ATSU’s Central Coast Physician Assistant program fit needs of student as mother, future PA

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.

For the Santa Maria, California, resident, the answer was just down the street at A.T. Still University's College for Health Communities (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant program (CCPA).

"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."