Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions celebrated 49 physician assistant students at its Long White Coat Ceremony earlier this month, marking an important milestone as students reflect on their educational journeys and prepare to begin their careers in patient care.

Madison Gullotti, class president, addressed her classmates, reflecting on the importance of individuality and humanity in health care. As her classmates prepare to enter the profession, she encouraged them to hold on to the personal qualities that make them unique and to prioritize meaningful connections with their patients.

“Don’t become so efficient that you forget how to be present. Because while technology will continue to advance, compassion will always matter,” Gullotti said.

Deanna Denault, interim chair of the Physician Assistant program, praised the cohort’s growth, collaboration, and impact throughout the program.

“The White Coat Ceremony is a meaningful milestone, celebrating how far our students have come and the exciting journey that lies ahead,” Denault said. “It has been a privilege to watch this cohesive group grow from the classroom to the clinic and now prepare to step into professional practice.”

Denault highlighted the strong sense of community the students developed throughout their time at Mass General Brigham University , as well as the trust and respect they earned from preceptors, clinical teams, and faculty. Their dedication has helped open doors to professional opportunities at established medical centers, including Mass General Brigham and its affiliates.

“We couldn’t be prouder, as a faculty team, to see them begin their careers at these respected institutions, and we look forward to the difference they will continue to make in the lives of their patients and communities,” Denault said.

The ceremony also recognized outstanding contributions to the PA program through several awards:

  • Program Director Award: Madison Gullotti
  • Student Excellence in Leadership Award: Tallon Endicott
  • Student Community Service Award: Amina Michael
  • Faculty of the Year Award: Janine Godfrey
  • Preceptor of the Year Award: Kevin Twombly

Additionally, eight students were inducted into the Pi Alpha honor society, which recognizes excellence in the physician assistant profession.

Endicott, the class vice president and recipient of the Student Excellence in Leadership Award, reflected on the personal significance of the ceremony and the growth he experienced throughout the program.

The experience “meant a lot,” Endicott said, adding that it “reminded me that I can do hard things and how much I’ve grown along the way. It was a special moment to make my family proud, reflect on the journey, and feel grateful for the people I shared it with.”

As the students prepare to transition from their studies into professional practice, the ceremony celebrated their accomplishments, the community they built, and the meaningful contributions they are poised to make to patients and communities in the years ahead.