A combined 198 students from PCOM Georgia's Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs received their white coats last week, marking their official entry into the medical profession and symbolizing their commitment to providing professional and compassionate care as physicians.
On August 6, the Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2025 received their long white coats, with the Class of 2027 following suit as they received their short white coats. The celebrations concluded on August 8, with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2029 celebrating its White Coat Ceremony, honoring 137 students alongside family, friends, faculty and mentors.
“This is incredibly meaningful to me. The white coat represents all the hard work that has gone into getting to this point, but more importantly, it signifies the role I have in advocating for and caring for others. It reminds me that every interaction I have with a patient is a chance to make a difference,” said Allison Harwood, (PA '27) as she reflected on the momentous occasion.
Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, dean and chief academic officer of the osteopathic medicine program at PCOM Georgia delivered opening remarks for the DO White Coat ceremony, offering words of encouragement to the student body to embrace the journey ahead, emphasizing that while setbacks are part of the process, the true reward lies in the growth and experiences gained along the way.
“While wearing your white coat, you will experience many emotions—joy, challenge, hope, sadness, humor, frustration and determination. There will be good days, and I promise, there will also be bad days. You may not always see your white coat as the prize you see today, but always remember your ‘why’—the reason you chose this profession,” Dr. Mann shared.
Jamison Hay (DO '28) and class chair addressed his fellow students with a reminder of what the white coat represents. “As a former firefighter of ten years, I learned that gear—the helmet, the coat—means nothing without the work, training and sacrifice behind it. The same applies to the white coat. It's not a symbol of arrival but of commitment—you earn it through your actions and dedication.”
As these 198 aspiring students embark on their journey into medicine and patient care, they do so grounded in their commitment to seek knowledge and practice empathy—ready to meet their moment.
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Joy Williford
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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