Physician Associate Program Celebrates Class of 2025 at Graduation Ceremony

On Dec. 8, faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered at Yale’s Woolsey Hall to celebrate the 52nd Commencement of the Physician Associate (PA) Program.

David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, director of the PA Program, opened the ceremony. “This afternoon, we celebrate 40 exceptional graduates who have devoted the past 28 months to rigorous study, immersive clinical training, and profound personal and professional growth.”

Brissette reminded graduates that they will enter the workforce “not only with knowledge and skills, but with clarity of purpose. The world needs clinicians who listen deeply, think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with integrity. That is exactly who you have become.”

Brissette noted that nearly 60% of PA Program alumni hold leadership roles in the profession. He encouraged the Class of 2025 to "build upon this legacy of leadership with fresh energy and new ideas,” and to “stay connected, stay curious, and stay grounded in the values that brought you here.”

Mark Mercurio, MD, commencement speaker and inaugural executive director of the Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Boston Children’s Hospital, encouraged graduates to become experts in their craft by listening deeply, seeking help often, and trusting their judgment as they enter the profession.

“Pay attention to what people are telling you, particularly the patient or the nurse. A wise person once said that attention is the purest form of generosity. In your profession, you must always try to be generous with your attention.”

He also emphasized that even the best clinicians regularly ask for help. “You will commonly find yourself surrounded by individuals who can and will help you with the tough decisions. They won't always be in the exam room with you, but you should seek them out.”

Mercurio reminded the class to trust their judgment. “Your moral compass is the most crucial tool you bring to your craft. Trust it and have the courage to speak up.”

Nancy J. Brown, MD, Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of the Yale School of Medicine, invited each graduate to reflect on the path that has led them to this moment. “Today we pause to mark the journey that has brought you here, reflect on the commitment you are making as you join a sacred profession, and to remind you that you will always be part of the Yale School of Medicine community.”

Brown praised the Class of 2025’s commitment to care thus far, from volunteering at the HAVEN Free Clinic and Neighborhood Health Project, to studying medical Spanish and Mandarin, caring for members of the Navajo Nation, and practicing medicine at hospitals in Uganda and Argentina.

Brown emphasized that as they begin their careers, they must remain unwavering in their commitment to treating all patients equally. She encouraged graduates to return to the core principles of their medical education, remembering that “knowledge and pursuit of the truth will inform your care.”

In his student address, Manuel Gutierrez Peña, MMSc, expressed gratitude for the privilege of caring for others. “As I stand here representing the class of 2025, let me say 'thank you.' Thank you for granting us the blessing of serving others even in times of fear, uncertainty, and despair.”

Gutierrez commended his classmates’ dedication, both in and outside the classroom, highlighting those “who woke up at 7 a.m. on Saturdays to volunteer at a free clinic because they knew they might be someone’s only access to care,” and “who spent hours drawing whiteboard diagrams, rehearsing lectures, and translating them into digestible terms for peers.”

He closed by saying “the path ahead of us as young clinicians will be demanding, but ... your devotion to serve above self will sustain you for a lifetime.”

Distinguished Service Award

Emile Boulpaep, MD, professor emeritus of and senior research scientist in cellular and molecular physiology

(selected by Yale PA Program Faculty)

Dr. John P. Hayslett Award for Overall Academic Excellence

Faith Meitl, MMSc

Yale Physician Associate Program Leadership Award

Allison Tran, MMSc, MPH

Outstanding Didactic Course Award

for dedication and excellence in the classroom

Robert Camp, MD, PhD, associate research scientist in pathology

Outstanding Preceptor Award

for dedication and excellence in clinical education

Anthony Paredes, FNP-BC

Outstanding Clinical Site Award

clinical rotation site that provides exemplary clinical teaching

Yale New Haven Health York Street Campus/St. Raphael’s Campus Emergency Medicine

Jack Cole Society Award

for significant contributions in support of the PA profession

David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor, director of the Physician Associate Program

Class of 2025 Award

for support and dedication to the Yale PA Program and the Class of 2025

Courtney Fankhanel, MMSc, PA-C, assistant professor, associate program director of the Physician Associate Program

Class of 2025 Student Award

for support and dedication to the Class of 2025

Madeline Marks, MMSc