School of Physician Assistant Studies — Celebrating milestones

UF School of PA Studies celebrates white coat ceremony and commencement

In June, the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies joined students and families to celebrate milestones in PA education. Each of the 61 members of the class of 2020 donned a UF Health white coat for the first time during the 12th annual White Coat Ceremony, held June 7 in the Health Professions, Nursing & Pharmacy Building. A “words of wisdom” card offering advice and encouragement from alumni was placed in each student’s coat pocket.

“Strive to keep the excitement and energy that has gotten you this far,” wrote Hector Bird, MPAS ’15, on student Jarrod Kearney’s card. “While the system often demands otherwise, focus on your patients and show them you care.”

Just two weeks later, 59 members of the UF School of PA Studies class of 2019 joined the alumni family during the annual commencement ceremony, held June 22 in University Auditorium.

P-A graduate Ellen Toneff holding two plaques

“To be a Gator PA feels like I’m part of a bigger family — every step of the way, I felt like we were taught to be our best,” said Ellen Toneff, MPAS ’19, the recipient of the Steven Kraft, MD, and Randy Kraft Award.