A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Doctor of Education in Health Professions (EdD) student Susan Thomas, MS, sought a program to improve her professional skills.

She found it in ATSU-CGHS.

“I truly believe receiving my doctor of education in health professions will help me continue to be a strong instructional designer, as well as a better online instructor. Staying current in the field and being a life-long learner is important for educators to not only teach others, but to model ourselves,” Thomas said. 

“This program has already provided me with new knowledge and tools I have implemented in my professional life, including the ability to look at concepts with a research lens. In addition, as an online professor, completing the courses in this program keeps my knowledge of education current for my students, so that they receive the best from me.”

Thomas has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education, and works as an instructional designer. She was attracted to ATSU-CGHS’ program for several reasons, including that the program has more than two decades of history itself, as well as the College’s accreditation and courses’ Quality Matters certification. 

​​The Doctor of Education in Health Professions (EdD) program at ATSU-CGHS focuses specifically on developing health professions educators. Unique in its class, this online program involves practical experience-based teaching rather than research-based teaching. This prestigious health professions degree is designed for practicing clinicians, healthcare educators, leaders, and directors who desire to pursue their passion to teach.

“The instructors and academic support staff at ATSU-CGHS have been incredible on my journey,” Thomas said. “They are there to not only support me with questions regarding coursework, but to encourage me along the way. They truly care about the students and their success.”

Thomas manages to balance her professional life with program demands through organization and self discipline. 

“I take one course at a time, and prioritize at least an hour or two per day, six days per week, to my coursework. That allows me to balance my coursework with other demands,” she said.

Jennifer Ha, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies student at A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Arizona School of Health Sciences, graduated from UC Davis in 2022 with a major in human development and a minor in public health. Her educational journey led her to ATSU, which she describes as inclusive and diverse.

ATSU’s positive community environment and helpful faculty and staff have “done a fantastic job in teaching whole person medicine.”

“As I reflected back several months to when I started this program, I would say that ATSU was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career toward becoming a compassionate and competent PA,” Ha says.

Ha moved from Sacramento, California, to Mesa, Arizona, and found interest in many of the activities the state has to offer.

“I have gained an interest in golf and hiking the many trails here,” she said.

Ha also enjoys weightlifting and volleyball outside of classes and enjoys the Arizona air. When on campus, she helps prospective and new students by answering questions about ATSU and gives tours around the campus as a student ambassador.

“As a Vietnamese minority, from a low-income background, I wanted to become a mentor to incoming students and prospective students in answering as many questions that I once had when I was in their position,” Ha said. “I enjoy being able to share how much I appreciate ATSU and its mission, give advice about PA school, and connect with other student ambassadors in other programs.”

There are a lot of reasons not to do something. When it comes to advancing education and careers through online degree programs, prospective students need to closely examine things like cost and time in order to make the right choice for themselves. 

Despite the best planning, though, the unexpected can happen, and then what? A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Doctor of Health Administration student Henry Allen Cooley Jr., MS, said when things became difficult in his personal life, his ATSU-CGHS program gave him the support he needed.

“Staff went out of their way to assist me when I was having a crisis,” Cooley said. “They kept me in the program and found solutions for my issues.”

The Doctor of Health Administration degree program at ATSU prepares health professionals to become innovative leaders and problem solvers within the healthcare industry. By blending the theoretical with the practical, the coursework of this advanced degree program provides students with the holistic knowledge needed to transition into careers that improve and influence healthcare administration systems.

Cooley entered the Doctor of Health Administration to advance his knowledge and stay abreast of current healthcare happenings, and enjoys the flexibility provided by an online program. He’s also received great support from his family to balance work, life, and the program.

“My family is very supportive and allows me the time I need in the evenings and on the weekends,” he said. “I plan on teaching as I near retirement and the degree will give me that opportunity.”

For A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) student Hana Jeong, D2, the chance to experience something new and witness the challenges of access to oral healthcare services in a rural setting made ATSU-MOSDOH an intriguing option for her dental education. 

“I selected ATSU-MOSDOH due to its distinctive approach to dental education, which involves two years of didactic learning in a rural setting followed by two years in an urban area,” Jeong said. “This structure appealed to me because it offered a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the disparities in oral healthcare access in rural areas. Experiencing these challenges fueled my determination to pursue dentistry with a focus on addressing such barriers. Additionally, the idea of completing my final two years of dental school in my hometown was an added bonus, further solidifying my decision to choose MOSDOH.”

Originally from St. Louis, Jeong earned her physiology degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, watching Netflix, and going on light runs around Kirksville.

At ATSU-MOSDOH, Jeong plays intramural sports and is a member of the American Student Dental Association and a student ambassador. 

“I love being able to play badminton and pickleball with fellow classmates and fellow ATSU students, because it is the best way to de-stress from the schoolwork. There’s something special about the friendly rivalry and banter that comes with playing sports with classmates. We also get to bond and build friendships outside of the classroom. It’s moments like these that make the whole experience at ATSU feel more like a tight-knit community rather than just a school,” Jeong said.

“My favorite thing about being a part of ATSU is the tight-knit community formed among my peers and faculty. Throughout these past two years, I have developed wonderful relationships with my classmates and professors that I know will continue even after dental school. Whether it’s engaging in a friendly game of badminton with professors or unwinding with the entire class post-exam, it’s the simple moments like these that I will reminisce and look back on many years after graduation.”

As a student ambassador, Jeong gets to provide the same kind of invaluable guidance she received during her application process to future dental students.

“(The student ambassadors I met) provided me with resources and support that made a significant difference in my journey. Knowing firsthand how stressful and overwhelming the application process can be, I felt compelled to share my experiences, advice, and support other pre-dental students in their own endeavors,” Jeong said. “Serving as a student ambassador has allowed me to meet prospective students from various backgrounds. Each interaction has been meaningful, as I’ve had the opportunity to hear their unique stories and perspectives. It is truly so rewarding to receive an email from a prospective student about their acceptance to our school.”

Ultimately, Jeong seeks to be a dentist who delivers top quality care to her patients.

“I have a strong passion for addressing the oral healthcare needs of immigrant families, echoing the challenges my own family once faced. ATSU-MOSDOH plays a pivotal role in shaping me for this mission by actively promoting initiatives to dismantle barriers to oral care. Through the community outreach programs and volunteer work, ATSU fosters a culture of service and advocacy, aligning perfectly with my aspirations,” she said. “I am confident that the rigorous clinical training, immersive hands-on experiences, and exposure to diverse cases during my four years will equip me to excel as a provider.”

A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) student Hope Welter, OMS II, already knew a lot about the founding school of osteopathic medicine before she applied. That, plus what she learned during her interview process, made ATSU-KCOM the right choice for her.

“I chose ATSU-KCOM in part due to its rich history in osteopathic medicine, producing physicians who have become role models to me in my journey pursuing medicine,” Welter said. “Aside from this, the staff and students at KCOM made me feel right at home even over my Zoom interview. I felt they welcomed me with open arms, and I could see myself getting along well with everyone I met that day.”

Welter is from Grand Blanc, Michigan, and earned a bachelor of arts in Spanish and bachelor’s of science in biomedical sciences from Western Michigan University. She was highly involved on campus at her undergraduate school, and she’s kept up that activity at ATSU-KCOM. Welter is Internal Medicine Course Liaison for the class of 2026, Student Government Association class of 2026 secretary, ATSU Research Club co-president, Cardiology Club president, Gamma Beta Phi vice president, Alpha Phi Omega secretary, Point of Care Ultrasound Club (POCUS) event coordinator, and a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, OB/GYN Club, Internal Medicine Club, and Student Ambassador – Human Patient Simulations coordinator.

“I wanted to become a student ambassador after the impact the ambassadors had on my interview day. Even over Zoom, I was able to appreciate the camaraderie amongst the students and faculty at ATSU. Personally, I enjoy being able to mentor students through their interview process and show them the best parts of our school,” Welter said. 

Outside of class, Welter enjoys spending time with her family and four dogs. In the summer months, she said she “has been known” to try to improve her golf swing, and during the week she attends spin class at the Thompson Campus Center.

“Though there are many things I have enjoyed about my ATSU experience, by far I am most grateful for the friendships and connections I have made at KCOM,” she said. “The faculty makes efforts to form relationships with the students, and goes beyond the open-door policy to aid in our education. Amongst my peers, I have made friendships that I know will extend for many years after my time as an ATSU student. ATSU supports the camaraderie amongst students by hosting events like Founder’s Day, where first- and second-year students participate in a powderpuff football game, complete with cheerleaders. 

“Aside from the ATSU campus, KCOM integrates its students into the Kirksville community. Due to this, I was able to spend about every Sunday of the last year with the Kirksville Special Olympics athletes, which has grown to become my favorite part of the week.”

Welter participates in research in the lab of ATSU-KCOM faculty members’ Tim Ostrowski, PhD, associate professor, physiology, and Daniela Ostrowski, PhD, assistant professor, pharmacology, and attends conferences to present her work and learn about updates in clinical research. She recently received awards for poster and oral presentations and will be attending the American Physiological Society (APS) annual summit in Long Beach, California.

“Eventually, I hope to pursue an internal medicine residency followed by a cardiology fellowship. I envision myself working in a community-based hospital, with the hopes of impacting my community both in and out of the healthcare setting,” Welter said. “ATSU is helping me achieve this goal by providing different networking opportunities, from research conferences to MAOPS (Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons) advocacy days. Along with this, I am fortunate enough to be completing my clinical rotations at Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, which has residency programs and fellowship opportunities that align with my interests.”

A.T. Still University-College for Healthy Communities (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program student Maria Linda Burola, PA, ’25, knows her program is unique in its mission, and as a student ambassador has an opportunity to help students with a passion for serving the underserved navigate their path to the school’s Santa Maria, California, campus.

“I became a student ambassador because I believe in the importance of mentoring others. This program is unique and caters to students who have a true interest in working with underserved communities. I hope to help find those students who have a passion for working with the underserved and help them feel welcomed to apply to this program. I was fortunate to connect with an ambassador from the first class at CCPA and she helped me build the confidence to apply for the program,” Burola said.

Burola is from Cloverdale, California, and has a degree in Spanish and Chicano/a studies from University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. 

“I decided to join ATSU because of the CCPA program’s mission to meet the demand for more primary care physician assistants working in medically underserved communities,” she said. “I am hoping to become the ATSU CCPA mission: a culturally-humble, diverse, primary care physician assistant to work in medically underserved communities.”

In addition to serving as a student ambassador, Burola is a member of the Medical Spanish Club.

“I joined the Medical Spanish Club because there is a growing need for more Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals in our nation. As a fluent Spanish-speaker, I hope to help other students learn the language so they can communicate with their patients,” she said.

In her free time, Burola enjoys CrossFit, weight lifting, and cardio training. She’s joined a local gym, which she said gives her opportunities to connect with the local community. Those opportunities, derived from the student work/life balance the CCPA program provides, are among the many benefits of being an ATSU student.

“I love the student/life balance. We have some remote time built into the schedule that lets us go to a coffee shop to study, the beach, or even go wine tasting, since we are in wine country. We definitely spend a lot of time studying and in class, but it is nice to have some freedom here and there to explore this beautiful area,” she said.

A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Doctor of Health Administration program student Anthony Ferrer-Bethencourt, MPH, says he’s already seeing a return on his investment in his pursuit of an advanced health science degree, and is excited for his future opportunities. 

“The Doctor of Health Administration program has opened new opportunities to continue growing in my professional life by being able to seek new career opportunities and accept more responsibilities,” Ferrer-Bethencourt said. “The knowledge gained by completing this program is one of the many steps needed to achieve my future goals. 

“The next steps are to put this knowledge to work and develop a path of success based on the knowledge acquired from the program.”

Ferrer-Bethencourt, who plans to complete his program during the 2024-25 academic year, became interested in pursuing an online program because he believed it would help him reach his full learning potential. ATSU-CGHS’ curriculum, student feedback, academic and faculty support, and flexibility made it his top choice.

“I was able to balance work/life and academic learning by being disciplined, committed, and diligent with family responsibilities and education. Staying on top of my demanding schedule was difficult but doable,” he said. “The Doctor of Health Administration is rewarding but, at the same time, very structured, demanding, and worth it. Time management, discipline, and dedication are required to stay on top of the assignments.

“The academic advisor was always available to answer my questions and provide support through the courses. My professors were always very supportive in every course. Feedback was always great, and guidance was always provided to continue improving through the academic learning program.”

Anthony Paul Chavarria, MPH, ‘21, didn’t need to look far when searching for a place he could complete advanced health science degrees online. While such programs connect students with institutions anywhere on the planet, Chavarria found what he was looking for in his own Arizona backyard at A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS).

“Living in Arizona, I was surrounded by many professionals who have become doctors and dentists through ATSU programs,” he said. “This inspired me to look into ATSU as a school of choice for my higher education.”

That first led Chavarria to ATSU-CGHS’ Master of Public Health program, which he completed in 2021. Still seeking to advance his knowledge and improve his credentials, he applied for and was admitted to the ATSU-CGHS Doctor of Health Sciences program. 

“ATSU-CGHS staff has always been supportive,” Chavarria said. “I was shown support through engagement with professors who want to see student success and growth. Professors have continued to show support and dedication to their students by always lending valuable knowledge and being available and understanding throughout academic endeavors. I have also had a lot of support from advisors who guide and aid in my successes throughout my ATSU programs.”

Chavarria said online programs allowed him the flexibility to find work/life balance. The Doctor of Health Sciences program is broken up into smaller chunks that are doable, not leaving him feeling overwhelmed, and leaving time for his work, travel, and time with family and friends. 

“I highly recommend ATSU to my friend group and to anyone who has shown interest in online programs and higher education,” he said. “ATSU has done a wonderful job at creating a great community of professors, students, and staff that all have a common goal of seeing everyone succeed.”

Both the Master of Public Health and Doctor of Health Sciences programs have given Chavarria tools to succeed in his professional life as a leader in safety, security, and wellness. 

“Understanding the various ways in which public health and health sciences aid in the betterment of people in the workplace has given me an advantage amongst my peers when it comes to leading projects and creating policy or procedural change,” he said. “Much like the way ATSU’s programs are currently helping me in my professional life, I believe they will continue supporting my future endeavors in health and wellness through education experiences and opportunities that have come from having a background that has given me a step up in various roles.”

Rebekah Feinberg, OMS I, knew A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) was different from the beginning. 

“I view ATSU-SOMA as a superior institution with resources and support that are simply unmatchable,” she said. “For example, during the application cycle when I expressed my intentions towards my professional career, my interviewers helped me secure research opportunities and seamlessly transitioned me into the role of a medical student. No other medical school that I had interviewed with showcased that level of support and genuine desire to assist students in achieving their dreams.”

Feinberg is from Medford, New Jersey, and has an associate of science degree, an associate of science in advanced and continuous studies in biology, and a bachelor of science in biological sciences and minor in law and justice studies from Rowan College. 

She has become highly involved with various organizations at ATSU-SOMA, serving as club president of the Ultrasound Interest Group Club, student liaison for the Association of Women Surgeons, cardiopulmonary dissector of the Anatomy Club, treasurer of the Surgery Club, and a student ambassador. 

“Becoming a representative of one’s institution is the highest honor a student can achieve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be an ATSU student ambassador,” Feinberg said. “I became a student ambassador with ATSU because I genuinely enjoy helping others and wanted to share my positive ATSU experiences with prospective/incoming students. As an ATSU student ambassador, I enjoy providing transparency of everything ATSU has to offer for its students and advocating for our DO program.”

Feinberg’s goal is to become a vascular surgeon serving rural and underserved communities, and she said ATSU-SOMA’s curriculum began preparing her to succeed from the first day of classes. 

“ATSU-SOMA has built a strong foundation for my future career path. The comprehensive curriculum at ATSU emphasizes hands-on learning and clinical skills development that has been transformative in preparing me for my future as an aspiring vascular surgeon. Through simulation labs, weekly case studies, and interactive workshops, I have gained proficiency in diagnostic imaging interpretation and procedural skills essential for any field of medicine,” she said. 

“Overall, ATSU has provided me with the academic rigor, clinical exposure, and research needed to pursue my goal of becoming a vascular surgeon.”

Feinberg is also active outside of school, serving her community through various educational and volunteer opportunities. She was recently accepted into The Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety, hosted by the MedStar Health Institute for Quality and Safety, and volunteers weekly at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, offering support to cancer patients undergoing treatment. 

Feinberg is pushing herself to become a great future physician, and enjoying her time on the University’s Mesa, Arizona, campus. 

“I enjoy the sense of community between the faculty, staff, and other students. Every individual at this institution genuinely wants you to succeed and will provide you with the resources necessary to do so. A great example of this is the ambassador program at ATSU, which supports students in achieving their goals, starting as early as during their application cycle. Another example of this are the numerous clubs and organizations available for participation at ATSU. There is a club for everyone and when there isn’t, the process of creating a new club is heavily encouraged by all faculty members to enhance one’s educational goals,” she said.

Nawal Hatem Zaki Abdalkhalek knew she wanted to pursue a degree from an online program because of their flexibility and accessibility. It was about seeking a balance between advancing her knowledge and skills, without disrupting her personal life and having things fit within her busy schedule. 

A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Master of Science in Kinesiology program offered all of that, along with a sterling reputation for excellence.

“What attracted me to ATSU’s program specifically was its renowned reputation in the field of health sciences, including kinesiology,” Abdalkhalek said. “The program’s comprehensive curriculum, taught by experienced faculty members, promised to provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. Additionally, ATSU’s commitment to supporting online students through robust academic and technical support services was a major draw for me.”

Abdalkhalek, who expects to complete her master’s degree this fall, is already reaping benefits from the program, deepening her understanding of kinesiology and its applications in various settings, enriching her professional life overall. She’s able to take the knowledge and skills gained and apply them directly to her work, allowing her to provide better care to her clients and contribute more effectively to her organization. 

Long term, she sees the Master of Science in Kinesiology program opening new doors for her professionally. 

“Completing this program will undoubtedly open up new opportunities for me in the field of kinesiology,” Abdalkhalek said. “It will equip me with the credentials and expertise needed to pursue advanced roles in healthcare, sports performance, or research. I believe it will also enhance my credibility and marketability within the industry, positioning me for long-term success and fulfillment in my career.”

Balancing work, life demands, and the program’s demands requires careful time management and prioritization, Abdalkhalek said. To help, she established a structured schedule, dedicating specific blocks of time to her studies each week, while also ensuring she made time for work commitments and personal activities. 

She also leaned on the support of her family and utilized the resources provided by ATSU-CGHS, such as academic advisors and online learning tools.

“The support I received from program faculty and staff at ATSU-CGHS was instrumental in my academic journey,” Abdalkhalek said. “Faculty members were accessible and responsive, offering guidance and feedback on coursework, as well as mentoring me through my academic and professional development. The program staff provided invaluable administrative support, assisting with registration, financial aid, and technical issues whenever needed.

“My experience at ATSU has been incredibly positive and transformative. The program has not only expanded my academic horizons but has also connected me with a supportive community of fellow students and professionals. I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me and confident in the impact it will continue to have on my personal and professional growth.”