Mission to educate physician assistants ready to serve community led student to ATSU-CHC
Posted: July 21, 2025
Peter Van Beurden, PA, ’26, wants to be a provider who serves the people in his home community. That’s one reason why he chose A.T. Still University-College for Healthy Communities’ (ATSU-CHC) Central Coast Physician Assistant program (CCPA) to pursue his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
“I chose ATSU-CHC because of my deep commitment to serving the Central Coast of California – my home – as a primary care provider,” Van Beurden, of San Luis Obsipo, California, said. “When I learned that ATSU was launching a new PA program in this part of California, it truly felt like a dream come true. This region has long faced a shortage of healthcare programs and providers, so the opportunity to be part of a solution in my own community was a no-brainer.”
But proximity was only part of the equation.
“What drew me in even further was CCPA’s mission to train humble, diverse physician assistants equipped to serve medically underserved communities,” Van Beurden said. “I’m proud to be part of a program that aligns so closely with my calling, and I can’t wait to join the growing number of ATSU-CHC graduates already making a tangible difference in our local clinics and beyond.”
Van Beurden, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology, believes he made the right decision.
“My favorite part of being an ATSU student is getting to learn medicine on the Central Coast alongside my amazing classmates. We’ve built strong bonds through study sessions, workout classes (shoutout to Run Club, CrossFit, and cycling), and are making the most of the outdoors, whether it’s beach volleyball or hiking local trails,” he said. “It’s inspiring to share this journey with people who are not only passionate about becoming healthcare providers, but also know how to have fun and support each other along the way.”
Van Beurden joined Student Government Association at ATSU-CHC and serves as the CCPA’s class president. He calls the role humbling and is honored to serve his classmates, foster relationships with faculty, and contribute to a healthy culture within the program.
“Leadership comes with its challenges, but it also offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact, especially when you’re working in service of a mission you deeply believe in,” he said. “I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of the lives of so many amazing future PAs.”
He also serves as a student ambassador, sharing the program’s mission with others. That’s something he said comes naturally and began before he joined the program himself.
“I’ve been genuinely excited about what this program stands for and the impact it’s making locally. What I love most about this role is seeing the spark of possibility in someone’s eyes, the moment they realize that becoming a PA in this community could be a possibility in their future. Being part of that moment is my favorite part of the role,” he said.
Van Beurden’s goal is to make a lasting impact in serving patients on the Central Coast. He said he’s passionate about being part of the healing and transformational journeys of individuals in his community, especially those who most need compassionate, accessible care.
“I want to be a provider who will stick by their sides throughout their life,” he said. “I also hope to take on leadership and teaching roles as a PA-C, working to expand access to care and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery across the region. ATSU is preparing me for this path by surrounding me with dedicated professors and mentors, people who are already living out these goals and who inspire me to grow into the kind of provider I hope to become.”