PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Thirty-four members of the physician assistant (PA) studies Class of 2020 were honored during the official white coat and pinning convocation at Alderson Broaddus University on Friday, July 26.

“This ceremony is so important to the families and students because it symbolizes professionalism and commitment to patient care while transitioning from one phase to another,” said Thomas Moore, director of the physician assistant studies program and dean of the College of Medical Science.

This final year will be spent in clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical centers, focusing on and delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Class of 2020 includes: Azin Akar from Gibsonia, Pa.; Josiah Baker from Douglassville, Pa.; Allyson Branham from Prestonburg, Ky.; Jessica Chance from Louisville, Ky.; Taylor Chevalier from Belington, W.Va.; Peter Cioloca from Philippi, W.Va.; Brandon Coburn from Bridgeport, W.Va.; Keeley Diggs from Hurlock, Md.; Rachel Graziano from Dewitt, Mich.; Noel Guido from Spanish Fork, Utah; Jacquelin Harper from Grovetown, Ga.; Regan Houston from Leesburg, Va.; Brady Huttinger from Pasadena, Md.; Kyle Lehosit from Clarksburg, W.Va.; Aneeq Malik from Philippi, W.Va.; Kelsea Martin from Stevens Point, Wis.; Zane McGuire from Pittsburgh, Pa.; Sarah McMillan from Morgantown, W.Va.; Cassandra Mueller from Fond Du Lac, Wis.; Scott Nesland from Philippi, W.Va.; Ashley Norman from New Philadelphia, Ohio; Lauren Peyton from Chapmanville, W.Va.; Yuenan Pitrolo from Bridgeport, W.Va.; Christian Porter from North Liberty, Ind.; Hannah Prontiker from Elizabeth, Pa.; Nathaniel Rainey from Philippi, W.Va.; Douglas Sievers from Mt. Carmel, Ill.; Amy Stewart from Philippi, W.Va.; Briana Stine from Columbia, Md.; Julia Tucker from Romeo, Mich.; Sania Ullah from Federalsburg, Md.; Reid Van Bussum from Lexington, Ky.; Anna Warfield from Gaithersburg, Md.; and Shayne Zaplitny from Coatesville, Pa.

Shawn Beltz, Class of 2019 and recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award—an award based on compassion, leadership, working relations, clinical adequacy, academic performance, and support of the goals and objectives of the physician assistant program—addressed the Class and encouraged them always to keep learning.

Beltz quoted from Dr. Lisa Sander’s book “Every Patient Tells a Story,” by saying: “in medicine, uncertainty is the water we swim in.” Beltz explained that while this may be true, he is certain that the professors at AB have provided the Class of 2020 with a solid foundation to build upon throughout their yearlong clerkships. He then challenged the Class to be uncomfortable.

“Put yourself out there,” said Beltz. “Show up each day with the intentions to learn something new. Come with an infectiously positive attitude and look for ways to be helpful and make the people around you love working with you. Come early, stay late, ask questions, and study hard, because your patients will depend on you.”

Moore concluded the ceremony by saying, “you’ve learned about the science of medicine. Today is the significant transition between the science and art of medicine. Remember, it’s all about what the patient needs. Always look at the patient and not the disease. Grow, develop, be a leader, but most of all—care for your patients. That’s why we do what we do in this profession. We are proud of you and look forward to your future endeavors as a physician assistant.”

As the Class of 2020 transitions into their clinical phase, Beltz and the Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2019 prepare for graduation on August 16 at Alderson Broaddus University.

The mission of the Alderson Broaddus University School of  Physician Assistant Studies is to academically and clinically prepare physician assistants who deliver high-quality, patient-centered, primary, and specialty care with physician collaboration, to diverse populations.

Alderson Broaddus University stands out as one of the most innovative health education providers in Appalachia, pioneering the nation’s first baccalaureate physician assistant program of its kind in 1968 and the first post-baccalaureate physician assistant master’s degree program in 1990. For more information, call AB Admissions at 1-800-263-1549 or visit www.ab.edu.