The white coat is more than just a garment; it’s a symbol of professionalism, compassion, and excellence.
“It represents not just the mastery of medical knowledge, but the promise of always placing the patient at the center of care. It is the commitment to listen, to advocate, to heal, and to treat every individual with dignity and respect,” Physician Assistant Program Director Ashley Iacone, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, told the 46 members of Bryant’s PA class of 2026 during the White Coat Ceremony on January 17.
RELATED ARTICLE: From primary care to hospital leadership, physician assistant roles are expanding
The Physician Assistant Studies’ White Coat Ceremony marks the transition from students’ didactic to clinical year. After successfully completing rigorous coursework and engaging in simulations to sharpen their skills, students will spend the next year putting their knowledge into practice. Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., who welcomed families and friends to the celebratory occasion, reminded students to lead with integrity and practice with humility.
“Your clinical training will prepare you for the complexities of modern medicine and equip you to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape,” said Gittell. “Always remember, you are not alone on this journey. You have a strong community of peers, educators, and alumni who believe in you and will help ensure you are successful.”
Adding upon Gittell’s remarks, Medical Director Earl Jackman, DO, FACOG, FACS, urged students to ask questions and recollected on when he was in their shoes.
“You're all in the very beginning of your journey. There are days that will make you smile, and days that will make you sad and introspective,” said Jackman.
Following Jackman’s address, the PA class of 2026 shrugged on their white coats with assistance from Director of Clinical Education Danielle Cormier, MSPAS, BA, PA-C, Director of Didactic Education Stephanie Potts, MS, AT, PA-C, Associate Director of Clinical Education Jodi Cusack, MHS, PA-C, and Director of Medical Simulation Stephen Sherman, MSPAS, PA-C. After taking the Physician Assistant Student Pledge, Bryant University Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Steven Jablow offered a benediction along with his own counsel.
“I want to remind you that you are not just gaining skills; you are mastering an art form. For true healing is an art as well as a science. You are entering a field that you must always remember is a people business,” said Jablow. “If you always see the person and not just the symptom, listen more than you speak, if you laugh and you care, you will recognize that you are seeing a person in a vulnerable moment; that is both a privilege and a responsibility that requires you to see the whole person at all times.”
Wrapping up the ceremony with a toast, Associate Program Director Matt Lavoie, DMSc Fellow, MSPAS, PA-C, CAQ, congratulated students while looking toward the future.
“Lean into your clinical education,” said Lavoie. “Challenge yourself differently and push yourself to maximize your educational experiences.”
