PA’s graduation walk a little tougher than some

FLORENCE – Charlotte Hanna knows what it mean to overcome life’s challenges.

She’ll be in full view doing it again Saturday when he walks across the commencement stage as one of FMU’s first class of Physician Assistant Studies graduates

Hanna is one of just 32 students in the first PA class that was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants.

She’s the only one who is a double amputee.

Hanna, a Johnsonville native, was born with a rare genetic defect called bilateral tibial hemimelia-polysyndactyly-triphalangeal thumb syndrome. In Hanna’s case the condition was characterized by the presence triphalangeal thumbs (thumbs with an extra joint) on both hands, and by the absence of both shin bones.

That’s always made standing for long periods of time more difficult. Standing for hours on end is required during PA clinicals, and it will be a part of Hanna’s chosen profession.  Hanna knew that when she was accepted into FMU’s highly competitive program, but she persevered, just like always. She’s dealt with her situation for a long time.

“I grew up on a diet of ‘pick yourself up and carry on,’” Hanna says. “I never let anyone tell me I couldn’t do what I wanted and I’ve never let my situation hold me back, even if it was going to be hard for me.”

That’s meant she didn’t shy away from playing high school softball, from running track or surfing, or from doing just about anything she set her mind to. That’s what she’s always done and that’s how she approached the rigors of the PA program at FMU.

Hanna earned her undergraduate degree in biology from FMU in 2012.  After graduation she worked for an auctioneer company, as a receptionist, and as a 9th grade physical science teacher at Johnsonville High School before zeroing in on a career as a PA. About the time she was beginning to apply to PA schools her alma mater opened its new program.

“It’s been quite the adventure,” Hanna says. “Francis Marion was there when I needed them.”

Hanna is looking forward to working in the healthcare field. She’s currently in the interview process with several hospitals. Given the chronic shortage of frontline health care providers — that’s a big reason behind FMU’s decision to start its PA program — prospects for a long, meaningful career are good.

“I’ve made it this far,” Hanna says. “Nothing has held me back and it’s not going to now.”