UF School of Physician Assistant Studies welcomes Class of 2028
60 PA students joined the UF College of Medicine in July
July 10, 2026 –– “When you walk into a patient’s room with a stethoscope, it sends the message, ‘I am here to help,’” Ralph Rice, PA ’91, DHSc, PA-C, said to students in the University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028, as they sat in the spacious learning studio of the George T. Harrell, M.D., Medical Education Building during orientation July 1.
The word “stethoscope” comes from two ancient Greek words, “stethos,” meaning “chest,” and “scope,” meaning “to look,” continued Rice, a graduate and former associate dean and director of the program. Before retiring in 2017, he spent more than three decades shaping the profession as a clinician, educator and leader.
“The stethoscope should be a reminder to always listen with intent and purpose,” he said. “Active listening is a trait that will serve you well in your career.”
Ralph Rice, PA ’91, DHSc, PA-C, speaks to the Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028.
Photo by Charles Poulton
Melissa Turley, PharmD, MPAS ’05, PA-C, a clinical assistant professor and the Randolph B. Mahoney Program Director of the school, prompted the 60 incoming students to grab the black bags slung across the backs of their chairs. Their hands hovered over the cinched drawstrings.
“Are you ready? Set…open them!” said Turley, as the room exploded with gleeful exclamations and the bustle of students brandishing shining stethoscope cases. Many wasted no time in looping the symbolic tool around their necks and snapping quick selfies for their parents.
In each student’s bag was a letter from the UF PA alumni who donated to fund their stethoscope, signed with a personal note of encouragement. After the wave of initial excitement subsided, students hunched over their tables scribbling notes of gratitude to be sent back to the donors.
Physician assistant students opening their stethoscope bags.
Photo by Charles Poulton
“Your stethoscope is a gift from UF PA alumni, and I would like to thank them for their generosity,” Rice said. “It’s a way for them to say to you, ‘We’re behind you –– we hope you succeed.’”
The classmates sitting beside them will also be a great source of support and likely lifelong friendship for the students, said Rice, who is still close with a few peers he graduated with 35 years ago. Rice, a U.S. Navy veteran, shouted out the two veterans in the class and compared the connection he shared with his fellow soldiers to the relationships formed in PA school.
“You will bond over shared meals, football and basketball games, commiserate with each other over that crazy pulmonary exam, and you will celebrate together when you come back to campus on clinical day,” Rice said. “After spending a month away from the classroom, returning to campus and seeing your classmates will be like seeing a long-lost friend. You will share stories of patients you saw and lessons you learned. You will learn from each other.”
A physician assistant student uses her stethoscope on a peer.
Photo by Charles Poulton
Rice encouraged the future physician assistants to find a mentor as they trudge through the stress of their training. When they reach the end of PA school, he emphasized the importance of staying in contact with the classmates and faculty who fostered their success.
“This is a great time in your life –– a time of excitement and the start of your career,” he said. “Hold on to this excitement and the friends you have made. The days will be long, the nights will be short and your career will be long and fruitful.”
Wearing their finest professional attire and beaming smiles, the students filed out to the Academic Research Building courtyard in small clusters. They lined up for their first official photo on the terraced steps, marking the start of their physician assistant training journey with a classic Gator chomp.
Meet a few students in the class of 2028 below:
Ryan Murt
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Ryan Murt provided lifesaving care as an aviation officer stationed in Afghanistan, which sparked his interest in pursuing a career in medicine.
“I decided that after serving my country, I would focus my effort, energy and skills toward healing and serving others,” said Murt, a decorated Army veteran who holds over a dozen honors, including three Army Commendation medals.
After more than seven years of military service, he was inspired to go back to school by the medical professionals he served beside, as well as the physician assistants in his family. Murt was drawn specifically to the PA program at UF for its strong infrastructure of renowned educators and resources. He completed prerequisite courses at Santa Fe College in preparation for his upcoming two years of clinical training.
Murt hails from Paducah, Kentucky, but plans to settle in Gainesville with his wife, daughter and their golden retriever, Murphy. He enjoys reading, wakeboarding and golfing in his free time.
“I am looking forward to learning and practicing medicine in my community, and the electric atmosphere of the Gators winning some national championships,” Murt said.
Jessica Bonenclark
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Jessica Bonenclark is the third in her family to attend UF’s physician assistant program, following the path of her mother and sister. Her mother graduated from the program in 2005, and her sister in 2016. She would often hear about the positive impact they had on the lives of their patients and found it incredibly motivating.
“My inspiration did not come from just one place, but rather a combination of experiences and influences,” Bonenclark said. “I have worked alongside PAs in both hospital and outpatient settings and have always appreciated the important role they play in patient care and communication. I am also drawn to the versatility of the profession and the opportunity to apply skills across different specialties throughout a career.”
The Ocala, Florida, native was raised as a Gator fan. For her undergraduate studies, she attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she majored in biology and minored in experiential leadership and business. After her time at the small, private school, she is excited to experience the Swamp’s lively culture –– especially during football season.
Bonenclark, a former student athlete, enjoys listening to audiobooks and staying active by playing pickleball. She is eager to join a program she has witnessed the excellence of firsthand through her family.
“I am most looking forward to building strong relationships with my classmates and becoming part of the camaraderie that comes with navigating PA school together,” she said.
Alexandria Paddyfote
Photo by Danielle Ivanov
Alexandria Paddyfote is a first-generation college graduate and UF biology alumna driven by her empathy and fascination with anatomy. A Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship recipient from Port St. Lucie, Florida, Paddyfote became interested in attending PA school during her undergraduate studies.
“There are so many wonderful aspects of the UF PA program,” Paddyfote said. “Being a prior Gator, I was naturally drawn to the program from the beginning. However, the kindness of the UF College of Medicine staff was overwhelming during the interview process and made UF feel like home again. The facilities provided by the program are amazing, and I appreciated the atmosphere that pushes students toward excellence and compassion.”
Paddyfote is a sports fan who spends her free time outdoors hiking, fishing or learning to sail. She minored in philosophy and values reading the Bible and attending church. The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship program, which provides scholarships to first-generation college students in need, allowed her to study and pursue extracurricular activities without financial stress, she said. It also allowed her to network with medical doctors, physician assistants and PA students early in her undergraduate journey –– formative experiences on her path to medicine.
“I am looking forward to developing my medical knowledge so I can apply it to the communities that need it most,” Paddyfote said.
