Last week, RMUoHP’s first cohort of Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) students participated in the White Coat Ceremony at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff members were present to congratulate each student on his or her decision to pursue higher education in Physician Assistant Studies. At the special ceremony, all 45 students in received the white coat from their faculty mentor and recited their student-developed pledge:
o Excellence – As we prepare to become excellent practitioners, we demonstrate hard work and dedication in our studies.
o Integrity and Honor – We have integrity in all aspects of our character and allow it to guide our conduct and actions.
o Empathy – We aim to cultivate empathy by recognizing the emotional disposition of those around us. We understand that true empathy will be one of the most important things we can offer to those we serve.
o Lifelong Learning – We strive to foster an enthusiasm for knowledge and a habit of continual, lifelong learning.
o Compassion, Respect and Service – We will be generous and gracious in serving those around us with compassion and respect, showing every person equal dignity and kindness.
o Mentorship – We recognize the value of our mentors and the guidance they provide. We will likewise share our knowledge as we endeavor to mentor those who follow.
In the minds of patients and providers alike, the white coat has come to symbolize a higher standard, and assurance of excellent medical care. Through the Hippocratic Oath (or its several derivations), patients and healthcare providers understand that as providers of medicine, Physician Assistants have promised to do their very best to take care of and not harm patients. The white coat serves as a symbol of the contract that Physician Assistants take upon themselves – an assurance to the patient that they can trust the Physician Assistant with his or her care.
MPAS Class President Lauren Stanford shakes the hand of her PA Faculty mentor Mr. Tyler Sommer after donning her white coat
The ceremony included remarks from University President Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, faculty member Dr. Mike Nelson, and Class Vice President Mr. Jaddon Rogers. Afterward, the students and their families enjoyed a light reception. Class president Lauren Stanford summarized the program, “The White Coat Ceremony was an exciting and memorable experience for our cohort. It was great to hear from Dr. Nielsen and Dr. Nelson as they shared with us thoughts of how we can continue to grow and work to become competent and compassionate PAs. Jaddon Rogers, a fellow student, reminded us of the hard work and dedication that have brought us to this point and encouraged our class to continue working hard to achieve our goals since we have the capabilities and support system become excellent providers. Reciting the PA Class pledge together was a special moment since our entire class contributed to its formation. We recited core values and statements that we are working to embody now as students that will also be important as clinicians. I know many of my fellow students also felt that the White Coat Ceremony was a good reminder of what we are working towards and appreciated feeling support from the university administration and PA faculty as well as family and friends as we continue on this journey together.”
MPAS Student Sheri Casey shakes the hand of her PA Faculty mentor Dr. Mace Hamblin after donning her white coat
Current MPAS Student Sheri Casey also noted that the event was a very special experience. “I was very impressed as to the elegance of the event.” Casey said, “Student Services did an amazing job planning, organizing, and executing an amazing evening enjoyed by the students, their families and friends. Several students have commented how enjoyable the evening was and all the special little touches such as Jesse Golodner’s mom’s photo booth, the delicious ‘blue mountain’ cookies as well as the final touch of gluten-free cookies added to that elegance. My son, especially, loved the frosted cookies! Additionally, the venue is what truly made the event. Families that traveled from afar as well as those local appreciated a nice, professional setting and one that would fit all of our guests. Also, the amount of time given for the event was perfect – it wasn’t too long or too short. Many students, as well as myself, didn’t realize the importance and symbol of a white coat and that it denotes entry into patient care and the importance of professionalism and service to the patient. I believe the words spoken in relation to this have been taken to heart by myself as well as my cohort. To many of us, the White Coat Ceremony emphasized the importance of what we are learning today because it will all be put into practice sooner than we think. We realize there are many skills and concepts to be learned, but it’s amazing what we have cultivated thus far in our program.”
This was RMUoHP’s second White Coat Ceremony as a University, the first being the Doctor of Physical Therapy program’s ceremony that occurred in April. See our write up in the RMUpdate.
