Finding a community where she could thrive, student chooses ATSU-ASHS PA program
Posted: January 27, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences’ (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies student Sasha Kapadia, PA, ’26, found something special on the university’s Mesa, Arizona, campus.
It’s a place that genuinely cares about its students, their well-being, and provides ample opportunities to become part of a community.
“I chose ATSU because I loved their holistic view of medicine and their body-mind-spirit philosophy,” Kapadia said. “I believe that mental health takes a toll on your physical health just as much as any other illness or disease, and ATSU prioritizes their students’ mental and physical well-being. I got a glimpse of the tight-knit community ATSU offers during my interview, and I knew this was the school I was meant to be at.
“I love the community and non-competitive environment that ATSU offers to its students. That’s one of the main reasons I chose this program and school. ATSU offers so many fun events throughout each month, and there are always new opportunities to get involved or expand your knowledge outside of the classroom. We had such a fun event a couple of months ago called Founder’s Day, and I really felt the supportive, loving community that ATSU has built.”
Kapadia is from Simi Valley, California, and has a bachelor’s of science in biology from University of California, Riverside. She enjoys reading, watching football, and trying out new recipes and restaurants.
“I’ve always loved to read, and even though it’s hard to do so in grad school, it helps me wind down and take a break from school,” she said. “I’m also a big foodie, so I love to try new restaurants with my friends. Being close to LA, there were lots of cool and trendy restaurants there, but Phoenix and Scottsdale have some of the best restaurants I’ve been to!”
Kapadia serves as a student ambassador with the ATSU-ASHS PA program, a position which allows her to provide insights to prospective students.
“During my PA school interview, I was able to ask questions to four PA student ambassadors and it eased my nerves and helped me decide that ATSU was the best fit for me,” she said. “I wanted to serve as this role model to future students who were in the same shoes as I once was. As an ambassador, I also work with high school and college students who are interested in the PA field, and it’s rewarding to offer my advice and insight into how I made it to this point. I love socializing with others, meeting new people, and giving my honest opinions and advice, which is why I chose to become a student ambassador.”
ATSU-ASHS is helping Kapadia prepare for her career in many different ways. Academically, she’s learning the importance of all things clinical medicine and how to go about treating, diagnosing, and working with patients.
But ATSU is also helping her develop a bedside manner for serving her future patients as their healthcare provider.
“ATSU incorporates a course in our curriculum called BMS (Body, Mind, and Spirit) and this course has taught me so much about how to be culturally competent and respectful towards all patients in any given situation,” Kapadia said. “I’ve learned that showing compassion and sympathy towards your patients can make all the difference; it’s not just about what you know from a clinical perspective. Once I’ve graduated from the program and have passed my PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination), I hope to make connections and network with my colleagues, and to genuinely love where I practice and what I’m doing.”