ATSU Physician Assistant student found warm, welcoming environment from first step on campus

ATSU Physician Assistant student found warm, welcoming environment from first step on campus

When A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program student Melanie Le, PA, '26, first visited the University's Mesa, Arizona, campus, she found a place she felt would support her as she reached for her goals.

"I chose ATSU because of the warm, welcoming environment I felt when visiting the campus," Le said. "The faculty consistently go above and beyond to support and create a safe space for students to thrive and grow. ATSU's commitment to whole person healthcare reassures me that I will excel in my journey in becoming a competent and compassionate physician assistant."

Le is from Los Angeles and has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from University of California, Santa Barbara.

"At ATSU, I appreciate the strong sense of community. Everyone is incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a hand. The numerous events that bring together the different programs foster a feeling of unity, making it feel like one big family - a sense that's evident among both students and faculty," she said.

When not studying, Le enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family. She also serves as an ATSU student ambassador.

"I became an ambassador to share my passion for the PA program and highlight all it has to offer prospective students," she said. "Speaking with ambassadors during my own application process, I saw firsthand how genuinely happy and passionate they were about being in the program. I hope to convey that same excitement to future students considering ATSU."

Ultimately, Le aspires to become a culturally competent PA who makes patients feel safe, heard, and comfortable in her care.

"ATSU is helping me achieve this by emphasizing the importance of understanding how diverse backgrounds and upbringings influence each individual's relationship with healthcare," she said.