PA - Long White Coat Ceremony - 2023

MGH Institute of Health Professions

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Department of Physician Assistant Studies

LONG WHITE COAT CEREMONY

OPENING REMARKS

Joshua Merson, DMSc, MS-HPEd, PA-C

Chair, Distinguished Teaching Assistant Professor

STUDENT ADDRESS

Srivalli Chittajallu

Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2023

Outstanding ClinicalFacultyAward

Jenna Comeau, DScPAS, MSHS, PA-C - Presenter

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Mark C. Andrew, PA-C, MBA

Outstanding FacultyAward

Don Vuong and Olivia Magnussen - Presenters

PROGRAM AWARDS

StudentExcellenceinLeadershipAward

Student Excellence in Service Award

Program Chair's Award

PI ALPHA INDUCTIONS

Jenny Smith, MMSc, PA-C - Presenter

HONORARY PI ALPHA INDUCTION

Joshua Merson, DMSc, MS-HPEd, PA-C - Presenter

LONG WHITE COAT CEREMONY

CLOSING REMARKS

Joshua Merson, DMSc, MS-HPEd, PA-C Chair, Distinguished Teaching Assistant Professor

MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

2023 DEGREE CANDIDATES

Christina M. Badal

Kaitlyn A. Bailey

Jessica M. Bang

Christopher Daniel Carroll

Edward K. Chang

Srivalli Chittajallu

Marriann R. Dew

Daniel J. Donovan

Erika Dayana Dooley

Katie S. Downs

Kerri Dupre

Lauren M. Duthie

Sophonie Elianor-Wight

Sarah Elizabeth Haunani Stephens

Lauren E. Gallucci

Harena Ghebrehiwot Weldemariam

Vanessa Ashley Gonzalez

Michael Horwath

Jessica Kai

Olivia Anna Konaxis

Christina Wei Kuen Lai

Jessica Eunji Lee

André de Souza Licht

Olivia Rae Magnussen

Christina M. Maiello

Vition Mbrica

Regina Miloslavsky

Scott A. Moody

Emily Anne Moran

Amreen Syeda Nizami

Matthew James O'Brien

Peace E. Okoeka

Gilane A. Omar

Olivia Rose Pijanowski

Timothy A. Sedlak

Sean C. Shughrou

Abigail F. Stratton

Michael A. Techiera

Sarah Tatjana Thenault

Ashley V. Truong

Ailiazat Turgunbek

Don H. Vuong

Sara Emily Wu-Lan Wichlei

Kyra J. Wojcik

PROGRAM AWARDS

Outstanding ClinicalFacultyAward

This award honors a distinguished clinical preceptor who demonstrates excellence in bedside teaching and in supporting PA students’ growth and development in the clinical setting in the following ways:

1. Creates a welcoming and challenging environment for learning,

2. Engages in direct and honest communication including effective use of praise and constructive criticism,

3. Models’ compassionate patient- and family-centered care and

4. Tailors the learning experience to meet the program’s and students’ individual needs

Outstanding FacultyAward

This award honors a distinguished faculty member who demonstrates excellence in classroom teaching and in supporting PA students’ growth and development in the didactic setting in the following ways:

1. Expresses enthusiasm for their topic,

2. Fosters an atmosphere of respect for team learning and individual inquiry,

3. Creates a classroom environment that welcomes the expression of diverse viewpoints and

4. Models compassionate patient- and family-centered care.

StudentExcellenceinLeadershipAward

This award honors a student graduating from the PA Program who has been identified by peers and faculty as demonstrating outstanding leadership during their time in the program in the following ways:

1. Fosters a positive environment both in and outside of the classroom,

2. Demonstrates supportive, responsive relationships with peers,

3. Responds to and manages conflict effectively,

4. Seeks to improve the program through effective communication with program leadership and

5. Promotes and engages in activities that enhance the student experience.

Student Excellence in Service Award

This award honors a student graduating from the PA Program who has been identified by peers and faculty as demonstrating an outstanding commitment to service in the following ways:

1. Active participation in multiple IHP and outside service initiatives OR piloted a new initiative that benefits the program and the Institute,

2. Made significant contributions in their service work and

3. Positively represented the PA profession and the IHP through their interactions with peers and community service organizations.

Program Chair’s Award

The Program Director, in consultation with program faculty, selects a candidate for this award to recognize outstanding student contributions to the program, the class, and/or the community.

PiAlpha Induction-NationalPhysicianAssistantHonorSociety

Pi Alpha is the national Physician Assistant honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of PA students, graduates, faculty, and others who have made significant contributions to the discipline. Membership signifies inductees’ significant academic achievement and honors them for their leadership, research, community/professional service, and other related activities, as well as a high standard of character and conduct.

Awardees will be announced the day of the ceremony.