ATSU-ASHS PA program preparing students to provide comprehensive care, collaborate with teams
Posted: December 10, 2024
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program is preparing student Rebecca Weiner, PA, ’26, for the career she’s envisioned.
“Professionally, I look forward to providing comprehensive care to patients in underserved areas while collaborating on medical teams to reduce medical errors. The PA program at ATSU prepares its PA students from day one to start practicing whole-person centered healthcare. They give students frequent practice experiences to ensure they build the confidence and attention to detail necessary to provide optimal patient care,” Weiner said.
Weiner is from Redondo Beach, California, and has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She is a registered dietitian and a certified nutrition support clinician.
Prior to attending ATSU, she worked for several hospital systems, home infusion pharmacies, and outpatient clinics. In 2024, Weiner was a speaker at the national American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Conference. She is an active member with ASPEN, American Association of Physician Assistants, and Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, and has applied to continue to volunteer with these organizations throughout her didactic year.
Additionally, Weiner serves as an ATSU student ambassador, providing information to prospective students.
“As a student ambassador, I have the opportunity to provide information from the viewpoint of a current student who entered the program as a non-traditional student,” she said. “I believe prospective students could benefit from my point of view and experiences within the program. The student ambassadors I met prior to starting at ATSU, provided a wealth of knowledge to me and helped me understand more about the PA program. I hope that I can continue to pay it forward by providing support to the next incoming class,” she said.
“As an ATSU PA student, I am part of a class of 100 students. I feel connected to many of my peer students and have enjoyed learning with so many people from diverse backgrounds. Day-to-day student life includes some long days of studying, but at ATSU I feel that the faculty cares about my success and the school provides a strong foundation of student support services. There are learning coaches, mental health counseling services, an onsite gym, and even a meditation room to provide some school/life balance.”