ATSU Central Coast PA student Jason Castaneda draws on his personal experiences to serve underserved patients
Posted: September 29, 2026
For Jason Antonio Castaneda, PA, ’27, the path to A.T. Still University’s College for Healthy Communities’ (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant program (CCPA) began at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where he saw firsthand how language and cultural barriers shape access to care for Spanish-speaking and low-income patients. That experience, and his own identity as a member of the Latino community, drew him to ATSU’s mission of serving diverse and medically underserved populations.
Castaneda is a 2022 graduate of the University of Southern California, where he majored in human biology, and is a member of the ATSU-CHC CCPA Medical Spanish Club and Student Ambassador. He will graduate from the Central Coast PA Program in 2027.
Why did you choose ATSU-CHC?
“As a member of the Latino community, I have personally experienced and witnessed the language and cultural barriers that contribute to disparities in access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare. In my previous experience working at a Federally Qualified Health Center, a majority of the patients fall under the categories of undocumented, low-income, and only Spanish-speaking.
“Although I was not performing life-saving procedures or prescribing medications, I came to understand that providing compassionate support and communication could be just as meaningful to a patient. Many patients looked to me for assistance because they saw someone who shared aspects of their culture and language and could relate to their experiences.
“These experiences have shaped my desire to serve patients from diverse and medically underserved communities, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to ATSU and its dedication to this mission.”
What do you enjoy about being an ATSU student?
“One aspect of being an ATSU-CHC CCPA student that I enjoy is the deep connections I have made with my classmates. Throughout all the hardships I experienced during PA school, I knew I always had their support. They comforted me during times of struggle or burnout and gave me a good laugh when I needed it most. From exploring new coffee shops to study at, driving to Applebee’s for a late-night dinner, and watching back-to-back World Cup matches, I have truly made lifelong connections.
“Additionally, another highlight of being an ATSU-CHC CCPA student is the connections I have made with my professors. With their countless years of experience, I have sought out their guidance when trying to relate the information we learned in the classroom to real-world patient encounters. Whenever I was confused about a topic or needed clarification regarding the presentation of a disease or illness, they were there to assist me without hesitation.”
What do you hope to achieve professionally, and how is ATSU helping prepare you for your career?
“After graduating from ATSU-CHC CCPA, I plan to pursue my interest in specialties such as internal medicine, endocrinology, orthopedics, or cardiology. These fields are incredibly close to my heart. I’ve watched many of my own family members navigate complex medical conditions within these clinics, and those experiences have deeply shaped the kind of clinician I want to be. Alongside these goals of working in specific specialties, I hope to continue my service to underserved and minority patient populations.
“I know ATSU is giving me the tools to reach these goals, not only by teaching me good medicine, but by showing me how to approach every patient with true humility and respect. It is easy to look at a medical condition as just lines on a page, but I always remind myself that no illness manifests the same way twice.
“The same goes for the patients I will see in the future. Every person who walks into the clinic carries a unique story. One might live just down the street, while another might have come from a vastly different country, culture, and set of beliefs. As clinicians, it is our duty to honor and recognize these patient stories, in order to provide the highest quality of care possible.”
Why did you become a Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy about serving in this role?
“I became a student ambassador because I wanted to assist future students in their transition from undergrad to PA school.
“As a low-income, first-generation Latino student, I have faced many educational and financial barriers on my path into higher education. I did not understand what attending college or receiving a bachelor’s degree entailed. I was unable to seek guidance from my parents, who immigrated from El Salvador to the United States at a young age to work and did not receive a formal education. Despite facing obstacles, I persevered.
“As a student ambassador, I have sought to assist other students that came from a similar background and provide them with the tools to overcome any and all obstacles they may face on their educational journey.”
What are some of your interests, hobbies, or achievements outside of ATSU?
“Outside of academics, I have a strong interest in athletics, particularly football and baseball. I also enjoy visual arts, especially ceramics and pottery, and attending music concerts. Recently, I’ve picked up playing cornhole during PA school, which has been a fun way to stay active and connected with classmates.”
