White Coat Ceremony Celebrates the Inaugural Cohort of Physician Assistant Students

With nervous smiles and anticipation, the students lined up outside the Ong Family Auditorium at University of California San Diego. Inside, it was standing room only as family and friends gathered to witness a historic White Coat Ceremony. The Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program, which officially launched in June 2024, welcomed the very first cohort of students.

“You’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, and have made sacrifices to be sitting in this seat today.  At times, perhaps, you’ve even questioned your abilities.  But, you’ve persevered. By accepting a white coat, you are making a commitment to transform yourself into a health care professional with integrity – a professional in whom patients place their trust.

We are all here today celebrating your success.  Enjoy it!”

Elias Villarreal, DMSc, PA-C, associate dean and founding program director for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program

The need

According to the American Academy of Physician Associates, the physician assistant (PA) profession was created to improve and expand health care. In response to a physician shortage in 1965, PA curriculum and training were established to extend the reach of physicians. Students are trained to provide primary care services, perform diagnostic procedures and assist in surgeries under the supervision of licensed physicians.

Since then, nearly 180,000 PA practitioners have been trained in the United States, yet there are still concerns about lack of access to health care services. In California alone, nearly 688,000 people live in areas with a shortage of primary care physicians.

The White Coat Ceremony

First held in 1992, the White Coat Ceremony was created to inspire great professionalism among medical students. Maria Savoia, M.D., founding medical director for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program and former dean of medical education for the School of Medicine, shared the history of the white coat ceremony and encouraged the students to wear their white coat with pride.

“When I went to medical school, there was no white coat ceremony. We went to the bookstore and bought our own short white coats and then just showed up when we were supposed to. Today, wear your coat both proudly and humbly. It is an important symbol of caring and responsibility.”

Maria Savoia, M.D., founding medical director for the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program and former dean of medical education for the School of Medicine

About the Class

"As you wear your white coat, always keep in mind the importance of humanism in medicine. Your patients are not merely diagnoses or conditions; they are individuals with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. Treat them with kindness, empathy and respect, always prioritizing their well-being and dignity."

John Carethers, M.D., vice chancellor, UC San Diego Health Sciences

"I may be biased, but being a health care professional is the best career out there. I am so proud that you have decided to join us in the field of medicine. The future of health care in Southern California is bright because you have chosen to enter the PA profession."

Steven Garfin, M.D., interim dean, UC San Diego School of Medicine

Read more about the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program.