Fifty-four students took their first steps toward a career as healthcare professionals during 黑料传送门鈥檚 Physician Assistant (PA) White Coat Ceremony on August 18. The ceremony stands as a significant rite of passage that establishes a psychological contract for students beginning their health care training that stresses professionalism, scientific proficiency and compassionate care for the patient.
Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C, professor and chair, PA studies, urged the students to consider the implications of their white coats.
Donning a white coat reminds us that we have a responsibility to our patients to make them well and keep them well through preventive care,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e must always do what is best for our patients鈥攅ven when it is not easy or convenient to do so.鈥�
The class of 2019 was also addressed by Alyssa Davis, PA 鈥�18, MS, who spoke of the struggles鈥攁nd opportunities鈥攅ach student would face in the program.
鈥淭hose stains [on your coat] stand for the skills and education you have required. After washing, it will become a blank canvass for more learning,鈥� she said. 鈥淎lways remember, [the coat] stands for not only what you have accomplished, but what you will accomplish.鈥�
The class then recited the Oath for Physician Assistant Students, during which the students pledged to 鈥渦phold and enhance community values and use the knowledge and experience acquired as a PA to contribute to an improved community.鈥�
The Master of Sciences in Health Sciences鈥揚hysician Assistant Studies program was launched in 1998.