ASU grad working to improve health care systems and provider experience
Amber Catalan is graduating with a Master of Science in health care administration and policy. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
By Cindy Shirlley Kolenyo
For Amber Catalan, health care is not just about treating patients, it is about improving the systems behind care.
Growing up in a military family as a first-generation college student, Catalan saw firsthand how people — particularly veterans — navigate complex health care systems. Those experiences, together with what she witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced her desire to address gaps in care delivery.
This May, she takes a big step toward that goal, earning a Master of Science in health care administration and policy from the College of Health Solutions. During her time in the program, she served as a graduate services assistant, bringing thoughtful insights that have helped refine both research and course content.
Catalan was also selected as the college’s Outstanding Graduate Student for her contributions both in class and the community. Through mentorship and research, she built a firm foundation to support her academic career.
“I want to be part of efforts that make health care more accessible and effective here in Arizona, because it’s become my home,” she said.
Here, she reflected on the lessons that defined her time at ASU and the impact she hopes to make in the community.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I have family members who work in health care, and they have shared some challenges with disorganization and witnessed burnout among providers; some even left the field, citing the mismanagement of the system. During the pandemic, a lot of physicians were expressing challenges and restrictions to deliver quality care because they didn’t have the proper support.
This was eye-opening, especially since I graduated from high school and started my undergraduate program in 2020. I saw firsthand the lack of support for the providers. We need to prioritize providers’ well-being while still ensuring high-quality patient care. I hope to be able to make that easier for them.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I learned a lot about patient experience. In one class, we listened to stories from patients who were experiencing challenges, and I thought this was something great. It’s better to hear it directly from the source so we can learn how to address these challenges. A Native American woman shared her challenges within the health care system and how cultural misunderstandings negatively impacted her care. It is important that providers are culturally aware of different cultural practices. There should be more training about cultural awareness so providers can be respectful, aware and educated to be able to understand patients better. I’m glad ASU brought it up in our courses.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: My mentor and professor Joshua Anbar taught me the importance of asking questions and building relationships. Coming from an immigrant family, I didn’t have much knowledge about college or how to find opportunities. I started by asking a question and kept asking questions, and it kept going. He introduced me to people and opportunities and guided me through different professional and educational pathways that have shaped who and where I am today.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Get to know your faculty and build those relationships because networking actually works. It’s easy to stay silent and just get through class, but when you open up to professors, it can create whole new opportunities. The faculty here really care. They want to see you succeed and grow as a professional. I came in as a regular undergrad, and now I’m graduating as an outstanding student. I never expected this.
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