They watched how I cared for people
Naw Zuzaenar Blu, PA · Clinic In-Charge · PA Class of 2021
Before the 2021 coup, Karen State had only 32% of the WHO-recommended doctor-to-population ratio. After the takeover, roughly 70% of Myanmar's healthcare professionals left their jobs in protest. Earth Mission is rebuilding Karen State's health leadership through the five-year Physician Associate program, the highest level of qualified care in the region's vacuum of doctors. Naw Zuzaenar Blu is one of 40 graduates.
Nine years ago, I was a skinny 18-year-old who had just finished high school. I knew almost nothing about medicine. Today, at 27, I am a Physician Associate, have nearly completed a year of the Surgical PA Program, and serve as the Clinic In-Charge at a remote clinic in southeastern Karen State. I am responsible for running the clinic, managing and training local healthcare workers, and caring for patients in our community. My husband, Saw Baw Baw, is also a PA and a graduate of Earth Mission. We serve together, with him focusing on managing the operations of the healthcare system in the area.
Since childhood, I always wanted to bring comfort to people who were sick. Growing up in a rural area where healthcare was limited, I saw how difficult it was for people to receive the care they needed. That experience made me want to become someone who could bring healthcare closer to my Karen people.
At that time, becoming a healthcare professional seemed almost impossible. Medical school in Myanmar was expensive and required high scores in high school. Then I heard about Earth Mission and its opportunity to equip young Karen people to become Physician Associates. I applied and eventually earned a place in the PA program. I entered with only one strong desire: to become a healthcare professional who could serve my people.
Nine years later, I find myself serving in a small clinic that has grown into an important referral center.
“At first, some patients did not trust me because I was young. But over time, they watched how I worked, how I handled cases, and how I cared for people.”
As they saw my confidence, commitment, and passion, their trust grew. The number of patients and the complexity of cases have steadily increased.
Today, I manage and make decisions for many cases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, normal deliveries, and some chronic diseases. When I encounter complicated deliveries or cases requiring abdominal surgery, I discuss them with doctors at another clinic and arrange a referral. I continue to study and seek advice from former instructors who taught me. Some conditions, such as meningitis, are difficult to diagnose here because we do not have the laboratory testing required.
This journey has been possible because of God’s grace. I am proud to have been part of Earth Mission as a student. I have witnessed tremendous growth in both the PA Program and Rain Tree Clinic. When we first came to Rain Tree Clinic, our training was very different. We sometimes managed cases with limited direct supervision and contacted doctors or instructors by phone when we needed help. We were not confident. Over the years, that has changed. More doctors, surgeons, pediatricians, and OB-GYN specialists have come to Rain Tree Clinic to teach and train students directly. We have gained greater confidence in caring for patients. The education, curriculum, administration, and other support systems have grown stronger. There are still many remote Karen communities that need qualified and compassionate healthcare workers, and I hope Earth Mission will continue to equip more PAs.
I wish Earth Mission continued success, blessing, and strength in the coming years. I thank God, the leaders, instructors, teachers, and donors who have supported me, shaped me, and believed in me from the beginning. Even when I could not see confidence or potential in myself, they saw something in me that I have become today. I will serve with what you have given me, and I will continue to improve myself in the field where God has placed me.
Naw Zuzaenar Blu, PA, Clinic In-Charge, Anonymous Clinic, Physician Associate Class of 2021
How the Physician Associate program works
Years 1–2: Foundations. Core sciences, anatomy, pharmacology, English, medical terminology, and introductory clinical conditions, with 2,600+ hours of classroom instruction and clinical exposure.
Years 3–4: Integration. Rotations in clinic for 4,000+ hours of hands-on learning, treating common diseases and assisting in surgery, imaging, and anesthesia under supervision.
Year 5: Advanced Practice. Full clinical immersion, specialization electives, leadership training, and internships, totaling 2,100+ hours of combined classroom and patient-facing experience.