Physician Assistant Class of 2028 marks start of training at White Coat Ceremony
Twenty-nine students in Penn State College of Medicine’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program took an important first step toward their future profession during the Class of 2028 White Coat Ceremony on Friday, May 29, at The Englewood in Hummelstown.
The annual ceremony formally welcomes new students into the program and introduces them to the responsibilities, expectations and privileges of the PA profession. Members of the Class of 2028 received their white coats, were presented with new stethoscopes and recited the Physician Assistant Professional Oath.
For students, the event marked more than the start of a two-year academic program; it served as an early reminder of the role they will play in caring for patients and communities.
“The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a remarkable journey,” said Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C, assistant dean and program director of the PA Program and assistant professor of emergency medicine. “We are honored to walk alongside the Class of 2028 as they learn, grow and prepare to become the next generation of physician assistants.”
Physician assistant student Brianna Dawes receives her white coat from Larissa Whitney, Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C, assistant dean and program director of the PA Program and assistant professor of emergency medicine, during the ceremony on Friday, May 29.
The ceremony included welcome remarks from Karen Kim, MD, MS, dean of Penn State College of Medicine, and program director remarks from Whitney. Kathryn Kugler, PA-C, MEd, DFAAPA, of Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center, served as the keynote speaker. Kugler has practiced in multiple specialties throughout her career, and she also teaches and precepts medical learners.
The Class of 2028 was selected from a pool of more than 3,000 applicants. The incoming class enters the program with an average overall GPA of 3.81, an average science GPA of 3.80 and an average of more than 5,200 hours of healthcare experience.
Students also bring a wide range of personal, professional and service experiences to the College of Medicine. The 29 members of the class have served as combat medics, corpsmen, commissioned military officers, crisis counselors, NCAA Division I athletes, cardiovascular specialists, touring musicians, athletic trainers, educators, mentors and community leaders.
The class includes first-generation college students, military veterans and active service members, Penn State graduates and Pennsylvania residents. Thirty-five percent of students come from Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas, reflecting the program’s continued commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to serve communities with varied health care needs.
As they begin their training, members of the Class of 2028 join a program focused on clinical excellence, service and team-based care. Through classroom learning, clinical experiences and mentorship from faculty and preceptors, they will prepare to become physician assistants who help meet the evolving needs of patients and health systems.
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