Meet Chloe Caplinger
Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue healthcare.
I'm Chloe Caplinger, a 2021 graduate of the University of Cincinnati's Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) program. Since graduating from UC, I've worked as an MRI Technologist, Pharmacy Technician, and AmeriCorps member before earning my Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Cedarville University. I'll soon begin a primary care physician assistant residency at Crossroad Health Center in Cincinnati while pursuing my Doctor of Medical Science degree.
I've felt called to medicine for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my mom navigate significant health challenges, and seeing the compassion and expertise of her healthcare providers inspired me to pursue a career where I could support patients during some of life's most vulnerable moments.
What led you to UC's AMIT program?
Interestingly, I first discovered UC while attending an FC Cincinnati match at Nippert Stadium. I immediately loved the campus and community. At the time, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare but wasn't certain exactly where my path would lead.
AMIT stood out because it offered much more than prerequisite coursework. It provided hands-on clinical experience, direct patient care, and a strong medical foundation. Looking back, choosing AMIT was one of the best decisions I could have made.
How did AMIT prepare you for PA school and your career?
AMIT gave me a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, medical imaging, and patient care while teaching me the importance of compassion and teamwork. The clinical experiences helped me build confidence and communication skills that made the transition to PA school much smoother.
Working as an MRI technologist, serving with AmeriCorps, and continuing in pharmacy broadened my understanding of healthcare and ultimately confirmed my desire to become a physician assistant.
What challenges have shaped your journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been embracing growth through uncertainty. Entering PA school meant going from feeling confident as an imaging professional to becoming a beginner again. That experience taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of lifelong learning.
Growing up with a mother who faced chronic health challenges also shaped the way I approach patient care, reminding me that every patient deserves compassion, dignity, and understanding.
Where did your passion for service begin?
My AmeriCorps service year was transformative. Working in emergency departments, I connected patients with substance use treatment and community resources while seeing firsthand the barriers many people face in accessing healthcare.
During PA school, I completed a Street Medicine rotation that reinforced my passion for meeting patients where they are. As I begin my career in primary care, I'm excited to continue serving communities that experience barriers to care and advocating for patients who are often overlooked.
Was there a defining moment during your time at UC?
One patient encounter during my clinical rotations has stayed with me. A patient initially seemed frustrated and withdrawn, but after taking time to listen, I realized those emotions stemmed from fear and uncertainty after receiving a life-changing diagnosis.
That experience taught me that every patient has a story beyond their diagnosis and that sometimes the most meaningful care we provide is simply being present, listening, and showing compassion.
What advice would you give to students considering AMIT or a career in healthcare?
Stay curious and seek out as many learning opportunities as you can. Healthcare is about much more than technical skills—it's about caring for people.
Learn from every patient, ask questions, seek feedback, and remember why you chose this profession. Pursue healthcare because you genuinely want to serve others. If you stay humble and keep patients at the center of your work, you'll build a meaningful career.
What would you like prospective students to know about AMIT?
AMIT is much more than learning imaging technology. It provides an incredible foundation for a healthcare career and opens doors to countless opportunities.
Whether students choose medical imaging, advanced practice, leadership, or another healthcare path, the program prepares them with the clinical skills, professionalism, and confidence they'll carry throughout their careers. I'm incredibly grateful for the role UC and the AMIT program played in shaping the provider I am today.