ATSU-ASHS Physician Assistant program faculty ‘go the extra mile’ to support student success
Posted: October 21, 2025
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Physician Assistant program student Mackenzie Kaup, PA, ’26, said she was drawn to the University’s Mesa, Arizona, campus due to the deep commitment to whole person healthcare and service to rural and underserved communities.
“I really liked that this was incorporated into the PA curriculum, such as in the Body, Mind, and Spirit class, which helps prepare us to see patients as whole individuals rather than just their diagnoses,” Kaup said. “I was also drawn to ATSU’s mission of educating students to serve in rural and underserved areas. I was really excited for the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in communities that often face barriers to accessing care, and where healthcare is needed most.”
Kaup is from Phoenix and graduated with a major in physiology and minor in psychology from the University of Arizona.
At ATSU-ASHS, Kaup serves as a student ambassador.
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to share my excitement for ATSU and the PA program at ATSU with future and current applicants,” she said. “One aspect that stood out to me about ATSU during my admissions interview was how passionate, helpful, informative, and friendly the PA program ambassadors were. They made me excited about the program and were one of the reasons I saw myself being a part of the ATSU PA program. I wanted to do that same thing for others. As a student ambassador, I love being able to answer questions, give tours, and help applicants on their journey to PA school. Applying to PA school is stressful and I have really enjoyed being able to provide advice, encouragement, and relieve some of the stress that comes with applications.”
One of the messages Kaup shares relates to ATSU’s faculty.
“Every professor and staff member makes me feel incredibly supported. They go the extra mile for their students because they genuinely want us to succeed, and that kind of environment is what I was looking for in a program,” she said.
Another positive about ATSU are the many different events and opportunities for students outside of the classroom, the things that enrich the overall student life experience.
“I love all the student life events that ATSU holds to help provide stress relief and a break for students. Some of my favorite events are the flag football game, the basketball game between each cohort in the PA program, and the ATSU Healthcare Expo. The PA program also hosted a lawn movie night on campus for the PA students to get to know the faculty and other students better, which was another fun way to destress,” she said.
In her free time, Kaup enjoys working out, hiking, traveling with family and friends, and trying new restaurants or cooking dinner with her boyfriend.
On campus, she’s preparing to become a PA who creates trusting relationships with patients by listening intentionally and providing patient-centered care.
“I also hope to pursue a fellowship or a Doctor of Medical Science degree, so that I can continue expanding my ability to serve patients and grow professionally,” Kaup said. “ATSU has been instrumental in preparing me for this path. The program has strengthened my work ethic, motivation, and dedication to my studies and career. Through its emphasis on whole person and patient-centered care in our classes, ATSU has given me the skills to listen intentionally and build trust with patients. ATSU has instilled in me a desire to keep learning and growing, both for my patients and for my own professional development.”