PA Studies Class Receives White Coats
August 22, 2016
Last week, PCOM’s Physician Assistant Studies class of 2018 took their first steps toward careers as competent and compassionate
health care professionals during the program’s White Coat Ceremony, 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, chair, physician assistant studies, greeted the class with warm words, and a reverence
for the profession. “We must have the purist intention for doing what is best for
our patients,” she said.
Kaitlin Lassen, MS/PA ’16, shared her experiences in the program and advised students
to “trust the process."
“Know that what is happening is best for your education. Remember why you chose to
become a physician assistant—compassion and empathy are vital,” she said. “You are
all smart, capable and confident; let those carry you into the future.”
Each member of the class then received their white coats, which are endowed by the
Sara Somers Rupert, RN ’33 White Coat Fund. The fund, started by M. Kimberly Rupert,
PhD, and her mother, Sara, has supplied the white coats and books for the PA Studies
program since 2002.
The class then recited the Oath for Physician Assistant Students before their friends
and loved ones, thus publicly declaring their intent to practice medicine with conscience
and dignity.
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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