Thiel College physician assistant students get white coats during honored tradition

Posted July 11, 2023 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thirty-one students in Thiel College’s second cohort of Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies received their white coats as part of the program’s White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, July 15 in Bly Hall of the Academic Center on campus.

See more photos from the event.

The traditional use of white coats in medical professions began around the start of the 20th century. Before that, doctors primarily wore black coats. The switch to white coats promoted a symbol of safety, but also a sense of compassion and honor in the relationship between patients and medical professionals. Now, when a medical provider wears a white coat, it shows they are trustworthy because they have the necessary training and expertise to provide medical care and advice. The white coats these students receive represent their completion of the first half of their studies in the 27-month P.A. program at the College.

The following students received their white coats during Saturday’s ceremony:

Natalia Addo M.S.’24, of Portland, Ore.
Kendra Anderson M.S.’24, of Sandy Lake, Pa.
Ryan Anselmino M.S.’24, of Irwin, Pa.
Emily Baer M.S.’24, Perrysburg, Ohio
Cassandra Buechel ’22, M.S. ’24, of Allison Park, Pa.
Shianne Donovan M.S.’24, of Pleasantville, Pa.
Racquel Fera M.S.’24, of Trafford, Pa.
Hailee Foster M.S.’24, of Niles, Ohio
Mariah Fluke M.S.’24, of Blairsville, Pa.
Hannah Hassinger M.S.’24, of Cherry Hill, N.J.
Samantha Houle M.S.’24, of Rochester Hills, Mich.
Joshua Jennerjahn M.S.’24, of Valley Stream, N.Y.
Owen Kravetz M.S.’24, of Altoona, Pa.
Jessica Kylander M.S.’24, of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Sarah McCann M.S.’24, of Kittanning, Pa.
Cysco Merisotes M.S.’24, of Rexburg, Idaho

Margaret Nee ’20, M.S.’24, of Erie, Pa.
Robert O’Connor M.S.’24, of Burlington, Vt.
Lorela Pengu M.S.’24, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Joseph Petrolla M.S.’24, of Poland, Ohio
Julia Petrucci M.S.’24, of Murrysville, Pa.
Ashley Riccardino M.S.’24, of Jeannette, Pa.
Allison Sarbaum M.S.’24, of Alhambra, Calif.
Kierstin Schade M.S.’24, of Irwin, Pa.
Hannah Schettler M.S.’24, of Oil City, Pa.
Kasey Solic M.S.’24, of North Jackson, Ohio
Taylor Taft M.S.’24, of Harborcreek, Pa.
Bimal Timsina M.S.’24, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Dante Vaniel M.S.’24, of McKeesport, Pa.
Joshua Wahl M.S.’24, of Cranberry Township, Pa.
Abigail Young M.S.’24, of Greensburg, Pa.

The College graduates its first cohort of physician assistant studies students in August. The Physician Assistant Studies program at Thiel College began in 2021.

The White Coat Ceremony is a significant event for physician assistant students that marks an important milestone in their journey toward becoming healthcare professionals.

Students gathered with faculty and administration members as well as family and friends to celebrate this important occasion.

One of the key aspects of the white coat ceremony is the recitation of the professional oath, in which students publicly declare their commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical and compassionate patient care.

Newsroom

Thiel College physician assistant students get white coats during honored tradition

Related Links

Related Stories

Office of Admission