2020 Physician Assistant Program holds White Coat Ceremony

October 15, 2020

On Friday, October 9, the newest class of the Physician Assistant program kicked off the start of another class with the traditional white coat ceremony.

Dr. Jennifer Eames, Program Director, welcomed approximately 100 guests who came to celebrate this signifying event. Capacity was limited because of COVID-19 to allow for social distancing, and masks were required, with the safety of our students and community in mind.

This year’s cohort of 30 students was selected out of more than 1,900 nationwide applicants.

Matt Boutte, President of the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants, attended this year’s ceremony in person and gave some opening remarks to recognize the accomplishments of the program and spoke further about the significance of the role of Physician Assistants in the landscape of healthcare across the state.

Russ Callendar was the keynote speaker. Russ is the Lead Physician Assistant with the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.  He gave a riveting account of his involvement with the development of the role and training of Physician Assistants spanning a 47-year history practicing in his field.

Dr. Chris McNair, HSU Provost, and the PA Faculty advisors presented the students with their white coats signifying the start of their career training, followed by the recitation of their medical oath.

There was a brief recession following the ceremony.

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