The Franklin College Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program held its White Coat Ceremony on Dec. 14. The college’s cohort of 22 PA students from the class of 2025 received their white coats and recited a medical oath before family and friends inside the Clarence E. & Inez R. Custer Theatre in Old Main on the Franklin College campus.
Penley
Among those 22 students is Zachary Penley of Westfield. He completed his undergraduate degree at Hanover College.
Jasmina Cheeseman, PA-C, MLS, program director and assistant professor of physician assistant studies, welcomed attendees and delivered the opening remarks for the ceremony. Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather addressed the guests next, congratulating the students on the significant milestone. He spoke of the data that shows the pressing demand in Indiana and throughout the entire country for skilled and compassionate health care providers, and the important role these students will one day play in their communities.
The ceremony is the halfway mark of the 25-month, full-time program. Christopher Zietlow, M.D., program medical director and adjunct assistant professor of physician assistant studies, addressed guests, explaining the symbolism of the ceremony as a rite of passage welcoming students into health care practice by providing a white coat signifying professionalism and humanistic patient care. At Franklin College, it marks the transition from the didactic year to the clinical year and the beginning of clinical rotations.
Luke Smith, PA-S, president of the class of 2025, addressed the guests next. Smith is from Avon, Ind., but he represents a class that has come from all areas of the country to learn and work together.
Following Smith’s remarks, the students participated in the cloaking ceremony, led by members of the physician assistant faculty, and then recited the PA Professional Oath, pledging to perform their duties with honesty and dedication.
During the ceremony, the students and faculty honored Dr. Mary Beth Hensley, of Columbus Regional Health, with the Preceptor of the Year award. Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Jennifer Simmons, PA-C, presented the award to Hensley, citing her dedication and commitment to the students.
Hensley earned her undergraduate degree at Franklin College and completed her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. She is a family medicine specialist in Columbus, and is affiliated with Columbus Regional Hospital and Johnson Memorial Hospital.
The ceremony is the fifth for Franklin College. The program’s sixth cohort of PA students will begin their studies in January 2024. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed at this link.