The Art of Medicine: Yale PA Program Welcomes Class of 2028

“The white coat represents many things,” said David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, associate program director for student affairs in the Physician Associate (PA) program, as he welcomed friends, family, and students to the Class of 2028 PA White Coat Ceremony. “But perhaps most importantly, it represents a commitment to the people who will one day sit across from you in an exam room, or in a hospital bed, who will look to you for answers during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

Forty PA students from across the United States and India received their white coat on Aug. 28, marking the start of their journey toward becoming clinicians.

In his opening remarks, Brissette reminded the incoming class of the uniquely human element that each of them will bring to the practice of medicine. “A computer may help identify a diagnosis, but it cannot replace the trust a patient places in you. It may organize information, but it cannot understand the uncertainty or fear behind a patient's questions or the significance of a story shared during a difficult conversation.”

“Your ability to listen, to communicate, to show empathy, and to recognize the person behind the diagnosis will remain among your most important clinical skills.”

Nancy J. Brown, MD, Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of the Yale School of Medicine, encouraged the incoming class to learn not only the stories of their peers, but also of their patients, “so that you will always see them as individuals.”

“Listen to your patients,” said Brown. “And remember that caring for them is an extraordinary honor.”

She closed by inviting each student to reflect on the path ahead. “The next two years will provide you with continuous opportunities to learn, grow, and, before long, be part of a team providing patients across the country with compassionate care. There are exciting challenges ahead, and we are proud that you have chosen the Yale Physician Associate Program to prepare you for this incredible journey.”

Vincenzo Julian, MMSc ’19, PA-C, emergency medicine physician assistant at Yale New Haven Hospital and former PA student, delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. “One of the major themes I have seen in this career is that medicine really is an art... and it takes many small choices to make it beautiful.”

Julian urged the incoming class to approach patient care with compassion. “Our job is to not judge but to help patients make those thoughtful choices towards healing. So remember when you are caring for your patients in the future... they are works in progress, just like you, and it takes more than science to care for them.”

Each incoming student was helped into their white coat by a second-year PA student, a tradition that emphasizes the community into which each student is entering. Along with their white coat, students received a stethoscope donated by PA Program alumni.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of the PA Program professional oath, led by Tara Herbert, MS, PA-C, director of clinical skills education for the PA program. Brissette then invited the Class of 2028 to turn toward their family and friends to celebrate the official start of their PA education.