For many students pursuing a master of physician assistant degree, clinical rotations are an intense and transformative chapter, packed with hands-on learning, high stakes, and life-changing moments. For Aza D., a West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies MPA student, one recent OB-GYN rotation became far more than just a learning experience. It became a powerful reminder of why she chose this path in the first place.
Aza’s journey to becoming a PA was anything but typical. An immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at age 12, Aza started working in healthcare at just 17. Over the years, she moved through the ranks, starting as a volunteer in medical billing and eventually becoming a director of clinical operations. Despite her rising administrative career, she knew her heart belonged at the bedside, not behind a desk.
That clarity came during a personal low point — navigating a divorce, raising two children, and feeling unfulfilled. A chance conversation with a compassionate physician assistant during a routine medical visit opened her eyes to a new possibility.
“What do you want to do?” the PA asked.
“I really like patient care,” Aza replied.
And just like that, her course shifted. She went back to school, earned a second bachelor’s degree, and pursued her MPH at West Coast University, followed by her current MPA degree — all while working and parenting.
But it was during her most recent OB-GYN rotation that her resolve was truly tested. In surgery, she was thrust into a high-stakes emergency: a stat cesarean delivery for a high-risk mother whose baby was in distress. The mother had been in labor for over a day with uncontrolled fever and diabetes. As the baby’s heart rate plummeted, her supervising physician made the call for an immediate C-section delivery.
“I was his first assist,” Aza recalled. “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘We’re going fast.’ I was so scared. I’m like, ‘I can’t make any mistakes.’”
The surgery unfolded just as predicted: severe bleeding, complications, and a baby born not breathing, his skin purple with lack of oxygen. Aza found herself holding the infant, silently wishing him to cry, to breathe, to live.
The room was thick with tension and urgency as they called in the children’s hospital via helicopter. Though the baby was airlifted for emergency care, the emotional impact lingered.
“I guess my emotions were written all over my face,” Aza admitted. “The (children’s hospital) RT came, she said ‘I promise you the baby’s going to be OK,’ to the point that she had to find me on social media (to let me know) the baby was OK.”
While thankfully, the baby and mother both recovered, Aza walked away with a lesson she’ll carry into every patient interaction: Composure under pressure can save lives.
Through it all, she credits West Coast University’s MPA program for its hands-on opportunities, supportive faculty, and flexibility.
“(The clinical faculty) have been amazing,” she said. “They have been very responsive to my concerns. I haven’t had any issues with my current rotations. I’ve been pretty fortunate (with) the experiences I’ve had, in family medicine, pediatrics, and OB-GYN.”
Set to graduate in December, Aza is looking forward to crossing the stage with her children, ages 14 and 16, cheering her on. It will be her first time attending a graduation ceremony, and she’s doing it for them as much as herself.
“I really want them to be present and see that hard work does pay off,” Aza added. “Whatever goals they have in life, all they have to do is pursue them. It’s going to be emotional for the three of us.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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