The Compton Diagnosis

Imagine growing up in a city that has as many negative stigmas as its population size. Now imagine dismantling that city's stereotype with a success story of helping others do the same. Natalie C. Houser, MPAP, PA-C, is a Los Angeles-based Physician Assistant (PA) who attributes her success to her hometown: Compton, California. The Compton Diagnosis is a vulnerable, sincere, and relatable tale of Natalie's life as she journeyed to medicine. While this book offers professional support for PA students, it is an encouragement to all overcomers who may have doubted their future or career goals because of their past or current surroundings. Natalie challenges her readers to focus on the reason why they chose to pursue their desired profession as opposed to focusing on the lemons that life has given (and will continue to give). She believes that people too often give themselves a diagnosis of failure based on their experiences and perception of life. The author also believes that not all diagnoses are terminal and wants survivors to honor the cards they've been dealt in life, learn the tools to defeat odds, and overcome all stumbling blocks, whether they're academic, financial, physical, mental, or social. Natalie's resilience is mirrored in her city's resiliency, and she proudly proclaims that the city of Compton not only made her a survivor, but an advocate for those who choose to thrive in life.