Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren Coontz
Hi Loren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is LT Loren Coontz. I am currently serving as a Physician Assistant and Medical Officer for the United States Navy in South Carolina. I run social media accounts showing my life in and outside of work where I provide advice relating to fitness, health and anything else relating to life in general! During PA school, I was accepted for a scholarship program through the Navy. After completing my Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and six years of schooling total, I found out I would be stationed in South Carolina and moved here about a year ago. Since starting to share on social media, I have grown my community to about 45k followers across all platforms. As for my career, I recently was promoted and became the designated Women’s Health Officer at my command. Ultimately, serving in the military has been my dream job and I have been lucky enough to create a community online along with it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Physician Assistant School was 100% the hardest challenge I have ever been through mentally. Studying 2-4 hours per day for two years straight with minimal breaks tested myself and anyone enrolled PA programs would agree. They say it is like drinking water through a firehose since we are expected to have a “shorter, condensed version” of medical school in 27 months. As for Officer Development School, it was difficult and stressful at times but overall I had a positive experience. Moving away from family and friends at first was hard for my first duty station but I actually met new friends here through social media!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Medical Officer for the United States Navy, I am expected to see patients daily as a physician assistant but also lead and mentor sailors. Currently I am the Women’s Health Officer and serve as a designated Medical Officer for one of our companies. I am most proud of continuously stepping out of my comfort zone over the last couple of years, whether it be at my job or on social media. It has given me opportunities I never thought were possible. I am also looking into starting a life coach program. This fall I am enrolled for a combat trauma course, which I have been looking forward to attending!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
100% I say take the risk because stepping outside of your comfort zone is how you grow. As long as you weigh the pros vs. cons. Risks I have taken included studying abroad in Costa Rica in college, joining the military, sharing online, moving states away from my family and friends, and more. If you don’t take the risk, you might regret it when you are older for sure.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorencoontz/
