Gustavo Orona | Emory School of Medicine

About Me:

Name and Credentials: Gustavo Orona
Graduation year: 2026
Home state / town: Avon, Colorado
Fun fact about you: I’m the oldest of 5 with the biggest age gap of 21 years

I was raised in Avon, Colorado and attended Colorado Mesa University. I received a BS in Exercise Science and a Minor in Chemistry and then took a gap year to work as a Patient Care Tech in a multi-specialty clinic.

"Stay curious! There’s always something to learn! It may be daunting to be the first to ask, to be the first to answer, or be the first to step up, but people are genuinely happy to teach if you are willing to try!"

- Gustavo Orona, PA-S2

What drew you to the PA Profession?

My inspiration comes from my parents. They have consistently worked hard to be the best at what they do. This constantly inspired me to push my limits. After witnessing the devastating impact of a knee injury had on my cousin, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. He was someone who had given me so much in my life, yet all I could do was bring an ice pack! After shadowing an Emory PA alum, I was inspired by the autonomy, collaboration, and lateral mobility the profession offered. I'm currently pursuing a career in Critical Care and Surgery specialties, but my mind is open to all.

Describe a pivotal moment of your Emory experience:

My earliest pivotal moment was during my very first patient encounter in our didactic year Inpatient Experience, or “IPEX” curriculum. The IPEX experiences are where 1st year PA students work with an Emory Hospitalist preceptor on a monthly basis to see patients and apply what we are learning in the classroom in real-time. I remember arriving so early and wearing my best business casual clothing, along with my brand-new, Emory-ironed, patched white coat. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of anxiety and thrilling excitement before walking into my first patient’s room as a PA student!