UAMS Physician Assistant Program Welcomes Class of 2028 at White Coat Ceremony

"The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Physician Assistant Studies program formally welcomed its newest cohort during a May 22 white coat ceremony, marking the official entry of the Class of 2028 into the 28-month program. Held before a standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, faculty, and supporters, the ceremony celebrated both the students’ achievements and the road ahead of study and learning. Edward Williams, DMSc, PA-C, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies in the UAMS College of Health Professions and the program’s director, opened the event by recognizing the community that supports each student’s success. As seen from one of the rows in the auditorium, Dean Susan Long, left, Maggie Grappe and Billy Thomas sit on stage and listen as Edward Williams delivers his opening remarks at the ceremony.Image by Evan Lewis He highlighted the significance of the white coat itself, emphasizing identity, responsibility, and pride in the profession. “They are a part of our PA profession now. They are PAs. They’re PA students, so they have an S after their PA, and one day soon, in less than 28 months, they’ll turn that S into a C and be certified and out there practicing,” Williams said. College of Health Professions Dean Susan Long, Ed.D., described the ceremony as a turning point for the incoming class. “This ceremony is your formal initiation into your professional education and the transition into the world of healthcare,” Long said. “While you will focus on the art and science and medicine, you must also keep in mind that being a healthcare professional is a privilege.” She encouraged students to recognize both the challenges and opportunities ahead, while trusting in their abilities. “You were meant to be here,” Long said. “All that hard work you did to get here and now over 28 months, it’s going to be life-changing.” Long also emphasized the importance of community and resilience, reminding students they are supported by those around them as they progress through the rigorous program. Maggie Grappe, president of the Class of 2026, offered a student perspective, reflecting on her own experience entering the program just two years earlier. “I can still vividly remember sitting exactly where you all are today, just two years ago,” Grappe said. “I recall being filled with excitement, anticipation, and if I’m being very honest, a fair amount of uncertainty of what the next months would bring.” She spoke about the deeper meaning of the white coat, noting that its significance becomes clearer over time. “The understanding will come with time, experience, and growth,” Grappe said. “The honor of wearing this coat is not granted simply by walking across this stage. It is earned.” Grappe encouraged the new class to lean on one another and embrace the challenges ahead as part of their development. “Look at the people sitting beside you. These individuals will become your support system, your study partners, and very likely, lifelong friends,” she said. Keynote speaker Billy Thomas, M.D., professor of neonatology in the Department of Pediatrics and the PA program’s medical director, focused his remarks on the human side of medicine and the responsibility that students now carry. “What I want to talk to you more about is yourself and who you are, and how do you come into this profession and how do you come out of this profession,” Thomas said. He reminded students that their selection reflects more than academic achievement. “It takes more than just metrics to be a healthcare professional,” Thomas said. “The difference in you and others in the applicant pool is who you are and what you presented to the admissions committee.” Thomas also underscored the mission of physician assistants in addressing healthcare gaps, particularly in underserved areas, while urging students to center their work on ethical principles and compassion. Family and friends of the students, applauding them at the conclusion of the ceremony, filled nearly every seat in Smith Auditorium.Image by Evan Lewis “Maintain your level of humanity, compassion, integrity, and aim to do public good,” he said. “Just remember who you are. And once you do that and feel you are no better or worse than that patient across from you, then you will do a better job in trying to communicate and listen to patients.” As each student crossed the stage to receive their white coat, the ceremony marked the start of a two-phase clinical education that blends academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. The 40 students were selected from a highly competitive applicant pool of about 600. They join a growing legacy of 385 UAMS-trained physician assistants who have graduated from the program since its first graduating class in 2015. This year’s class of 2028 who received their white coats were:   Haley Anderson Sarah Johnson Janiya Ashford Presley Johnston Taylor Bachman Kaliyah Lee Brandon Bisceglia Jessica Manning Brendan Blanco Blake Marks Lyndi Brown Aryam Martinez Molly Kate Cady Taylor McElhaney Zephan Carmody Alia Michaelis Hunter Carnes Vanessa Morris Corbin Cauley Hannah Mosley Bissette Childress Lance Nguyen Hannah Denery Courtney Pettigrew Robin Dietrich Kennedy Ratthasombath Sarah Eiser Madelyn Renfrow Danielle Evans Ellie Richardson Kelsey Hayes Patrick Robinson Porter Hicky Samuel Scalise MaKayla Hightower Sophie Skrivanos Reagan Holly Hagan Smith Ana Ingram Kassidy Stone  "