For over two decades, he’s been the definition of endurance—both in medicine and in sport.

A seasoned Emergency Room PA-C.

An Ironman athlete.

Someone who knows exactly what it means to push through pain.

But nothing could prepare him for the moment everything changed.

Last year, he experienced a life-altering injury that challenged not just his physical limits—but his identity, his purpose, and his outlook in a way that rivals the devastation many feel after failing the PANCE.

This episode is about what happens when resilience is no longer a choice—but a necessity… and how community, perspective, and mindset can carry you through the moments that feel impossible.

Today I’m joined by Shin, whose path to becoming a PA was anything but straightforward. As a Korean immigrant, his journey included a few unexpected turns—including reluctant military service—before eventually finding his way to PA school.

But even after graduating, the road wasn’t over. Shin faced multiple PANCE failures that tested not just his knowledge, but his confidence.

In this episode, we talk about the long and winding journey that brought him to his final attempt—the mindset shifts, the strategies that finally clicked, and how persistence and the right support helped him cross the finish line.

Listen now to hear whether or not Princess passed her PANCE!!!!