HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine held its annual White Coat Ceremony Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

During the ceremony for the Class of 2025, 30 students received their white coats and recited the Physician Assistant Professional Oath. The recorded ceremony is available at https://livestream.com/marshallu, and photos will be available soon. 

“I chose to pursue a physician assistant career because it offers the opportunity to develop in-depth patient-provider relationships,” said Ryan Bashour, Class of 2025 PA student from Morgantown, West Virginia.

“Many of my family members work in health care, and that influenced my decision to become a PA,” said Courtney Bailey, a first-year student from Lexington, Kentucky. “My mother set an extraordinary example for me. Her compassion for patients and desire to learn about the always evolving medical world inspires me to use the knowledge and skills I gain in this program to become a PA that inspires others.”

Marshall University’s PA program is housed in the Robert W. Coon Education Building on the campus of the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington. The 28-month program was established in 2018 in response to increased demand for physician assistants across the nation’s health care workforce.  The program’s inaugural class of 25 students graduated with their Master of Medical Science degrees in April 2023.

Additional information about the PA program is available at https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/physician-assistant-program/.

Date Posted: Friday, June 9, 2023