How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you.

Certified physician assistant Karly Byrd earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, and her Bachelor of Science in biology from Siena College in Loudonville, New York.

Karly chose to become a healthcare professional because it allowed her to directly impact someone’s overall wellness while creating interpersonal relationships. She enjoys educating patients about their current condition, so they understand the relevance of their treatment plan. Karly’s parents were a significant influence on her choice to become a healthcare professional. Growing up, she watched her mother as a nurse and her father as a fireman and EMT. Karly chose to specialize in vascular health after witnessing how many of the comorbidities she was managing in primary care were derivates of vascular health. Karly did her elective in vascular surgery while at Le Moyne College for her physician assistant program and described this rotation as the perfect mix of an operating room and office experience, allowing her to build a relationship with patients. She is particularly interested in prevention and wellness and is passionate about halting disease progression.

Karly enjoys engaging in her community by mentoring high school students on healthcare careers and facilitating PA school interviews. She enjoys outdoor activities in the Adirondacks with her husband and dog in her spare time.