ATSU’s commitment to serving underserved led Physician Assistant student to Mesa program
Posted: December 23, 2024
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program student Vanessa Khamkhay, PA, ’26, sought a PA program that closely aligned with her personal commitment to making healthcare more accessible to all.
She found that on ATSU-ASHS’ Mesa, Arizona, campus.
“I chose A.T. Still University because of its strong commitment to serving underserved communities and promoting diversity, which closely aligns with my own passion for making healthcare accessible to all,” she said. “ATSU’s focus on whole person healthcare and its emphasis on cultural competency resonate with my belief that effective healthcare requires understanding and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.
“I appreciate that ATSU partners with community health centers and actively works in areas where healthcare resources are limited. This approach will give me hands-on experience serving a wide variety of patient backgrounds and learning how to address disparities in a real, impactful way. Ultimately, I’m inspired by ATSU’s commitment to training healthcare providers who can bridge gaps in care and foster inclusivity.”
Khamkhay is from Honolulu, Hawai’i, and has a bachelor’s degree in biology from University of Hawaii at Manoa. She’s quickly become part of the ATSU community and serves as a student ambassador.
“I love being a student ambassador because it gives me a chance to make a real difference in someone’s journey to becoming a PA. Giving campus tours and answering questions lets me help prospective students see themselves here, feel comfortable, and envision how they can thrive in our program. It’s rewarding to ease their worries, provide insights that I wish I’d had, and share my own experiences. Whether it’s about academics or campus life, I’m excited to support them in making such an important decision about their future,” she said.
Also, as a first-generation Southeast Asian college student, Khamkhay was eager to share her experiences with others from diverse backgrounds.
“Navigating college life and higher education systems as the first in my family has taught me how meaningful guidance and community support can be,” she said. “I wanted to use my journey to inspire and assist others who may feel a bit lost or unsure, showing them that they, too, belong in these spaces.”
Khamkhay is enjoying her time as an ATSU student, saying the University brings its mission to life through meaningful, hands-on experiences, like the Didactic Clinical Experience (DCE) program.
“The DCE is unique among U.S. Physician Assistant programs because it allows us to engage in clinical mentorship starting in our first year, which is incredible for building early patient-care skills,” she said. “Through this program, I’m learning to approach each patient as a whole person, addressing not just their physical health but also considering their mental, emotional, and social needs. This experience has deepened my understanding of ATSU’s mind, body, and spirit philosophy, and it’s helped me see the value of compassionate, comprehensive care.”
She intends to carry that compassion forward into her career as a provider, aiming not only to treat but fully understand and connect with patients in underserved communities.
“I want to be someone who can break down barriers to healthcare and make a positive impact on the lives of people who may otherwise feel overlooked by the healthcare system,” Khamkhay said. “ATSU’s dedication to whole person healthcare and community-focused training is helping me build the skills and mindset to achieve this.”
