Julia Curry, PA-C

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota

What are you passionate about? Traveling both domestically and internationally is my favorite thing to do. I enjoy exploring unfamiliar cities, cultures, and making friends all over the world. Cross-country ski racing and coaching are important aspects of my life as well. The physical effort, outdoors arena, and wonderful community of other skiers helps me endure (with enthusiasm) the unpredictable Minnesota winters.

If I wasn't a provider, I would be a: Professional Athlete 

Why did you become a provider? Early encouragement from family certainly inspired the idea of pursuing medicine as a career. I greatly admired my grandfather, who was a pediatric anesthesiologist at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Hospital. Outside of sharing stories, he would teach mini-medical school lessons that I found quite captivating. After completing my undergraduate degree I moved to Peru to volunteer for a public health non-governmental organization (NGO). It was this experience that opened my eyes to the skill set that a medical provider is equipped with to reach even the most remote populations of people. After returning to the USA I discovered the special role of a physician assistant (PA) in modern medical practices, which motivated me further to make it my future career.

Something I have learned from my patients is that all patients want to share their story and feel heard.

What is the best thing you've done for your health? Deciding to become a cross-country ski racer and coach. The sport challenges my mind and body, and it has introduced me to a community of hard-working, fun people!