ATSU’s Central Coast Physician Assistant program fit needs of student as mother, future PA
When Yesenia Maldonado, PA, ’25, was looking for a physician assistant program that fit within her life as a mother on the Central Coast of California, she didn’t need to look far.
“Like many others, I chose ATSU because of their holistic approach to patient care, which focuses on cultivating well-rounded healthcare providers who see beyond the symptoms to treat the whole person,” Maldonado said. “The program’s location in my hometown is a significant advantage for me, given that I have a 3-year-old boy. Beyond that, their partnership with community health centers was a crucial factor, as it shows ATSU’s commitment to serving underserved communities. This aligns with my goal to make a meaningful impact, particularly in my hometown, Santa Maria, where there is a large population of low-income, uninsured migrant workers with language barriers, and a significant shortage of medical providers.
“My professional goal is to become an exceptional physician assistant who continually grows in knowledge and skills to better care for my patients and save lives. ATSU supports this goal by offering a holistic approach to care, exposure to simulated challenging scenarios, case studies, and insights from our very own professors’ career experiences. These are all crucial components for helping me develop into a highly effective and compassionate healthcare provider.”
Maldonado plays an active role in student life as a student ambassador. It was a natural fit, given her genuine passion for helping others succeed.
“Being inherently self-motivated is a significant part of who I am, and it has allowed me to inspire others, especially within my community,” she said. “The student ambassador program enables me to use my strengths to make a positive impact, whether by supporting my peers or contributing to the overall growth of the PA program.”
Her involvement led to her playing a part in a presentation at her alma mater, Pioneer Valley High School.
“It was meaningful to return to the very high school that I graduated from and share my story while engaging high school students about the PA profession,” Maldonado said. “One of my focuses is guiding prospective students by exposing them to the PA profession and showing hope by demonstrating that someone like me – who sat in the same seat and lacked the typical family or financial support – can still succeed. I want to convey that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can achieve your goals, too!”
Maldonado’s passion for helping others extends beyond her coursework and career goals. In her spare time, she enjoys building “splinter-proof” picnic tables for children.
Overall, Maldonado said her experience as an ATSU-CHC student is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, knowing she will one day make a difference in the lives of others. She’s also enjoying the experience of getting to know her classmates and establishing relationships that will last a lifetime.
“I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the diverse backgrounds of my classmates. For instance, I vividly remember being assigned to my first group table, when I bravely suggested to my group, ‘Let’s all share where we come from, I’ll go first.’ Although my group seemed a bit hesitant at first, it turned out to be a nice experience that allowed us to connect and better understand each other’s backgrounds.”
“I was drawn to ATSU-ASDOH’s innovative curriculum that embraces new dental technology and prepares students for the future of dentistry,” she said. “Early patient exposure was also crucial, as ASDOH’s curriculum allowed me to build my hand skills almost instantly, further enhancing my confidence in my practical skills. Equally important was the sense of community, where close-knit student-to-faculty relationships foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
“I am grateful that ATSU-ASDOH took a chance on me and allowed me the opportunity to realize my dream of becoming the first dentist in my family. The program has instilled a strong sense of comfort and confidence in my hand skills. Compared to my peers at other dental schools, I feel fortunate to have gained extensive procedural experience, and I’m beyond excited to see my first patient in the coming weeks. In the future, I hope to return back to my home state and build my own practice as a cosmetic dentist.”
Elizondo, of Houston, Texas, is vice president of the Hispanic Student Dental Association and part of the Give Kids A Smile public relations committee.
“I became a member of the Hispanic Student Dental Association to help cultivate a strong community for the increasing number of Hispanics entering the dental profession. I joined the Give Kids a Smile public relations committee to ensure that children in Mesa, Arizona, receive essential dental care, particularly those in need. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how the lack of financial resources affected my family’s access to dental services, which deeply motivated my commitment to promoting and helping organize this event,” she said.
Elizondo also serves as an ATSU-ASDOH student ambassador, a role she cherishes for the opportunities to inspire and mentor other first-generation pre-dental students.
“This role also offers me the chance to give back to the community that has supported me, fostering a network of future first-generation dental professionals. Additionally, I am committed to empowering fellow Hispanic students in dentistry, ensuring they know they are not alone and that together we can break down barriers and achieve our dreams,” she said.
She said ATSU-ASDOH provides an excellent work-life balance, allowing her to thrive both academically and personally.
“Having moved a thousand miles away from everyone I know, I was definitely appreciative of how kind and welcoming classmates and faculty were. Everyone is so open to helping each other and I truly enjoy the collaborative, non-competitive environment. Phoenix is also very similar to Houston, so I really do feel like I’ve found my home away from home,” Elizondo said.
A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) student Mahita Bandlamudi, OMS II, is originally from Queens, New York, and ventured to the other side of the country for medical school. That may be a tough situation for just about anybody, but what’s made it easier for Bandlamudi is the community at ATSU-SOMA.
“I enjoy the strong support system, where classmates genuinely look out for and care for one another. We create a positive environment, whether we’re studying in coffee shops, exploring new places, working out, or just having fun together. This camaraderie makes the experience much more enriching and enjoyable,” Bandlamudi said.
Bandlamudi chose ATSU-SOMA because it focuses on developing well-rounded individuals and emphasizes community service. Partnerships with community health centers provide unique, hands-on experiences that align with her goal of serving diverse populations and delivering holistic, patient-centered care.
“I aim to become a well-rounded physician who constantly strives for the overall wellbeing of future patients,” she said. “ATSU-SOMA supports this goal through its emphasis on self-directed learning, allowing me to tailor my education and develop independence. I also appreciate the integration of ultrasound training into the curriculum – a valuable skill in PM&R (physical medicine and rehabilitation) and other specialties – that enhances my diagnostic and procedural capabilities early in my training.”
Bandlamudi is vice president of the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club, and community outreach coordinator with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA).
“I joined these organizations to engage in activities beyond academics, fuel my passions, and explore new interests. In Lifestyle Medicine, I enjoyed group hikes and journal clubs with faculty, which enhanced my understanding of preventive care. Through APAMSA, I participated in a boba fundraiser and a bone marrow registry, fostering community connections. Joining the PM&R Club led to engaging with PM&R docs, and discovering SAPNA, where I could merge my interests in South Asian health and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,” she said.
Bandlamudi became a student ambassador because she values the mentor-mentee relationship.
“My previous experiences in undergrad and beyond have shown me the importance of such connections, and I wanted to give back by offering insights and support to others,” she said. “Serving in this role allows me to help others navigate their journey, just as I have benefited from mentorship throughout my own.”
On this Veterans Day, we take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all men and women who serve or have served in the military, including our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. We are proud to have you as part of the ATSU family.
Veterans, today we honor your contributions, courage, and dedication, and we remain committed to supporting the military community as they continue their journey at ATSU. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day and to express gratitude to all veterans and active-duty service members.
Thank you for your service, and happy Veterans Day.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84
A.T. Still University hosted the annual Founder’s Day 5K and 1.2-mile walk on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Kirksville, Missouri.
Enjoy our photos from the event!
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) has been named a recipient of the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
ATSU was the first comprehensive health professions university to be named a HEED Award recipient in consecutive years (2017-18) and has now extended its achievement to an eighth consecutive year.
“We thank INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for highlighting and recognizing important work being done at ATSU,” said Chancellor Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “Congratulations to Clinton Normore, MBA, chief diversity officer, and his team on yet another honor celebrating their dedication and achievements.”
“Zig Ziglar famously said, ‘Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.’ For over 130 years, ATSU has been paving the way for exactly this kind of success,” Normore said. “Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our Board of Trustees and the efforts of Stephanie McGrew, MHA, our program manager, opportunities like this are possible. ATSU is thrilled to be recognized among those making a difference, standing proud on the right side of history as we continue to lead with purpose and passion.”
ATSU supports students who learn and serve in diverse, underserved, urban, and rural communities across the world. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected ATSU for its commitment to an educational and collaborative environment embracing inclusivity and cultural proficiency, highlighted by the University’s innovative Dreamline Pathways program, which received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine earlier this year.
Through Dreamline Pathways, ATSU partners with school districts and community-based organizations, offering experiential learning opportunities to students. These collaborations introduce young minds to healthcare careers and nurture students through campus and graduate student engagement opportunities.
“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees – and best practices for both – continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
As a recipient of the Health Professions HEED Award – a national honor recognizing U.S. health college and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion – ATSU will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The second-year team got off to a quick start and led 21-0 at halftime, thanks to three touchdown drives and a safety. They increased their lead to 28-0 before the first-year team got on the board with a late score.
Enjoy these photos from the game and festivities. Additional photos will be added later this week.
Dr. Koss’ lecture, “Osteopathy: The Science and Philosophy of LIFE,” may be viewed here.
An Air Force veteran, Dr. Koss worked with well-known and respected osteopathic physician Robert C. Fulford, DO, who was a student of W.G. Sutherland, DO. Dr. Fulford’s osteopathic practice explored Dr. A.T. Still’s original philosophy and principles of the body, mind, and spirit and the living bio-energy fields.
Dr. Koss’ private practice in Maple Valley, Washington, is a traditional osteopathic practice of 100% osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT) using the philosophy and principles of Dr. Still and incorporating the work of Dr. Fulford. Dr. Koss continues to research, study, and practice Dr. Still’s osteopathy and pursue the current research in physics and the energy principles in biological systems, incorporating it all into osteopathic diagnosis and treatment. He continues to teach Dr. Fulford’s osteopathic work all over the U.S., Japan, and Europe.
Dr. Koss’ passion is to study, practice, and teach osteopathy from ATSU founder, Dr. Still. Dr. Koss brings out modern scientific research proving the validity and timeless truths of osteopathy in the true healing of the body, mind, and spirit. His enthusiasm to demonstrate healing success in the clinic attests to the efficacy of Dr. Still’s genius and the vision of his discovery and ensures osteopathy’s rightful place in the present and future of medicine of the world.
The late Fred C. Tinning, PhD, DOEd (hon.), ’14, and his late wife, Janet, established the Fred C. Tinning, PhD, DOEd (hon.), ’14, President Emeritus, Founder’s Day Osteopathy Lecture Endowment in 2009. Dr. and Mrs. Tinning created the endowment based on their strong belief in perpetuating the importance of osteopathic principles and practices.
The endowment provides a perpetual source of income that will sponsor a lecture by a nationally recognized expert on neuromusculoskeletal medicine/osteopathic manipulative medicine annually. The osteopathy lecture was formerly known as the Scott Memorial Lecture and was sponsored and funded by the American Academy of Osteopathy.
Each year, the lecture is presented to ATSU-KCOM students, faculty, staff, and alumni as part of Founder’s Day activities.
Dr. Tinning served as the eighth president of ATSU-KCOM from 1984-96. Because of his exceptional service to the University, ATSU’s Board of Trustees named the Tinning Education Center building on the Kirksville, Missouri, campus in his honor, and in 2014, awarded him the doctor of osteopathic education honorary degree.
For family members and friends of those who have donated their body to A.T. Still University (ATSU), the annual Gift of Body Ceremony offers an opportunity for closure.
For ATSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, it’s an opportunity to express profound gratitude for the donor’s decision and support of their loved ones, and attempt to put into words what those gifts mean not only now, but for their futures in healthcare.
“The sacrifice of donating a loved one to this experience, it’s brave,” said ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) Associate Professor of Anatomy Jeremy Houser, PhD. “It’s an experience that has extended your grieving process, and we see that, and we know that. We still want you to know the benefits that have come from this.
Dr. Jeremy Houser
“Your loved one was (the students’) first patient. Taught them humanity, emotional intelligence. That’s going to benefit them as clinicians for the rest of their careers. It’s going to benefit each patient they encounter. It’s going to benefit society as a whole.”
ATSU-KCOM and ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health students gathered Wednesday in Kirksville, Missouri’s Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery, near a tombstone inscribed, “In memory of those who have donated their body to medical science.”
Including a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by ATSU’s student a capella group, the MEDleys, the event featured student speakers representing different organizations, providing perspectives on their experiences in the anatomy lab.
The MEDleys
“One of the most important and intimate gifts is that of our bodies and of our lives here on Earth. These stay with us until we die. No matter how hard we try in this life, we cannot be separated from them,” said ATSU-KCOM student Michael Geer, OMS II, president of the Christian Medical and Dental Association. “The act of giving up something so intimate for the pursuit of medical education is an immeasurably generous gift, one that I and my fellow students are exceptionally thankful for. It has been truly an honor to learn and understand the human body in this way.”
Michael Greer
“Your family members made a remarkable decision. They gave us the gift of learning, the gift of understanding, and the gift of progress,” said ATSU-KCOM student Becca Rajagopal, OMS II, representing the Indian Student Association. “Their contributions will forever resonate in clinics, hospitals, and communities where we will serve. Every lesson learned, every procedure practiced, and every patient treated will carry a piece of their legacy.”
Becca Rajagopal
“The gifts you have shared with us have helped us fulfill our purpose in being at this school. Because of your loved ones, we will be better doctors. We will be able to help our future patients that may be struggling,” said ATSU-KCOM student Noelle Nerenberg, OMS II, president of the Latter-Day Saints Student Association. “And because of the things we’ve learned from your loved ones, we will be a little bit closer to becoming the physicians we set out to be.”
Noelle Nerenberg
Also speaking was April McCormick, mother of ATSU-KCOM student Sophia McCormick, OMS II. Shortly after her daughter enrolled, April made the decision to complete the forms to eventually donate her body to the University.
She doesn’t plan for that to happen anytime soon, but April felt it was important to take those steps and join those who have already donated their bodies for study, providing, she said, a “once in a lifetime opportunity to gain vast and immeasurable amounts of knowledge that could never be replicated with books, videos, or 3D models.”
“Without reservation, I completely trust these students and the professors to give the best care to my body, so that they can someday give the best care to their patients,” April said.
April McCormick
ATSU-KCOM alumnus Baydon Hilton, DO, ’19, provided thoughts from a vantage point of having completed medical school, able to look back upon those experiences and how they’ve prepared him to best serve his patients.
“These med students and dental students have keys now to information they could get in no other way,” Dr. Hilton said. “By being able to spend time learning, discovering, and processing the gift that you and your family members gave, allows them to now be able to move forward and make new discoveries as they continue to practice medicine in wholesome and appropriate ways.”
“The community is awesome,” Barranco said. “The students, faculty, and staff all make an effort to be supportive of and kind to each other. We uplift each other when we see others going through a rough time. We try to do little things to make each other smile, like celebrating birthdays or showing each other our pet pictures. We understand that everyone is more than just their prescribed ATSU role – student, advisor, professor, etc. – but that we are all multi-faceted human beings with lives and mental health. I truly believe most of us make the effort to be mindful of this and support each other.”
That’s a big deal for everyone, and especially for people like Barranco, who left home in Dunstable, Massachusetts, to attend medical school in Mesa, Arizona. Her initial connection to the area was with her uncle, of Scottsdale, Arizona, who died unexpectedly from COVID in fall 2021.
“There are a lot of things I was drawn to about ATSU-SOMA as an institution – kind and relaxed faculty and staff, a value for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), interest in giving students early clinical exposure – in a weird way, the most special thing is that being here makes me feel connected to my late uncle. He strongly supported my pursuit of medicine and believed in me so much,” Barranco said. “I even got my acceptance phone call on his birthday.”
Barranco serves as vice president of the Nutrition & Health Awareness (NHA) club, treasurer of the Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA), and representative for the Tucson Community Health Center newsletter, in addition to being an ATSU-SOMA student ambassador.
“My journey to medical school was hard,” she said. “No one in my family was in healthcare, and while they supported my dreams, they didn’t really know what I needed to do to achieve them. I had to figure out so much on my own, and it made the journey longer and harder. Luckily, along the way I found mentorship and other students with more knowledge about the process and who were willing to help and offer advice.
“I truly feel without these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so it’s really important for me to share my insights and experiences with future medical students.”
Her role with MSPA is also deeply personal, noting many of her best friends are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and wanting to advocate on behalf of those groups.
“One of my highlights of working with MSPA was organizing a badge buddy fundraiser, where any member of the ATSU-SOMA community was welcome to order a badge buddy customized with their color and pronouns of choice. It was amazing to see my classmates and professors excited to wear their buddies! This act alone increases awareness and sense of acceptance and support in the ATSU-SOMA community. All the profits from the fundraiser went back into the club, which helps us continue great work such as Pride Week and hosting guest speakers from the Pima County community,” she said.
Barranco believes this will all contribute to her becoming the kind of physician she wants to be.
“Honestly, what’s most important to me is becoming a physician patients trust, and having longitudinal relationships with my patients where I am making a true difference in their health outcomes,” she said. “I definitely feel ATSU is helping me with this. They not only try to teach us the academics, but also encourage us to develop humanistically and attempt to see the obstacles and challenges from the patient’s perspective. To try and meet them where they are with empathy and compassion. This is the new most coveted physician quality, and it is good to know that ATSU truly stands by its motto of first in whole person healthcare.”
