology — including a Gynecologic Oncology elective at Moffitt Cancer Center, along with OB/GYN and pediatrics.
Alongside school, I started sharing my journey online — the real, unfiltered side of PA training, along with beauty, haircare, and lifestyle content — which grew into a small but engaged community on Instagram and TikTok. It’s been a way to show what this path actually looks like day-to-day, while connecting with people over the everyday stuff too.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on building a career in women’s health — whether that’s oncology, fertility, dermatology, or gynecology — while continuing to create content that makes medicine feel more approachable and human.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, no — it wasn’t a smooth road, and I think that’s important to share because I know a lot of pre-PA students are going through the same thing right now. I had to apply to PA school twice. Getting that first rejection was hard — it’s not just a “no,” it feels like a pause on everything you’ve been working toward, and it made me question a lot in the moment.
What got me through it was my support system. My family and friends never let me sit in the doubt for too long — they kept encouraging me, reminding me why I started, and pushing me to keep going instead of letting one rejection define the whole path. Looking back, that second application cycle actually made me a stronger, more intentional applicant — I knew myself and my “why” so much better the second time around.
Rejection is redirection, and mine redirected me right into becoming a stronger, more self-aware applicant the second time around.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently in my clinical year of Physician Assistant school, so I always laugh when people ask what I specialize in because I’m still exploring so many areas of medicine. But if you asked me what lights me up, the answer is women’s health—without a doubt.
My rotations in breast oncology and gynecologic oncology completely changed the way I look at medicine. Walking alongside women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives showed me how much compassion, education, and simply being present can matter. I’ve also fallen in love with general gynecology and have a growing interest in fertility medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery because they all center around helping people feel healthy, confident, and empowered.
More than any specialty, though, I think what sets me apart is how I connect with people.
One of the sweetest compliments I’ve ever received from a patient was, “You can’t teach personality.” That has stuck with me because it reminded me that medicine isn’t just about knowing the right answer—it’s about making people feel safe, heard, and genuinely cared for.
I love talking with patients beyond their chief complaint. I want to know what they’re excited about, what they’re worried about, and what matters most to them. Whether it’s calming someone’s nerves before surgery, celebrating good news with them, or simply making them laugh during an appointment, those little moments of human connection are what I love most about healthcare. My goal is that every patient leaves feeling like they weren’t just another appointment on the schedule—they were truly seen.
Outside of the clinic, that passion for education carries over into social media. I started my “Women’s Health Wednesday” series because I realized how many women have questions about their bodies but don’t always know where to find trustworthy, easy-to-understand information. I love taking topics that can feel overwhelming or intimidating and breaking them down into something approachable. If I can help even one woman better understand her health or feel empowered to advocate for herself, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Honestly, what I’m most proud of isn’t a grade, an award, or even a specific rotation. It’s hearing patients say they felt comfortable with me, that they felt listened to, or that I made a scary day a little easier. As a student, those moments have reminded me that you don’t have to be the most experienced person in the room to make a meaningful impact. Sometimes showing up with empathy, kindness, and genuine curiosity is just as powerful.
That’s the kind of provider I hope to become, someone patients trust not only because of what I know, but because of how I make them feel.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that has contributed most to my success is my ability to connect with people. I’ve always been someone who genuinely cares about the people around me, and I think that translates into how I approach medicine, learning, and relationships.
As a Physician Assistant student, I’ve learned that knowledge and clinical skills are incredibly important, but the ability to make someone feel comfortable, heard, and valued is something that can completely change a patient’s experience. I’ve always been the person who wants to know the story behind the person, not just their symptoms or their diagnosis. I think that curiosity and empathy have helped me build trust with patients and with the healthcare teams I’ve had the privilege of learning from.
I would also say that my determination and resilience have played a huge role in my journey. PA school has challenged me in ways I never expected, and there have been moments where I’ve had to push through uncertainty, setbacks, and situations that have taken me outside of my comfort zone. But I’ve always been someone who embraces growth. I’m not afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and keep improving because I truly believe the best providers are lifelong learners.
Ultimately, I think my success comes from a combination of compassion, curiosity, determination, and resilience. I care deeply about people, and I’m always looking for ways to become better—not just as a future clinician, but as someone patients can trust and feel comfortable with.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jourdanfralin
- Other: tiktok@jayfray99
