PA program graduate finds calling in ‘dream job’ in pediatric hematology and oncology at New Orleans hospital
Kim Chaudoin |
When Kennedy Moore-Williams walks across the Allen Arena stage on Dec. 13 to receive her Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Lipscomb University, she will be taking a significant step toward a career she has long felt called to pursue, one rooted in compassionate care and a deep commitment to serving patients and their families.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Moore-Williams earned her undergraduate degree in public health and tropical medicine from Tulane University in New Orleans. It was there that she discovered her love for patient care while serving as an EMT throughout her undergraduate years. It is also where she volunteered at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans (now Manning Family Children’s Hospital), the place she will return to in February to begin work in inpatient pediatric hematology and oncology.
Moore-Williams’s summers were also spent in service, working as a health assistant at Pine Cove family camp in South Carolina, helping meet the medical needs of children and supporting families.
“There were a lot of moving parts that played a role in my ultimate decision to pursue a PA degree,” she said. “Like many in this field, I have had a longstanding, deep passion for medicine. But what truly drew me to the PA profession is its emphasis on collaborative, team-based healthcare along with the opportunity to form meaningful, impactful relationships with patients.”
Discovering the right fit at Lipscomb
Although Moore-Williams had already committed to another PA program, her visit to Lipscomb quickly altered her plans. Its faith-centered approach to health care and the compassion she encountered during her interview made a lasting impression.
“The moment I stepped onto campus and met the faculty and staff, I remember texting my mom and telling her that even if I didn't get into Lipscomb, I was going to withdraw from the other program and pursue Lipscomb the following year to follow,” she recalled. “I was that enthralled by the deep empathy, kindness and passion of the staff and was so excited to have the opportunity to learn from their faith and expertise in the medical field.”
As she prepares for graduation, she says the decision to choose Lipscomb will stand as one of the most meaningful choices she has made. PA school is known for its rigor, but Lipscomb’s faculty, she said, ensured she never navigated that challenge alone.
“Whenever I get asked how my time at Lipscomb has been, I always tell people that no matter where you go, PA school is going to be extremely hard. It requires sacrifice in many areas,” she said. “So, when I was choosing a program, I wanted to make sure that I found a place that, no matter how hard it got, there was support from a staff who I knew not only cared about my success, but that deeply, genuinely cared about me as a person.
“I could not have chosen a better program,” continued Moore-Williams. “Lipscomb's PA program faculty and staff is outstanding. I couldn't have put together a better team of individuals to support me and my classmates during school. They have turned one of the most intimidating and challenging seasons of life into something meaningful and memorable.”
Moore-Williams says she is still finding the words to describe the full impact of her time at Lipscomb. The academic and clinical rigor, combined with the program’s emphasis on faith, service and holistic care, has expanded her sense of purpose and strengthened her confidence.
“My time at Lipscomb has shaped me more profoundly than I can express,” she said. “It has pushed me beyond what I believed I was capable of and taught me lessons that I am still trying to put into words. I know it will take time to fully articulate just how grateful I am and how deeply this experience has shaped me.”
One of those lessons is what she describes as “3 a.m. excellence.”
“Lipscomb has prepared me to step out into the world of medicine with boldness in my faith and with ‘3 a.m. excellence,’ meaning that no matter what time of the day you are serving a family in healthcare, they receive my full attention, compassion and expertise,” explained Moore-Williams.
Stepping into her calling
In February, Moore-Williams will begin what she describes as her “absolute dream job” on the pediatric hematology/oncology floor at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
“In medicine, patients often arrive to our care feeling like they are in a pit, especially when facing the kinds of diagnoses many of these kiddos receive,” she said. “What I love about pediatric hematology/oncology is the invitation to sit in that pit with them and their families, offering presence, support, a shoulder to cry on in grief and hope, and to celebrate with them as they climb out.”
“The work is full of deep emotions: hope, sorrow, gratitude and uncertainty,” continued Moore-Williams. “To get to walk through each emotion - high and low - with these kiddos and their families is an honor.”
As she prepares to graduate and begin her career, Moore-Williams says she is eager to carry forward the lessons she has learned at Lipscomb into every patient interaction.
“I am excited to practice medicine in a place where Lipscomb isn't widely known,” she said, “so that I can carry forward the lessons, values and experiences that have shaped me here.”
Learn more about Lipscomb’s Master of Science in physician assistant studies program.