ATSU’s College for Healthy Communities in California preparing new generation of PAs
Posted: August 15, 2024
When Kelsee Bing Smith, PA, ’25, envisions her future, she sees herself as a physician assistant who brings a holistic approach to medicine and health education to her community. A.T. Still University-College for Healthy Communities’ (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program is preparing her to do exactly that.
“ATSU-CHC is providing the clinical and network to do those things,” Smith said. “I’m committed to addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity through my work as a future PA and I am super grateful the school’s mission aligns with mine. I believe that ATSU will help me bridge the gap between underserved communities and healthcare, while inspiring others along the way.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Smith has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in medical sciences.
“I chose ATSU-CHC because it felt like the perfect place to foster my passion for community service with medicine,” she said. “ATSU is big on community health and I feel that the school provides the space for me to be actively involved in gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to impact my community.”
Smith is secretary of the Black Student Association and member of the Medical Spanish Club, while also serving as a student ambassador.
“I became an ambassador to share the ATSU community with others. I enjoy interacting with new people, whether it’s helping new students acclimate to campus life, or supporting high school students on their journey to PA school. I love mentorship and want to provide guidance for students that I wish I had in high school,” she said.
Outside of class, Smith said she enjoys cycling and spending time with her husband and their two daughters.
“You’ll probably catch us walking on the beach with a latte in my hand,” she said.
But that family time doesn’t end when she’s in the classroom, as Smith described a very close group of students in the CCPA program.
“Being part of ATSU feels like family,” she said. “My voice is heard and I love the connections I’ve built within the cohort, and can’t wait to work with such an amazing group of providers.”
