UF School of Physician Assistant Studies welcomes Class of 2027
60 PA students joined the UF College of Medicine in June
UF PA Class of 2027 by the numbers
UF PA Class of 2027
Photo by Charles Poulton
July 2, 2025 — While much of the University of Florida campus is quieter in the slower, swampy summer months, energy buzzes from the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building in late June as the newest crop of health professions students begin their medical studies.
On June 25, the newest class of physician assistant students at the UF College of Medicine started their PA training, beginning with a three-day orientation where they got to know their peers, faculty and staff and learn about resources available at the college. Sixty students joined the competitive program to become members of the Class of 2027.
Melissa Turley, Pharm.D., MPAS ’05, director of the UF School of PA Studies, told the students that they were selected for a reason: They have the skills and compassion to serve their future patients to the best of their ability.
“Over the next two years, we’re here to help you learn what you need to know to be the best advocates for your patients,” she said.
Randolph Mahoney, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, is presented with a gift during the UF PA Class of 2027 orientation.
Photo by Sydney Tepelides
‘A window into other people’
During orientation, Randolph B. Mahoney, DMSc, MPAS ’01, PA-C, a UF emeritus clinical assistant professor, visited the incoming class to share a special surprise gift: the students’ first stethoscopes. Funded through donations by alumni and friends of the college, the tools will be used by the PA students as they care for their first patients. Each gift arrived with a personalized note from a graduate.
Mahoney recalled to the class the first time he ever used a stethoscope, when he was a kid in his pediatrician’s office.
“This thing is a window into other people,” he said.
Mahoney said that at UF, PA faculty continue to raise the bar for what’s expected of students, and that although the journey will be challenging, it will be worth it.
“You’re going to feel like, ‘I’m drinking from a firehose, I can’t possibly do this,’” he said. “The faculty here are going to show you how to do this. They’re going to help you over that bar, and you’re going to be so much better. You’re going to feel better about yourself for doing it.”
Read Q&As with three members of the UF PA Class of 2027:
Jonathan Schofield
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Jonathan Schofield
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Undergraduate institution and degree: University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a physician assistant?
A: I was drawn to the PA profession by the versatility of the degree and the ability to work in many different specialties. PAs also have a unique opportunity to bridge the gaps in the health care system. While working as a medical scribe, I saw the impact PAs have on their patients’ lives, and this made the career really appealing to me.
Q: What drew you to UF’s PA program?
A: My mom is a graduate of the UF College of Nursing and my dad is a graduate of the UF College of Medicine, so it’s such an honor to be following in my parents’ footsteps as a double Gator. In addition to being one of the top PA programs in the Southeast, the UF School of PA Studies impressed me with its dedication to training ethical and well-rounded providers. Notable offerings of the school are programs like the Mobile Outreach Clinic and the Equal Access Clinic Network, which allow students to practice their clinical skills while simultaneously meeting a need in our community.
Q: What are you looking forward to most over the next two years in Gainesville?
A: I’m really excited to build friendships with the other students in my cohort as well as the professors. I’m particularly looking forward to hands-on learning with the simulation and cadaver labs. And of course, I would be remiss to not mention how hyped I am to cheer on DJ Lagway and the football team with my new classmates, as well as watch Gator Basketball’s bid for a back-to-back national championship!
Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
A: My golden retrievers refuse to walk during the summers in Gainesville, so we enjoy going for a swim instead. When it’s not too hot, I like to run stadiums. I also enjoy pulling out my old art supplies for an afternoon of sketching and painting.
Hebron Assefa
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Hebron Assefa, M.P.H.
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Undergraduate institution: University of Florida, Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Public Health
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a physician assistant?
A: I always knew I wanted a career in medicine but wasn’t quite sure where I fit. During undergrad, I had the opportunity to work closely with some incredible PAs and PA students who truly inspired me. Witnessing firsthand how PAs are trained, their expansive scope of practice and the profession’s foundational commitment to expanding access to care helped me realize becoming a PA was the right path for me.
Q: What drew you to UF’s PA program?
A: I’m a Gator girl through and through! The University of Florida has poured so much into me since I first stepped on campus as a freshman, and it felt only right to come back for this final stretch of my education. Plus, during the interview process, the UF PA program stood out for being so warm, welcoming and supportive — it really felt like home. The Mobile Outreach Clinic was also a huge part of my life while at UF, and having the opportunity to return — now as a PA student — is incredibly special to me.
Q: What are you looking forward to most over the next two years in Gainesville?
A: Being close to home — and enjoying all the great eats Gainesville has to offer!
Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
A: I love to travel, especially with a big group of friends. I was fortunate to do a lot of it during undergrad and hope to keep exploring new places during school breaks and after. Visiting Japan is currently at the top of my bucket list.
Hunter Cottone
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Hunter Cottone
Hometown: Long Beach, New York
Undergraduate institution and degree: University of Florida, Bachelor of Health Science
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a physician assistant?
A: My goal when I decided to go to college was to work toward a career I would be proud to get up every morning and do. I wanted a career where my day to day was interesting and challenging enough to keep me engaged while still giving me a certain level of work-life balance. The more I learned about careers in medicine, the more interested I became, and after a great deal of research, asking people in the field, self-exploration and deliberation I found what I think is the perfect career for me.
Q: What drew you to UF’s PA program?
A: Having just finished undergrad at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, I knew UF was a great place to study medicine. While at PHHP, I got to share a campus with the various medical professional students and was able to make amazing connections with students and faculty. I knew before I even started my application that UF was my No. 1 choice, and it was especially so after my interview and tour.
Q: What are you looking forward to most over the next two years in Gainesville?
A: I’m most looking forward to learning about medicine, specifically during my clinical year where I’ll get exposed to so many different fields. I’m also really excited to make friends and connections.
Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
A: I like to spend my free time working out, doing jujitsu, lifting and going out to listen to music with friends.
