She will try to attract minority students to the PA profession. This statistic indicates a need for greater balance between the PA work force and the diverse communities in which they serve, she said. She plans to attend career programs and public gatherings, speaking to middle and high school students about the positive values of the profession. Usanga is sensitive to student demands as they select careers. Many are concerned about the time element for academic study in pursuing a career goal.
Students are also concerned about indebtedness.
With educational costs rising steadily, most students make decisions that will decrease their debt load upon graduation. Like most professional couples of the past decade, Usanga shares households in Charleston and Atlanta with her husband, James, who is currently completing his doctorate in criminal justice and political science. Between commutes, Usanga enjoys aerobics and discovering Charleston during her free time. Most of her time will be spent doing what she does best promoting the future of preventive medicine in South Carolina.