“Professionalism, Caring, and Trust”: Physician Assistant Class of 2028 Welcomed with White Coat Ceremony
Assumption University officially welcomed its second cohort of students in the physician assistant (PA) studies program on Tuesday, January 6, with a White Coat Ceremony. This cohort consists of 46 students and is set to graduate in May 2028.
Christopher Ferreira, PA-C, director of the program, opened the ceremony with a greeting to the new cohort, explaining the impact and meaning the white coat has for both PAs and the patients they will soon care for.
“The white coat continues to symbolize professionalism, caring, and trust, which we must earn from patients. You are all receiving your short white coat tonight as you begin your PA training. This will set that tone of professionalism and convey the weight of the heavy responsibility you will have both as a student and as a future PA,” Ferreira said. “Thank you for choosing Assumption University and reaching this milestone. A short white coat may not seem like a life-changing piece of attire, but for each of you, donning one for the first time as you begin your PA training, it is exactly that.”
Acting Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Kim Schandel then welcomed each of the students after an invocation from Vice President for Mission Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A.
“Today marks the formal beginning of your practice. At Assumption, PA education goes beyond the formal training that expands your knowledge base and clinical skills,” Schandel said. “You will be challenged to think about how you are providing care, not simply what care you are providing. Aligned with the University’s mission, you will see patients as people—people created in the image and likeness of God. You will see all patients as deserving of your attention, your time, your talents, and your compassion. We are here to guide you, to support you, and to be with you as you begin this segment of your journey.
“As an institution established in 1904 to educate young men of French-Canadian descent, where all classes were initially taught in French, it seems appropriate to end with this wish: Bon voyage. Have a good journey. Enjoy it,” she continued.
The PA students were then presented with their short white coats by members of the physician studies faculty, including Ferreira, Wendy Buja, PA-C; Jeffery Giarnese, PA-C; Rebecca Hassel, PA-C; and Robert Kevin Ferguson, M.D.
Each member of the class of 2028 then took the PA Professional Oath, administered by Buja. The oath includes a pledge to perform the duties of a physician assistant with honesty, dedication, sincerity, and honor.