University of Findlay Graduates 19 Physician Assistants During White Coat Ceremony

University of Findlay’s Physician Assistant program presented 19 students with their white coats on Friday, Dec. 9, during the 2022 graduation ceremony.

The University of Findlay’s Physician Assistant program provides students with experiential learning, allowing students to learn hands-on, in state-of-the-art facilities on campus. Students are also required to complete eight clinical rotations. During their time on campus, students receive a tremendous amount of support from faculty and staff.

Richard Hopkins, DMSc, PA-C, serves as the department chair and program director, and says thanks to the wonderful staff and the size of the program, they are able to provide an amazing educational opportunity for students, while also building wonderful relationships. “Students are in our office every day, sitting on our couches, eating candy with us, and simply talking. We know them, and they get to know us. It’s because of this that we are able to build strong relationships and trust,” said Hopkins.“

Graduates will now begin working in family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, general surgery, and emergency medicine. While they are now prepared to tackle all fields of medicine, they didn’t come to campus nearly as prepared. “They come from ground zero, knowing nothing about patient care or treating patients. By the time we get to the white coat ceremony, we’ve seen them in tears, we’ve seen them with smiles and joy, and we’ve helped them get to this point. Today we’re proud to present them their white coats and have them stand beside us as colleagues,” Hopkins said.

In honor of tradition, the 19 graduates of the Physician Assistant program walked down the sidewalk from Old Main, and to the University of Findlay arch. Students first walked on campus, walking from Main Street, through the arch, and on to University grounds. To signify completion of their program, students walked through the arch one last time—this time as graduates.

To see pictures from this year’s PA White Coat Ceremony, please visit the University of Findlay’s Flickr page.