PA students receive their white coats

UF School of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2014 received their white coats May 31

June 10, 2013 – More than 300 family, friends and faculty helped celebrate the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2014 as they participated in a fairly new tradition.

The fresh-faced students received their white coats on Friday, May 31, at the HPNP Auditorium, marking the transition from academic to clinical studies for the incoming second-year students.

Ralph Rice, DHSc, PA-C, associate dean and director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies welcomed the crowd, reminding them of the symbolism of the white coat. UF PA School class of 2003 graduate and faculty member, Elizabeth A. Brownlee, MPAS, PA-C, class of 2001 graduate and director of clinical education, Randolph B. Mahoney, MPAS, PA-C, and Shalon R. Buchs, MHS, PA-C, admissions coordinator and assistant professor, helped present the students with their new coats in the school’s six-year tradition.

The ceremony ended with the 60 students—who will graduate in just two weeks—taking the Oath of Practice for Physician Assistants.