First-year students in the Physician Assistant Studies program marked an important milestone in their education with the program’s Short White Coat Ceremony on Friday, September 25, at 1 Constitution Wharf.

The ceremony celebrated the Class of 2027’s completion of the didactic year and their transition into the clinical phase of their PA education. As students move into clinical experiences, they will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they developed during their first year in hands-on patient care settings.

The ceremony was made especially meaningful this year by the leadership and involvement of the students themselves. Members of the Physician Assistant Student Society (PASS) Class of 2027 leadership team helped plan and deliver the celebration, including Vice President Audrey Bachman, President Marina Rose, Secretary Madison Martinez, SAAAPA Representative Sloan Karpen, Diversity Chair Hannah Levine, MAPA Representative Bethanie Dudley, and Treasurer Annie Vatcher.

“The first-year students celebrated their Short White Coat Ceremony this past week, marking the completion of their didactic year and their transition into the clinical phase of their PA education, a significant milestone in their journey,” said Brittany Palaski, PASS advisor and faculty instructor. “This year’s ceremony was particularly special, as our first-year student leaders took the reins in planning and delivering the event. Their efforts made the ceremony incredibly heartfelt and personal, and we could not be prouder of all they accomplished.”

Jenna Comeau, program director and assistant professor, opened the ceremony with welcome remarks, followed by a faculty address from Deanna Denault, department chair and associate professor.

The Class of 2027 presentation was led by the PASS student leaders, who recognized their classmates as they celebrated this significant step in their professional journey. Fred Jeffries, a member of the Mass General Brigham University Class of 2025, returned as the alumni speaker to share reflections with the first-year students as they begin their clinical education.

The ceremony concluded with the Short White Coat Ceremony and Oath, led by Palaski, followed by closing remarks from Janine Godfrey, director of clinical education and faculty instructor.

The Short White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2027 as students move from foundational coursework into clinical learning and continue their preparation to serve patients and communities as physician assistants.