Inaugural white coat ceremony signifies a commitment to a career in healthcare services

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2016) – The inaugural class for the Master of Science in physician assistant (PA) studies at California Baptist University participated in white coat ceremony on Sept. 29. Thirty students took place in the event as family, friends and CBU faculty and staff were on hand to offer their support. 

Dr. David Pearson, dean of the College of Health Science, said the ceremony is a student’s public acknowledgement that they will commit to a career in healthcare services. 

“It is their professional baptism in the sense that a baptized believer is ready for continued growth and service to the Lord and similarly a white coat recipient is ready for continued growth and service to humanity,” Pearson said. 

For the students, both the ceremony and being part of the first class have significant meaning.

“It means so much to me,” said Amy Plaia, a PA student. “It’s an honor and I know that it was divinely orchestrated for all of us who are in the first class.”

The two-year program features both a didactic and clinical year and is housed on the new Health Science Campus at CBU.  

“This is a significant time for the College of Health Science because we regard the PA program as an essential element of our quest to transform lives through the health professions,” Pearson said.  “This group of students will have an amazing impact on the health and wellness of the Inland Empire for decades.”