Milligan College recently honored its inaugural class of physician assistant students with a White Coat Ceremony. Dr. W.T. Mathes, who graduated from Milligan in 1942 and served patients in Johnson City for over 50 years, gave the keynote address. CONTRIBUTED
The ceremony served as a milestone for Milligan’s 24 physician assistant students as each student walked across the stage to receive their white coats in front of family and friends. Students also publically recited the physician assistant professional oath.
“The professional oath that you recited discusses many important duties that you will now have as a white coat recipient,” said Dr. W.T. Mathes, the keynote speaker and a Milligan alumnus. “Each of these duties are to be performed with honesty and dedication.”
Mathes graduated from Milligan College in 1942 before pursuing medical school. He practiced as an ear, nose and throat physician in Johnson City, Tennessee, for over 50 years.
In his address, Mathes focused on Milligan’s mission to prepare students in every field to practice servant leadership.
“Wear your white coats with a lot of humility in the spirit of servant leadership,” said Mathes. “The kindness and compassion that you provide to your patients is one of the main things that can set you apart as the very best PA in the eyes of your patients.”
Milligan’s physician assistant program launched in January and is a 28-month program that consists of 108 hours. The next class of physician assistant students will begin the program in January 2019.
“Milligan’s physician assistant program will help meet a critical healthcare need both regionally and nationally,” said Andrew Hull, the program director. “We are excited to continue to develop and grow our program each year.”
Learn more about Milligan’s PA program at milligan.edu/pa.
