Marking a milestone

UF School of Physician Assistant Studies students receive white coats, embark on clinical education

June 1, 2017 — Students from the UF College of Medicine School of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2018 received their white coats May 26. Marking the students’ transition from basic learning to clinical practice, the white coat ceremony is a milestone of medical education.

The ceremony date marked 27 years since student Seydel Dubon’s father immigrated to the United States from Guatemala, creating opportunities for his daughter to pursue her dreams of medicine.

“For me, today means opportunity, freedom and sacrifice,” Dubon said. “I owe it all to my father. He came here to give his family a better life. This feels like his white coat ceremony, too.”

Milestone moments

A woman smiles at the woman next to her wearing her white coat — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Two men shake hands in their white coats — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Students read from their papers in their white coats — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

UF silver ballons — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Woman in her white coat holds flowers and poses with another woman for a photo — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

A man in a white coat takes selfie with Albert the gator, and another man — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

A man and woman in white coats conversing — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Two women in white coats embrace as they smile for a photo — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Student and her family at white coat ceromony — Students from the UF School of PA Studies class of 2018 receive their white coats in a ceremony May 26.

Photos by Mindy C. Miller

Marking a milestone

Milestone moments

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