As a surgical physician assistant in Urology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Cailyn Chow, PA-C, is no stranger to dedication, endurance, and teamwork. Chow not only demonstrates these values when working in the operating room and outpatient clinic, she witnesses them firsthand at her other job – as a ball girl for the Philadelphia Phillies!
Presby Bulletin caught up with Chow between last month’s World Series games to find out more about this unique and exciting part of her life. Although the Phillies ultimately lost to the Houston Astros, she was there for all home playoff games, including the National League Championship win.
When and how did you get involved with the Phillies?
I became a Phillies ball girl in April 2022, three months after starting my first job as a Penn Medicine physician assistant. The ball girl application process includes a video montage, interview, and baseball tryout.
What inspired you to become a ball girl?
I grew up playing multiple sports and following all the Philadelphia sports teams. I wanted to be a Phillies ball girl for the opportunity to meet new people and stay connected with sports, which I’ve enjoyed my entire life. In addition to collecting foul balls at the home games and competing in charity softball tournaments, we also take part in various youth clinics and community service events, which I am passionate about.
What does your job at PPMC entail?
I work half of the week in the operating room as a first assist in robotic surgeries, mainly performing prostate and kidney removals for treatment of cancer. For the latter half of the week, I see my own patients in the outpatient clinic for urology appointments and smaller procedures.
How do you balance both jobs?
It requires a lot of time management, but it is completely worth the long hours! I work as a PA during the day and a ball girl at nights and on the weekends. The jobs keep me extremely busy, but I have truly enjoyed every second of this year. It helps to be surrounded every day by the best coworkers (turned friends) who make work not feel like work, who teach me, challenge me, motivate me, and entertain me. I am living my dream x2 and I am so exceptionally grateful to have the two most incredible and rewarding jobs.
Finally, what was it like to be a ball girl at the World Series?
The fans and atmosphere are absolutely electrifying at Citizens Bank Park! I was fortunate to experience this incredible event firsthand, as this season completely exceeded my expectations in every way.