The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies class of 2020 recently completed a significant rite of passage in their professional lives, receiving their very first white coats in a ceremony on August 17.
The white coat establishes a psychological contract for students beginning their health care training that stresses professionalism, scientific proficiency and compassionate care for the patient.
“By donning the white coat, we have a special responsibility to patients to make them well and prevent them from becoming ill,” said Laura Levy, DHSC, PA-C, professor and chair, physician assistant studies.
The class also heard from Matthew Valentine, MS/PA ’18, who encouraged the students to turn to each other for support and guidance.
As physician assistants, you will gain a first-hand view into the human condition,” he said. “You must never take that for granted.”
PAs practice on healthcare teams with physicians, surgeons and other healthcare professionals. They practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PAs is expected to grow by 37 percent between now and 2026.
Established 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, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, 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. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 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.
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