PA Profile January 2008

Amy Kupec Bosinske, PA-C

Amy Kupec Bosinske, PA-C

This 'From Away' PA has been in pain in Maine since 2002.

I traveled to Maine in 1999 with my boyfriend, a dog and a cat. After checking my sanity at the hallowed entrance of University of New England, I embarked on the perilous (but oh so satisfying) journey of PA-hood. Two years, another dog, another cat and the same boyfriend later I burned my white coat, reclaimed my sanity and began my career as a Physician Assistant.

I joined Medical Rehabilitation Associates in 2002 and began working with chronic pain patients. This incredibly challenging subspecialty is fraught with medication quagmires (CII privileges, anyone?), patient compliance (what physical therapy appointment?) and legal issues (work comp, disability, etc). It is fraught with rewards though. To see a patient who has been able to regain functionality in day-to-day living, the patient who has responded to treatment modalities, the patient who has returned to work and the face of a patient who has color back in their life (depression is far too common a comorbidity). This is what makes my career worthwhile.

I have experienced the Board of Licensure in Medicine's unique attitude regarding Schedule II prescribing privileges for PAs. Some on the Board were helpful in my pursuit (and eventual attaining) of CII privileges, others…less so. Trying to keep up with BOLIM's position on what is allowed, and what is not, sometimes leaves me feeling like a duck on a pond; serene on the surface with feet paddling 90 miles an hour below the surface. Beaurocracy tempered by common sense would be a wonderful thing.

In 2004 I married the boyfriend who moved with me to Maine. We made it through Jeff's year-long sojourn in the deserts of Iraq. We survived the even more dangerous task of building a house and moving. We enjoy exploring (on wheels and on foot) the Midcoast area. I find cooking to be therapeutic. Nothing like playing with sharp knives to help a girl de-stress after a tough day at work!

This past September I had the opportunity to refresh my obstetric skills learned in PA school when our daughter, Lily, decided to arrive a month early, at home with just myself, the dogs (who stayed as far away from me as possible) and cats (who were great doulas) in attendance. While Lily and I got to ride in the ambulance, Jeff got to speed along I-95 courtesy of a state police escort. Despite all the fun and excitement, we plan to go the more staid and traditional route next time {wry grin}.

I love what I do and am proud to be a Physician Assistant in Maine.

Past Profiles:

Past Profile of Matt Cowan

Past Profile of Suzanne Luebke

Past Profile of David H. Kuhns

Past Profile of Alan Hull