Juliana Garofalo, PA-C, has always been driven to make a difference in the lives of others. Growing up in Westport, Connecticut, she found inspiration in her family — especially her father, a devoted physician. “He always told me I could be anything I wanted and encouraged me to fulfill my potential,” she shares. “His dedication to his patients and commitment to lifelong learning deeply influenced me.”
Following in his footsteps, Juliana pursued her passion for healthcare at University of Bridgeport’s PA Institute (PAI), where she developed the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become a compassionate, career-ready provider.
Finding the right fit
Juliana earned her undergraduate degree from Colgate University and later completed her pre-PA coursework locally. Determined to gain hands-on experience, she became certified in phlebotomy and worked as a medical assistant in women’s health.
When it came time to choose a PA program, UB was at the top of her list.
“UB PAI was always my first choice because of its reputation for excellence,” she explains. “Graduates are well-prepared both academically and clinically, and the program has a legacy of successful outcomes on the national certification exam. I was also drawn to the mission and curriculum, which incorporate global health and the healthcare needs of underserved populations.”
When she received her acceptance call from Professor Weindling, the program director, Juliana immediately knew she had found the right fit. “I felt excitement but also a sense of calm because I knew this program would give me everything I needed to accomplish my goals.”
Hands-on learning, career-ready challenges
UB’s PA program challenged Juliana to grow in ways she never expected — academically, professionally, and personally. “The curriculum was rigorous, ensuring I gained the medical knowledge necessary to embark on my career as a PA,” she says. “The variety of clinical rotation sites helped me adjust to new settings and work with different professionals, which was invaluable for my development.”
Through her rotations, Juliana witnessed the disparities in healthcare first-hand, strengthening her understanding of these inequities and deepening her commitment to patient-centered care. She also pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, participating on the winning team for the 2023 PA Challenge Bowl and joining a transformative medical service trip to Peru in 2024
“Being a member of the Challenge Bowl team helped me develop my teamwork skills, which are essential in the PA profession,” she explains. “It also gave me more confidence in my knowledge and decision-making abilities, both of which have made me stronger as a provider.”
Her time in Peru further shaped her perspective on medicine.
“Our trip allowed me to see healthcare disparities on a global level,” she recalls. “We worked with children and adolescents at an orphanage, children with special needs and their families, and a rural indigenous community. The gratitude they expressed showed me the power of education in preventative care.”
Did you know UB PAI’s three-year average first-time pass rate for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is 100%? Like Juliana, you can hone the knowledge, expertise, and confidence needed to excel as a caregiving professional — learn more about beginning your own PAI journey!
The support to succeed
Juliana credits UB’s faculty, clinical preceptors, and classmates for shaping her into the healthcare professional she is today.
“The PAI faculty and my clinical preceptors taught me that as a PA, I not only serve my patients but also represent the profession,” she says. “Their mentorship helped me develop into a well-rounded provider, and their encouragement led me to pursue additional opportunities, such as a week-long surgical PA training program.”
Endorsed by the UB Physician Assistant Institute, Juliana was one of 18 PA students nationwide selected for the prestigious Advanced Surgical PA training program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2023. This highly competitive, week-long immersion course, funded by an educational grant from the UAB Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Department, provided hands-on experience in surgical skills, including wound closure techniques, suturing, laparoscopy, and more. Grateful for the encouragement of Professor Michelle Lea and the foundational training from UB PAI faculty, Juliana took pride in representing UB while gaining invaluable expertise through operating room practice, skills labs, and team-based learning.
Beyond academics, her classmates played a vital role in her journey. “Every day, my classmates were an essential source of support, friendship, and inspiration. Through shared challenges and triumphs, we formed bonds that strengthened each of us as individuals.”
More than the tools to succeed
Today, Juliana continues her professional growth as a member of the Norwalk Hospital/Yale PA Surgical Residency Program, a role she feels well equipped for thanks to UB’s training.
“UB PAI gave me the critical thinking skills necessary for clinical decision-making, a wide range of medical knowledge, and a strong foundation in technical skills, all of which are vital as a surgical PA,” she says.
When asked what advice she has for current and future PAI students, Juliana emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey. “Make the most of your education by taking advantage of every opportunity and remaining open to new challenges,” she advises. “If you engage with and trust in the process of learning, this program will provide you with more than just the tools to succeed — UB PAI will make you into a PA.”
With her unwavering dedication to patient care and continuous learning, Juliana Garofalo is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of healthcare.
At UB, #UBelong — and we’re behind you every step of the way, from classroom to career. Ready to share your journey like Juliana? Tell us your Purple Knight story today!
Bri Gagné is a marketing content writer at University of Bridgeport, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Film Studies from University of Connecticut and their master’s in education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They plan to begin their Master of Fine Arts in creative writing in 2025.