Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program Ushers in Second Cohort of Students

As the demand for skilled health care providers rises nationwide, the University of California San Diego School of Medicine took a step toward shaping that future on June 6, welcoming the second cohort of students in the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program during a White Coat Ceremony.

“The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage at the School of Medicine and in the health care field, transitioning you from your previous world to a new world where you are training to be a benevolent, compassionate and competent shepherds of a profound diversity of souls that will place their care in our hands,” said Elias Villareal, DMSc, PA-C, associate dean and founding program director for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program, as he addressed the students at the ceremony.

" By accepting a white coat, you are making a commitment to transform yourself into a health care professional with integrity – a professional in whom patients place their trust."

The 29-month Master of Advanced Study in Physician Assistant Studies degree program provides the necessary training for students to immediately enter the physician assistant (PA) workforce upon graduation.

“As physician assistants, your role is both unique and essential. You will become trusted members of interdisciplinary teams, advocates for your patients, and leaders in expanding access to care,”
Michelle Daniel, M.D., vice dean for medical education at the School of Medicine.

For U.S. Army veteran, Lillian Straw, the path to becoming a PA came through her time in the military.

“I was first introduced to the PA profession during my time in the military,” said Straw. “Every PA I interacted with during my career was a steward for the profession, always displaying a large breadth of medical knowledge accompanied by confidence and compassion. I was enthralled by their work and love for teaching. Many PAs I have interacted with left a large impact on me and contributed to my desire to join the profession. Now, I strive to emulate that same confidence and compassion, all while functioning as a critical part of the health care team.”

For Nick Mazzuca, the decision to pursue PA education stems from a desire to continue learning beyond the training he has received as a nurse.

“As I gained more experience as a nurse, I found myself always wanting to know more about how different diseases presented and why certain tests and treatments were ordered by providers,” said Mazzuca. “I also grew to enjoy the detective work of putting all the puzzle pieces together—reviewing signs and symptoms, diagnostics, responses to treatment and how that all led toward a diagnosis. Becoming a provider is the natural next step in my career, and the physician assistant’s rigorous education, emphasis on collaboration over siloed decision-making and flexibility to treat patients across all specialties and stages of life make it the best fit for me over other career paths.”

For UC San Diego alumna, Tasnim Yusuf, ’22, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies, the decision to pursue PA training is personal.

“I decided to become a PA after witnessing the health disparities that exist in health care both in Somalia, where my family immigrated from, and within my local community in San Diego,” said Yusuf, who was born and raised in San Diego. “In Somalia, there is an extreme lack of providers, and the medical infrastructure is unfit to meet the needs of the population. Here in my local community, I have witnessed and experienced first-hand how oversaturated our community clinics are, and how simply increasing access to medical care does not guarantee quality of medical care. I would like to contribute by providing care to underserved communities that leads with empathy and the cultural competency relevant for care such as diet, distrust of medical institutions and culturally specific stressors.”

Throughout the ceremony, the 30 new PA students were encouraged to remember their why and take advantage of the many opportunities that will come their way over the next two years.

Barbara Jung, M.D., associate vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine, reflected on her training and early career at UC San Diego and shared some words of wisdom with the new students.

“Not only did this institution set the foundation for my career as a physician-scientist, but it also solidified my passion for learning that has remained with me throughout my career. While you are here, approach all opportunities with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Remember that being a physician assistant isn’t just about acquiring the technical knowledge to heal people. It is also about developing relationships with your patients and health care colleagues that are grounded in empathy, compassion and understanding.”

Congratulations and welcome to the School of Medicine, Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program
Class of 2027!