Each student in the inaugural class of Drury University’s physician assistant program took their turn in the center of the stage.
There, they pulled on a white coat with help from a husband, sister, grandpa, instructor, or mom and dad.
The pivotal moment, at the end of the White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 14, was packed with meaning for the students and the program.
“It’s a historic day for our institution,” said Provost Beth Harville. “As we gather here to celebrate the beginning of your professional journey, we are also celebrating a program that will shape the future of healthcare in our region and across our nation and beyond our borders.”
For students, it marked the halfway point. They have completed 14 months of the 27-month master’s program, spent heavily in the classroom and laboratories, and passed a slew of exams.
They will spend the coming year working in hands-on clinical rotations in different specialty areas, where they will learn from medical professionals and hopefully figure out if they want to practice in a hospital, physician’s office or clinic.