‘Just think of what we can do for our patients’

June 20, 2024 — The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and anticipation, punctuated by the proud smiles of family and friends. And as the processional hymn announced the arrival of 56 new University of Florida graduates, it was clear that more than a formality, the ceremony would be a testament to the resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment of the newest members of the medical community.

On Sunday, June 16, members of the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies class of 2024 crossed the stage at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to receive their diplomas, completing their PA training at UF and marking their transition to a career of patient care.

The class has spent the past two years working diligently to learn the medical terminology, skills, and bedside manner needed to be the best possible advocates for their future patients, from those who will work in anesthesiology to others in pediatrics, surgery, and beyond.

“Today, you’ll abruptly stop being students, and you’ll step into your careers in medicine,” said Jennifer Hunt, M.D., M.Ed., interim dean of the College of Medicine. “When each of you arrived two years ago, you probably already knew that a lifetime in medicine is more than a profession … You came to us knowing your career was a calling … That kind of belief, the kind you feel in your soul, is the essence of the story of you.”

In addition to being studious and volunteering with the community at the UF Equal Access Clinic Network and other organizations, Class of 2024 made time for fun, too. They celebrated birthdays, holidays, and the end of their didactic year with parties. They tubed at the springs, attended bingo events, and held potlucks.

“This class showed up with unprompted acts of kindness, love, and dedication to celebrate one another and pick each other up when we needed it,” said Class President Julia Adams, MPAS ’24. “If we were able to have such a profound and inspirational impact on each other these past two years, just think of what we can do for our patients in the future.”

Frank J. Genuardi, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of pediatrics and the associate dean for student affairs at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Calling to mind that this year’s event coincided with Father’s Day, Genuardi shared the story of his late father, a hardworking engineer who always made time to eat meals with his family and fostered in him a love of New York sports teams and Broadway musicals.

“Especially when were tired, or busy, or burdened with other concerns, we need to remember every patient we see is important to someone,” he said. “That patient is someone’s spouse, parent, child, family member, or friend. We should of course treat our patients well, but sometimes it helps to remember what we want for those who matter to us.”

Paul James Tarvis

Paula Contreras

Taylor Anne Horner

Jared A. Boyette

• Jonathan Chappell
• Paula Contreras
• Bailey Herington
• Taylor Anne Horner
• Deisree Ives
• Paul James Travis
• Abigail Williams

• Jillian V. Miller
• Patreis Young

Based upon nominations by members of the PA Class of 2024

Breann Garbas, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C

Travis Grant, M.S., PA-C

Photos by Charles Poulton