ATSU-CHC students deliver vital healthcare services in rural Peru

ATSU-CHC students deliver vital healthcare services in rural Peru

In alignment with A.T. Still University's unwavering commitment to serving the underserved, students from ATSU's College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC) recently traveled to rural Lima, Peru, to provide whole person healthcare as part of the 2025 Called to Serve (CTS) mission.

Over their summer break, ATSU-CHC Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program students Peter-John Van Beurden, PA, '26, Joie Fitzpatrick, PA, '26, Nate Kleinsasser, PA, '26, and Nang Lahtaw, PA, '26, provided free healthcare to nearly 500 patients, addressing more than 55 unique conditions.

"It was a life-changing experience, and one that has left us more confident, inspired, and prepared for the clinical rotations ahead," Van Beurden said.

"The most meaningful part of this trip for me was connecting with our patients and laying my hands on them, putting into practice what CCPA preaches to us every week: the importance of the physical exam. When we slow down to provide that healing touch, patients leave with hope and I was able to experience that every day in the clinic."

Students applied knowledge and skills from courses such as patient assessment, clinical science, clinical medicine, and PA professional practice, while working alongside two PA-C preceptors, including CCPA alumna Cindy Cureno, PA-C, '24, two local Peruvian physicians, a medical student, an OB-GYN, a dentist, and a psychologist.

"While in Peru, I was especially inspired by the pediatric patients we worked with, their resilience, strength, and bright spirits reminded me why I chose this path and deepened my commitment to serving others," Fitzpatrick said.

"One patient who left a lasting impact on me was a young woman recovering from a gunshot wound. It was clear that, beyond her physical injuries, she needed continued physical therapy and psychological support to truly begin healing. That moment reminded me how important it is to treat the whole person, not just their immediate medical needs."