The School of Medicine recognized 20 members of its physician assistant program as they transition to their next stage of training during the ninth-annual Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony.
Physician assistant students receive their white coats as they begin their fifth semester of the seven-semester program. The ceremony signifies their transition from the didactic phase of training to their clinical rotations.
School of Medicine Dean Mary Anne Jackson, M.D., served as keynote speaker, acknowledging and celebrating class members for their achievements and encouraging them as they go forward in their final year of training.
The school conducted its first Physician Assistant White Ceremony with its inaugural class in 2015. Since that time 168 students have participated in the event.
There are currently 59 students in different phases of the program, including 19 students who will graduate with their Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant degrees. The UMKC program is the only physician assistant program in Missouri housed inside a medical school.
