Physician assistants are an important part of closing the healthcare gap in Arizona, and Jozie Ashleson is one of those future PAs ready to make an impact. She is a second-year student in NAU’s physician assistant program at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus. Learn about the pivotal event that drove her interest in healthcare and why she chose to stay at NAU after getting her bachelor’s degree.
What brought you to NAU?
Completing my bachelor’s degree at the Flagstaff campus gave me a deep appreciation for the strong sense of community fostered by NAU’s faculty, staff and students. As an Arizona native, this connection, along with my commitment to contributing to the well-being of others, inspired me to pursue my master’s degree locally, allowing me to continue serving the communities that have played such a significant role in my life.
Why do you want to be a physician assistant?
I aspire to become a physician assistant because of the compassion, empathy and dedication to lifelong learning observed in the providers I have worked with. The versatility of the PA role, allowing practice across specialties and its emphasis on collaboration deeply resonate with me. I thrive in a team-based environment, working closely with physicians to deliver patient-centered care. While my prior experience as an emergency medical technician was rewarding, I am incredibly grateful to continue expanding upon my knowledge and step into a more direct, impactful role in healthcare as a PA.
Tell me about your work with patients in your program thus far.
As I progress through my clinical year, I am on my third rotation at a family medicine clinic. This experience has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to work alongside preceptors and engage with patients seeking surgical consultations, annual wellness visits and solutions for their health concerns. Throughout my rotations, I have collaborated closely with my preceptor to evaluate, diagnose and treat a diverse range of conditions, as well as manage chronic diseases. Each rotation has allowed me to refine the knowledge and procedural skills I developed during my didactic training. I am now able to implement this expertise in a real-world setting, making a meaningful impact on patients’ experiences and enhancing their overall well-being.
Tell me about a significant childhood memory and how it has impacted your life today.
My younger sister, who is the light of my life, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a very young age, leading to her being rushed to the hospital with a condition I now know as diabetic ketoacidosis. This experience marked my first real exposure to medicine, and though I didn’t fully recognize it at the time, it played a pivotal role in shaping my desire to learn and to make a meaningful impact on patients and their families—just as my own family has experienced over the years.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I was captivated by the show “Bones,” which ignited my fascination with becoming a forensic anthropologist. It combined my interests in gross anatomy, science and the ways external conditions affect the human body. However, this dream was short-lived, as I discovered that my true passion lies in directly interacting with patients, hearing their stories and making a personal impact on their lives.
What have you been most proud of recently?
The woman I am today is, without a doubt, what I am most proud of. Like many, I come from a background of struggle that has shaped my resilience. Waking up each day knowing that I am actively pursuing and achieving my educational and career goals is something I could have only dreamed of a few years ago. I take pride in my ability to spread love and kindness, even in the face of adversity, and I hope that those around me feel the impact of that every day.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
I love spending time outdoors, but hiking in the Phoenix summer heat can be tough. On my days off, I prefer going fishing at local ponds or lakes. My boyfriend and I enjoyed fishing at Frances Short Pond when we lived in Flagstaff. Now in Tempe, we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Kiwanis Lake.
What are three things on your bucket list?
- Treat my family to an all-inclusive vacation, ideally a cruise
- Travel across the U.S. to visit and hike in different national parks
- Scuba dive in the Galápagos Islands
