PA Studies Class of 2019 Receives White Coats
August 22, 2017
This year marked the 20th annual ceremony for the program.
Fifty-four students took their first steps toward a career as healthcare professionals
during PCOM’s 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,” she said. “We must always do
what is best for our patients—even when it is not easy or convenient to do so.”
The class of 2019 was also addressed by Alyssa Davis, PA ’18, MS, who spoke of the
struggles—and opportunities—each student would face in the program.
“Those stains [on your coat] stand for the skills and education you have required.
After washing, it will become a blank canvass for more learning,” she said. “Always
remember, [the coat] stands for not only what you have accomplished, but what you
will accomplish.”
The class then recited the Oath for Physician Assistant Students, during which the
students pledged to “uphold and enhance community values and use the knowledge and
experience acquired as a PA to contribute to an improved community.”
The Master of Sciences in Health Sciences–Physician Assistant Studies program was
launched in 1998.
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About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360