Affinia Healthcare and long-time partner, A.T. Still University (ATSU) are collaborating to increase the number of clinicians and healthcare access for the community.  

The Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) Program was developed in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers as a post-baccalaureate option for graduates interested in pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Launched in 2021, CCPA is a two-year master’s degree program, consisting of one year of didactic education at the A.T. Still University-College for Healthy Communities campus in Santa Maria, Calif. The second year is the clinical portion of the training which occurs at community health centers like Affinia Healthcare.  

The clinical curriculum consists of 44 credit hours and exposes students to different disciplines and different environments. In the past, Affinia Healthcare has hosted up to four students who spent five six-week rotations in four different departments — family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, and obstetrics. Affinia Healthcare recently hosted four students in the clinical phase of the program.  

“I’ve truly enjoyed my time with each department I’ve worked with so far. Through rotations in family and internal medicine, behavioral health, and pediatrics at Affinia [Healthcare], I’ve gained insight into many different aspects of patient care,” said Truc Kha, a recent graduate of the program. 

This real-life experience allows students to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. 

“We focus on students and teaching that is community-based, patient-centered and trauma-informed primary care,” said Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare Vice President & Chief Medical Officer. “Students practice with a collaborating physician to help train them to be strong, competent clinicians.” 

“I’ve seen how access, education and trust play important roles in health outcomes,” said Roman Lopez, another CCPA graduate. “I’ve also learned that healthcare delivery requires constant communication, teamwork and adaptability. Every staff member — from the front desk to providers — contributes to the patient’s experience.” 

Affinia Healthcare employs physician assistants in its health centers to help ensure a primary care workforce for the future in communities that have a need for additional healthcare access. 

“Ultimately, my goal is to serve the underserved communities, and work in a teaching establishment where I get the opportunity to be a preceptor to future clinicians,” Lopez added. 

Hometown Help 

The ATSU Hometown Scholars Program helps CCPA applicants during the review process. Applicants enlist a community health leader to advocate on their behalf during the enrollment process. While it is not required for admission, applicants in the Hometown Scholars Program can receive an automatic interview should applicants meet the requirements. The hope is that this endorsement will encourage students to return home to practice.  

“The Hometown Scholars Program supports local people who’d want to complete their clinical training at Affinia Healthcare and consider employment at Affinia after graduation. Having clinicians from the community can be very important in reaching the community being served,” Tepe added. 

For additional information about CCPA, visit www.atsu.edu/ccpa or call 866.626.2878. For more information about Affinia Healthcare and obtaining an endorsement for the program, please contact Dr. Melissa Tepe at 314.898.4282.