ATSU-ASHS PA students turn skills lab into real-world care moment for campus staff member

ATSU-ASHS PA students turn skills lab into real-world care moment for campus staff member

A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies students recently turned a technical skills exercise into a meaningful community health experience with ATSU's Mesa campus safety manager.

During their recent endocrine block, second-year PA students were given the opportunity to practice continuous glucose monitor (CGM) placement using Dexcom sensors. While working through the lab, Salsabeal Jarrah, '27, and Meredith Eliasen, '27, connected with Oscar Overley, campus safety manager, who shared that he has type 2 diabetes, but hadn't been introduced to continuous glucose monitoring technology.

"With his permission, we demonstrated the Dexcom system and assisted him in setting up the monitoring app. For the first time, he was able to visualize his glucose trends in real time. This provided immediate insight into how his diet, medication adherence, and activity levels were influencing his blood sugar throughout the day," said Jarrah.

After reviewing his data, Jarrah explained, Overley followed up with his primary care provider and was able to share objective glucose trends.

"We discussed dietary adjustments and an exercise plan that fit within his daily routine. The CGM allowed him to see immediate improvements after implementing changes, including adding a brisk walk after meals. Since then, he has improved his nutrition and incorporated more consistent physical activity," she added.

To take their support beyond the classroom, Overley, Jarrah, and Eliasen will be participating in a 5K together this March.

"We believe this interaction reflects the practical, community-centered application of what we are learning in the classroom," Jarrah said. "We are grateful for the hands-on experiences our curriculum provides and for the opportunity to apply them in meaningful ways."