OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) honored 39 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) students during a White Coat Ceremony on October 9.
During the ceremony, students received their first white coat and recited an oath reminding them of the high standards expected as they care for patients.
“The white coat is more than an item of clothing or a professional uniform. It is a rite of passage. It represents hard work, sacrifice, growth, and the trust that others will place in you,” said President Heather Smith. “You have chosen a challenging path, but also a deeply meaningful one. To care for another human being is both an honor and a great privilege. It is work that matters, and it is work that changes lives.”
The White Coat Ceremony was introduced in 1993 and has become a tradition at more than 100 medical and health science schools throughout the United States. Receiving a white coat is an acknowledgment of the unique privilege and responsibility to enter the lives of patients and a commitment to respect, competency, service and integrity.
Lauren Ryan, a physician assistant student, gave the invocation, and Joseph Rad, a critical care and aesthetics physician assistant from Atlanta, Ga., was the featured speaker. Risa Zimmerman, associate program director, led the student oath and gave the closing remarks.
After receiving their white coats, students will complete their didactic year in the classroom and then enter their final 12 months of clinical rotations, gaining hands-on practice in varied medical settings.
CSM’s 24-month physician assistant program provides rigorous education and professional development to prepare students to become competent, compassionate healthcare providers who continually strive for growth and innovation.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028
William Agosto Padilla
Savannah Armendariz
Afiwa Assiobo
Alexis Beier
Peyton Bell
Fredrick Benzel
MacKenzie Biven-Fredenburg
Faythe Bohnert
Natalie Briggs
Kelli Brown
Mason Dahlke
Nicholas DiMaio
Sara Farlow
Mira Fosmer
Vanessa Garcia
Fidel Garibaldi Gomez
Christina Hansen
Martin Hendrickson
Amanda Jones
Vanessa Loya-Perez
Rebecca Manuel
Brett Miller
Clinton Moore
Taylor Morrison
Noango Ouohi
Zara Petrocy
Alyssa Psyck
Katherine Rabstejnek
Tristen Reed
Lauren Ryan
Nathan Salyer
Autumn Schroeder
Kaitlin Smith
Angela Stevenson
Shyann VanGerpen
Jennabella Vasco
Lauren Weishaar
Olivia Wharton-Hunt
Noah Wheeling