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White Coat Ceremony for the PA Class of 2027

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Students wearing white coats smile on stage during the ceremony

The traditional Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony was held Jan. 17 for approximately 90 new PA students in Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University.

Alfred Abuhamad, MD, executive vice president of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University and dean of Eastern Virginia Medical School, spoke of the significance of the ceremony, held at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk.

“You are a special class, as you are the first PA students to come in following the integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University,” said Dr. Abuhamad. “We believe the joining of these two institutions will transform the health and economy of Hampton Roads and beyond through sustained excellence in education, research and clinical care.”

Hampton Roads native Alyssa Harkins, a member of the M.P.A. Class of 2027, plans to be part of that regional transformation.

“After PA school I plan on staying in the area — since I am from Chesapeake — and give back to the community that raised me up," said Harkins. "The next couple years are going to be very challenging, and it's going to take a lot more time and effort than it took to even get to this point, but I think we're all ready.”

For PA student Christine Joyce Castro of Falls Church, Virginia, the White Coat Ceremony felt symbolic.

“Not only is this a culmination of all of the hard work," said Castro, "it's also a huge responsibility and duty that we have to our patients. Everything that we learn in class isn't just to get a good grade — it's for our future patients one day, and that's a mindset that I will constantly carry throughout every single lesson I have."

Following the formal coating, the M.P.A. Class of 2027 recited the Physician Assistant Professional Oath. Angela Conrad, M.P.A., PA-C (M.P.A. ’05), clinical director and associate professor for the EVMS School of Health Professions, delivered closing remarks.

“You should be proud of what you have accomplished and what you will accomplish,” said Conrad. “This should inspire you to always do your best, whether it is in class, on your clinical rotations in 15 months, or in practice as a PA. Be proud of what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will do.”

Watch the PA White Coat Ceremony highlight video and view photos.