"I want to practice medicine with the same spirit of mentorship and encouragement that the faculty and peers are continuously showing me."
Meet Sarwat Latif, Physician Assistant Student
Sarwat Latif is a student in the Physician Assistant Program in the College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. As a member of the Class of 2027, she is preparing for a career providing compassionate, collaborative patient care. In this student spotlight, Sarwat shares what inspired her to pursue medicine later in life, why she chose Midwestern University, and how her education is shaping the physician assistant she hopes to become.
Quick Facts about Sarwat
| Name | Sarwat Latif |
|---|---|
| Program | Physician Assistant Program |
| Graduation Year | 2027 |
| Campus | Downers Grove, Illinois |
| Home Country | Pakistan |
| Undergraduate Degree | M.B.A. in Marketing, Wayne State University (Michigan) |
| Career Goal | Physician Assistant |
What Inspired Sarwat to Pursue a Healthcare Career?
As a mother who frequently brought her children to the doctor for sick visits, I experienced firsthand the difference compassionate healthcare providers can make. Those appointments may have been routine for the clinicians, but for my family they provided reassurance, guidance, and hope.
I realized that not everyone has access to that same sense of comfort and empowerment. If I can help someone feel less overwhelmed simply by explaining what to expect and providing compassionate care, then I know I am making a meaningful difference.
How Did Sarwat's Background Shape Her Path to Becoming a Physician Assistant?
Being older has given me the opportunity to build experience in several careers. I've worked in marketing, taught English as a Second Language, and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Although those roles were very different, they all reinforced the importance of communication, collaboration, and treating people with respect. Those same qualities are essential in healthcare and can positively impact patients, families, and entire communities.
I wanted to pursue healthcare nearly two decades ago, but life took me in another direction. After COVID and as my children became older, I finally saw the opportunity to follow that dream with the support of my family.
Why Sarwat Chose Midwestern University's Physician Assistant Program:
I value the opinions of experienced healthcare professionals. As I researched physician assistant programs in the Chicago area, I spoke with several physician assistants and physicians about accredited programs they respected.
Again and again, Midwestern University was recommended for the quality of its graduates and its outstanding reputation. Hearing that consistent praise from professionals gave me confidence that Midwestern would provide the strong educational foundation I was looking for.
What Sarwat Wants to Carry Forward From Her Midwestern Education:
One of the things I appreciate most about Midwestern University is the collaborative, supportive, and compassionate environment.
As a 42-year-old parent learning alongside classmates who are often much younger, I have always felt welcomed and encouraged by both faculty and my peers. I hope to carry that same spirit of mentorship, encouragement, and teamwork into my own career as a physician assistant.
Sarwat's Final Thoughts on the Physician Assistant Program:
It's never too late to pursue the career you've always wanted. My journey has shown me that every stage of life brings experiences that can make you a stronger healthcare provider. Midwestern University has reinforced that belief by creating an environment where every student is supported, challenged, and encouraged to succeed.
