Lesa Feather:  

After I graduated from high school, I was accepted into the Physician Assistant program at Alderson-Broaddus College. I graduated there in 1995, married Darren Simpson in 1996 and moved to a portion of my grandparents' farm. Overall, life was good with some major bumps along the way, including the death of my mother-in law at a very young age. This was a very difficult time for Darren, as well as all who knew his mom. She was a wonderful woman. With all of the strain and ignorance on our part as a young couple, we grew apart and our marriage sadly ended in 2000. We had no children. My career as a Physician Assistant has been very fulfilling for me, spending the first 5 years in rural family medicine and later finding my special niche' in psychiatry. Gaining experience in a community mental health center lead me to my current job at West Virginia University Student Health Service, Mental Health. I practice with a team of three psychiatrists and one family physician who now practices psychiatry full-time. They are the most wonderful nurturing group I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I am so blessed. In November 2006, I was a recipient of the "Best in Class" award given by the National Coal and Energy Coalition. I was one of very few providers chosen to receive this award. Diligence in treating patients and their families in the coal industry most cost effectively was the basis for this award. I was the only PA-C among seven other physicians to receive this award at WVU. There were other providers chosen throughout the state. A ceremony was held for us at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center where I work. I have taken my recertification board exams for the third time this year, passing despite little preparation due to my father's illness. My dad, Ron, was finally diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in February 2008, resulting in death just two months later. It was so difficult dealing with a diagnosis of that magnitude and losing the battle in just a matter of weeks. One of the hardest thing...Expand for more