At just 26, Natalie Farinas is already making her mark as a physician assistant with the University of Florida Health Medical Group (UF Health). She’s dedicated, grounded and motivated by a clear sense of purpose, one that shows up not only in her work, but in the way she talks about her life and the people she serves.

A fun fact about her? She lights up when she talks about traveling.

“I love traveling and have visited over 20 countries,” she says.

Those experiences, she explains, have expanded her perspective and helped her appreciate the many different lives and stories behind every person she meets in a medical setting.

When Natalie thinks about getting to where she is today, she goes back to a shift that happened within herself.

“When I look back, a defining moment that shaped who I am today was the first time I truly believed in myself and recognized my own potential,” she says. “That growing confidence, which has been strengthened by both my family and my faith, reminds me daily that I am capable of far more than I ever thought.”

That confidence fuels her work at UF Health, where she cares for patients each day. Her hope is that her dedication, both to medicine and to the people she serves, becomes something everyone can look up to.

“I hope my dedication to my community and the medical field can inspire the next generation to work diligently toward their dreams and goals,” she says. “I want those who are embarking on a new career or opportunity to see that perseverance and a commitment to learning can open doors to incredible opportunities.”

Still, her path hasn’t been without challenges. She’s honest about the scrutiny that has come with being young in her field and being a PA-C instead of an MD.

“Early in my career, I often felt I had to prove my competence twice, once for my age and again for my title,” she says. “Instead of letting that diminish me, it reshaped the way I lead and practice. I learned to anchor myself in knowledge, humility and steadiness, allowing the quality of my work to speak for itself. Over time, meeting those doubts with consistency has given me a grounded confidence.”

Looking ahead, she hopes her career will be remembered for something simple but meaningful.

“When people look back on my career, I’d like them to say I was compassionate, devoted and optimistic,” she says. “I hope they remember me as a provider who truly cared for my patients with empathy and dedication. More than anything, I’d want them to feel that my actions made a meaningful difference in the lives I touched.”

And at the heart of it all are the patients who drive her and keep her showing up every day.

“They are the reason I strive every day to be someone they can feel confident in and comfortable with,” she says. “Knowing that people are trusting me with their health and placing their well-being in my hands gives me a sense of purpose that goes beyond titles. Their progress, stories and trust motivate me to show up as the best version of myself each day.”