ATSU-ASHS Physician Assistant program provides support, community for students to thrive
Posted: March 3, 2026
A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program student Masen MacCrone, PA, ’27, offers insights on what it means to be an ATSU student.
A graduate of Arizona State University, where she majored in medical studies, MacCrone discusses everything from the inspiration of former colleagues to the local coffee trucks on campus, offering an inside look at life as an ATSU-ASHS PA student. Read more about her journey of building professional accountability, serving the community, and finding balance outside of the classroom.
Why did you choose ATSU-ASHS?
“Aside from the beautiful campus and welcoming faculty and advisors, I chose ATSU-ASHS because as a medical assistant in dermatology, I worked with two providers who graduated from the same campus (one was a DO, and one was a PA who I worked very closely with). I wanted to follow in their footsteps as successful providers as I saw how much they influenced my own experience and growth within healthcare. Not to mention, ATSU’s PA program’s PANCE stats are continuously exceptional.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU-ASHS PA student?
“I love the support that we receive as students. It is so much easier to go to school every day knowing that there is so much love, support, and dedication by every faculty member and advisor. They truly emphasize that they want to see each student succeed and will do everything in their power to make sure that it happens, oftentimes going out of their way to do so. The faculty really spends time on building meaningful relationships with students, even though there are 100 of us! Our school is great about putting on fun events such as the basketball and flag football games, where all of the programs are integrated together, and my personal favorite, Founder’s Day Open House AKA carnival and free food/activities. The coffee truck in the morning and Food Truck Thursdays are also a huge pick-me-up!”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU-ASHS helping prepare you for your career as a PA?
“I hope to become the most reliable, compassionate, and hard-working physician assistant that I can possibly be. I want to be wherever my community needs me, whether that be in primary care, ER, etc. I truly just want to do good for others and utilize my skills where they will be needed the most. ATSU-ASHS helps prepare me to become a PA by making sure I am held accountable as a student and, most importantly, as a future provider. They focus on whole person healthcare with an emphasis on underserved populations and building competent providers that truly care about their patients and community.”
Why did you choose to join different student organizations, like the Kettel Society?
“I initially heard about Kettel Society and becoming a student ambassador during an information session held during lunch on the first week of classes. Naturally, at first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to even handle doing anything extracurricular, but I was quickly encouraged to be as active as possible within my ATSU community. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had while being in both. I cannot picture my didactic year being any different and I am really happy that I made that leap of faith even when it did not seem quite achievable. I also get to spend a lot of time with my peers outside of lectures, which is super fun to see how all of our personalities mold together.”
Why did you become a student ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I knew that it would allow me to become involved within my school and community. I was excited to contribute to future students’ experiences and I wanted to be a positive reflection of my program! I remember the student ambassadors being such a great resource throughout my own interview process, and I wanted to have that same effect and offer the same support for others. Not only is my goal to be an important resource, but also a friend.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of my time studying I enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, spending time outdoors, and watching my boyfriend’s hockey games on Friday nights. I am always down for a good happy hour and spending time with friends and family. I also frequently plan events for my class outside of school to participate in and volunteer monthly with other classmates at the Food Bank in Mesa. I’m still a waitress at a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Chandler that I have worked at for 10 years, so you will find me picking up shifts whenever I am able to to catch up with my regulars!”