The Duke Physician Assistant Program held its annual White Coat Ceremony on June 27. During the ceremony, 89 students from the class of 2026 received white coats, marking their transition from classroom learning to clinical training.
In her opening remarks, Program Director Jacqueline Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, shared the significance of the white coat and its symbolism.
“Your white coat will suggest to patients that you can be trusted, and they will look to you for a sense of hope, guidance, and compassion,” she said.
“The white coat projects the symbol of an elite and powerful profession of caring and healing and a profession that embodies the altruistic qualities of a public servant and servant leader.”
She praised the class for its service and leadership within the Durham community, highlighting the students’ participation in numerous service events. She said the class showed “a phenomenal display of serving and servant leadership,” raising nearly $14,000 to support the health and wellness of children, the unhoused, veterans, older adults, and disaster relief.
Barnett encouraged the class to continue “learning, sacrifice, and the work worthy of wearing this coat.”
Other presenters at the ceremony included Lorraine Anglin, MHS, PA-C; Megan Holmes, PhD; Lovest Alexander, MHS, PA-C; and Kimberly Howard, MHS, PA-C.
