White Coat Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a New Journey for PA Students
Published Date
Article Content
The ceremonial donning of a white coat marks an important transition from student to clinician. As the Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program welcomed 30 new students to the University of California San Diego School of Medicine campus, family and friends cheered, encouraged and celebrated together.
The 29-month Master of Advanced Study in Physician Assistant Studies degree program provides the necessary training for students to immediately enter the physician assistant (PA) workforce upon graduation.
As the ceremony began, Elias Villareal, DMSc, PA-C, associate dean and founding program director welcomed the students to UC San Diego.
“Class of 2028 – you’ve worked hard to get to this point. You’ve faced numerous challenges along the way and have made sacrifices to be sitting in this seat today. At times, perhaps, you’ve listened to your imposter and questioned your abilities. But you’ve persevered. You have achieved an important milestone in gaining the opportunity to become a professional practicing PA, and we’re all here today celebrating your success.”
Lucia Torres Becerril attended the University of the Pacific and completed a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science.
For Lucia Torres Becerril, PA-S1, the decision to pursue training as a PA reflects her experiences growing up in the Central Valley.
“In the Central Valley, there aren’t a lot of health care providers in general. For me, especially as an immigrant from Mexico, most of my medical care was done at urgent care clinics, where a lot of the providers were PAs. Growing up around them and then discovering how versatile and collaborative the field is, I fell in love with it.”
The love and support of family and friends made for an exciting and memorable day for all.
After providing a brief history of the significance of the white coat, Michelle Daniel, MD, vice dean for medical education at the School of Medicine, encouraged the students to never stop learning and to always remember why they chose the educational path they are beginning.
“Today marks the beginning of your formal journey into the profession of medicine, and while you may not be stepping into the clinical arena quite yet, you are crossing an important threshold. You are taking your first steps into a life of service, learning and leadership. The path ahead will challenge you. There will be long hours of study, complex concepts to master and moments of self-doubt. But there will also be discoveries, insights and the deep satisfaction that comes from growing into the professional you aspire to be.”
Jake Carmichael completed a bachelor’s degree in public health at San Diego State University.
For Jake Carmichael, PA-S1, who grew up in the Bay Area, pursuing a PA path emerged from a desire to simply help people.
“I want to become a PA because I want to help fill in the gaps that exist in health care, especially coming from a public health background. Seeing health disparities firsthand, learning about them through classwork and being able to step in and make that difference for patients who don't have access to care or have maybe just struggled to get an appointment with a physician are what motivate me.”
Sabrina Asefi completed a bachelor’s degree in public health at the University of California Irvine.
When Sabrina Asefi, PA-S1, began her undergraduate studies, she thought she would pursue a career as a pharmacist, but that shifted after she began a job working in the emergency department.
“I worked with PAs, doctors and nurses, but the PA path really stood out to me, and I decided that is what I wanted to do. The thing I love about health care the most is the patients and being able to help people at their most vulnerable times.”
As part of the White Coat Ceremony, the new students recite the Physician Assistant Professional Oath together.
A desire to help people and make a difference is a great motivator for the incoming students. Barbara Jung, MD, associate vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine, urged the students to keep that passion, while also taking advantage of all the expertise and resources that abound at the School of Medicine.
“You are joining an incredible institution that is dedicated to advancing health care and improving the lives of the communities we serve. Approach all opportunities during PA school with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Remember that being a physician assistant isn’t just about acquiring the technical knowledge heal people. It is also about developing relationships with your patients and health care colleagues that are grounded in empathy, compassion and understanding.”
Welcome Atkinson Physician Assistant Education Program Class of 2028!
Share This:
Stay in the Know
Keep up with all the latest from UC San Diego. Subscribe to the newsletter today.
