When Crystal Altman, ’26 MSPA, walked the halls of Capitol Hill over spring break, she wasn’t just representing herself — she was speaking on behalf of thousands of current and future Physician Associate (PA) students whose ability to serve their communities may hinge on legislative support.
Altman, a first-year student in the Chan Family Master of Science in PA Studies (MSPA) program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to join a national advocacy effort led by the PA Education Association (PAEA).
Her participation builds on a growing culture of advocacy within the program. Last year, fellow KGI student Zarian Williamson, ’25 MSPA, also took part in the event, helping to establish KGI’s presence on Capitol Hill.
This year’s Hill Day focused on two critical issues: public service loan forgiveness and federal funding for PA education. For Altman, both topics are deeply personal.
“PA school is expensive,” she said. “The average public program costs over $160,000, and about 85% of PA students rely on federal loans. Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness make this path possible — not just for me, but for students from diverse backgrounds who want to give back to their communities.”
During her trip, Altman met with legislative aides for Representative Young Kim, Representative Julia Brownley, and Senator Adam Schiff, all from her home state of California. Though Congress was in recess, the meetings gave her the chance to highlight critical data, address misconceptions about the PA profession, and, most importantly, share her story.
Altman’s path to the PA profession began with a formative experience in high school: an unplanned pregnancy and limited access to prenatal care. Everything changed during a routine medical visit when a PA not only provided treatment but also forged a personal connection.
“She didn’t just treat me like another patient,” Altman recalled. “She asked about my future and told me I could still go to college and have a career. No one had ever said that to me.”
That moment inspired Altman to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in health science and biology, work in emergency medicine, and ultimately pursue a PA career. Now a single mother and full-time graduate student, she still draws strength from that early encounter — and is committed to becoming the same kind of advocate for others.
Her passion for representation and access is already making waves beyond Capitol Hill. After her trip to D.C., she met with California legislators — including the legislative aide for Senator Sasha Renée Pérez — and is now preparing for an upcoming meeting with Assemblymember John Harabedian’s office. These conversations are just as crucial in shaping state policies around PA education, scope of practice, and access to care.
“There’s still a lot of misunderstanding around what PAs do,” Altman said. “Our profession is growing rapidly, but we’re relatively new compared to doctors and nurses. That’s why advocacy is so important — if we’re not at the table, we risk being left out of decisions that directly affect us.”
Alongside her advocacy efforts, Altman has embraced every opportunity offered through KGI’s MSPA program. She is currently training in Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), including recent work with ocular scans to assess the eyes.
“It’s great that KGI provides this technology to students,” she said. “It will help us enhance the care we give to our patients.”
Additionally, Altman completed an early clinical experience in downtown Los Angeles, observing patient care with both a nurse and a physician.
Looking ahead, Altman is considering a career in emergency medicine. Her prior ER experience confirmed her passion for fast-paced settings and for supporting patients during vulnerable, often pivotal moments.
“Every patient you see in the ER might be having one of the worst days of their life,” she said. “I value the chance to be there for them and help them navigate a challenging situation."
Whether in a hospital room or a policy meeting, Altman is clear about her mission: to be a voice for those who are often overlooked, and to ensure that the PA profession remains a driving force for equity and access in healthcare.
“I was so glad that Crystal chose to attend the Hill Day training with the PA Education Association this year, as it gave her a solid foundation for advocacy,” said Christy Eskes, MSPA Program Director and Weinberg Professor of Health Sciences. “Her ‘why’ for choosing the Physician Associate career is powerful, and Crystal communicated her story in each meeting with confidence. I have been so impressed with her drive for advocacy and am excited for her career as a PA. Her future patients will benefit greatly from her ability to advocate for both her community and her profession.”