By: Angel Gonzalez
William Lara’s story began at the age of eight, when he was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. Growing up in rural Mesquite, Nevada, he faced more than just a serious medical condition - his parents also had a language barrier, which made seeking proper medical attention incredibly difficult. At such a young age, Lara found himself translating complex medical information for his family, a responsibility far beyond his years.
Traveling long distances for treatment added to the burden, but these challenges sparked something deeper in him.
“These experiences inspired me to become a physician assistant so I can help bridge the gap in access to care for families like mine and ensure that language or geography never stands in the way of someone’s health,” Lara said.
Lara graduated from the Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) on August 1, 2025. He now plans to leverage both his professional and personal experiences to serve underserved communities, much like the one he grew up in.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, he is committed to improving the quality of care for Spanish-speaking patients who face the same language and cultural barriers he once experienced. Through his education and lived experience, Lara aims to “educate patients about critical health issues and empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their well-being.”
Returning to school after nearly six years away came with its own set of challenges, Lara shared.
“I worried that I’d lost much of my academic foundation, and adjusting to a strict, demanding routine was a challenge,” he said. “However, I learned that discipline and consistency in my studies were key to regaining confidence.”
His years working in an emergency room had already provided valuable skills and helped build confidence in caring for future patients. But Lara emphasized he couldn’t have done it alone: “The support of my friends and family has been essential - they keep me grounded and motivated during the toughest times.”
One of his most memorable experiences as a student came when he participated in the Ultrasound Competition at the AAPA Conference for two consecutive years. “Our team finished in the top five each year, even outplacing larger schools with long-standing reputations,” he shared. “It was incredibly rewarding to see how much my classmates and I had grown in our ultrasound skills. I credit our wonderful professor Biagi for her dedication and for preparing us so well for success,” Lara added, highlighting the payoff of dedication and teamwork.
Looking ahead, Lara plans to “work as a primary care PA serving underserved populations, where I believe I can make the greatest impact.” At the same time, his passion for emergency medicine remains strong. “One of the unique aspects of being a PA is the flexibility to work in multiple specialties,” he explained. Lara hopes to continue practicing in emergency settings as well, broadening his experience while helping those who need care most.
For future PAs, Lara offers heartfelt advice: “Always remember your ‘why’ - the reason you chose this path. Hold onto it, especially when things get tough. No one is perfect; mistakes will happen, but it’s your willingness to learn from them that will make you a better provider for your patients. Surround yourself with a strong support system, stay disciplined in your studies, and never stop advocating for your patients and your community!”
Lara’s journey to becoming a PA has been shaped by resilience, dedication, and a personal commitment to serving others - especially those in underserved communities. Fluent in Spanish and driven by firsthand experience, he hopes to empower patients through education and compassionate care. As he moves forward in his career, Lara remains dedicated to lifelong learning, bridging gaps in access to care, and giving back to the communities that have inspired him along the way.
