What’s in the doctor’s bag of… Andrea Schot - From ICU nurse to Physician Assistant

1. Hi Andrea, let’s dive right in. What’s in your VanVeer doctor´s bag?

I’m the proud (and very happy!) owner of not one, not two, but three VanVeer doctor´s bags. I have the Office, the Original, and most recently, the VanVeer Backpack.

My bag holds everything I need to get through the day: a lot of pens, a stone paper notebook with erasable ink, a regular notepad (hence all the pens), a large textbook, a pocket-sized study guide, my stethoscope, lunch, tissues, keys, my work badge, and a handful of little things I somehow always end up carrying around, no idea how they get in there, haha!

2. You own several VanVeer bags, can you tell us how you use each one?

Right now, I use the Backpack every single day. I don’t use the Original doctor´s bag as much anymore since I transitioned from working in a hospital to my current role as a Physician Assistant. The Office bag, on the other hand, I use more often now, especially for weekend trips. It fits everything I need for one or two days. I usually bring my backpack along too, for when I’m out and about.

I take really good care of all my bags. I treat the leather every month to keep it looking beautiful and fresh.

3. What new VanVeer item would you love to see next?

Ooh, tough question, you already offer such a beautiful and diverse collection (and it’s dangerously addictive, I secretly have my eye on the Dream or Mini!). But now that I think about it, a beautiful leather A4 document cover would be such a lovely addition. Although… that would mean I have to buy it, haha!

4. Now let’s talk about you. You’re a Physician Assistant in general practice now, but that hasn’t always been the case. Can you tell us a bit more about your career switch?

So, I’m Andrea Schot, 54 years old. Four years ago, I started the study to become a Physician Assistant, and around that time, I also caught the VanVeer bug. A colleague of mine had one of your beautiful bags, and I thought: I want one too!

Before taking this leap, I worked for 25 years as an ICU nurse. When I turned 50, I asked myself a big question: Do I want to keep doing this for another 17 years, or is it time for something new? The night shifts played definitely a role in that decision, I was finding it harder and harder to sleep during the day, and to be honest, I felt like I’d done my fair share. 

I won’t pretend the switch was easy. It took blood, sweat, and (let’s be honest) a few tears. But I completed my studies in one go, and I’m incredibly proud of that. Now, I have a wonderful new job in the medical field (without any night shifts!), and I’m enjoying it more than I ever imagined.

5. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering a career change later in life?

My advice? Just go for it! I was 50 when I started my new education, and a year after me, someone began at the age of 58. There will always be reasons not to do it, maybe it’s been years since you last studied, or your home situation with kids feels too demanding. But if you really want it, it is possible.

Sure, my social life took a bit of a back seat, but it was also incredibly fun to learn something new again. You absolutely don’t have to do the same job your whole life. Whether you decide at 30 or 55 that you want to become a florist, a pastry chef, or a Physician Assistant, it’s never too late!

6. If you could change one thing in healthcare, what would it be?

For me, it would be creating more space for personal attention. Everything is becoming faster and more efficient… but sometimes, it’s enough just to sit with someone. Not to fix anything, but simply to be there to hold someone’s hand, or talk about their stamp collection.

It would be wonderful if there were more time for the people who truly need you in that moment.

7. Is there one thing that instantly makes your day better?

People who are genuinely grateful. When someone says, “Thank you for explaining that so clearly, now I understand what’s going on,” or “I’m really glad you took the time to listen,” that’s when I know why I do what I do.

And of course, having wonderful colleagues makes all the difference. People you can work hard with, but also share a laugh with. And honestly, a good lunch works wonders too. Fresh veggies, a tasty salad… way better than a soggy sandwich from a plastic bag, haha. In the end, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

8. What future plans are still ´in your bag ´ ?

For now, I want to keep getting better at the work I’m doing. Dive deeper, maybe take an extra course… But also: enjoy life! That’s just as important.

Andrea Schot is the proud owner of no less than three VanVeer bags and works as a Physician Assistant in general practice. After 25 years as an ICU nurse, she decided to take a new path, because, as Andrea puts it, “it’s never too late for a career switch!” 

She shares a glimpse into her day-to-day work (without night shifts!), her VanVeer collection, and why sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply sit beside someone.

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