Last Friday, the MGH Institute of Health Professions celebrated its Physician Assistant Class of 2025 during the annual White Coat Ceremony, held in 1CW on campus. The event marked a pivotal moment as students graduated from the program, symbolizing their readiness to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Faculty, staff, and family members gathered to recognize the students’ achievements and to celebrate the values that define the PA profession.

“Watching my first Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony at the IHP and hearing a classmate’s inspiring call to rise to their profession was a powerful reminder of why we teach,” said Janine Godfrey, Director of Clinical Education in the Physician Assistant program. “To witness the next generation step forward with compassion, courage, and a commitment to care for all.”

Jenna Comeau, Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, reflected on the milestone: “It has been a privilege and honor to support these students in reaching their goals of becoming Physician Assistants. Their energy, enthusiasm, and compassion will have a positive impact on many lives and contribute to excellence in patient care. We are honored to now call these students our colleagues and are excited to see the contributions they make to healthcare and the community as a whole.”

Among the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of the Student Excellence in Leadership Award to Fredric Jeffries, a PA graduate who was recognized by both peers and faculty.

“Feeling deeply honored and grateful to have received the Student Excellence in Leadership Award from the Physician Assistant Class of 2025 at the MGH Institute of Health Professions,” he shared. “To have been nominated by both my peers and faculty makes this recognition especially meaningful. It has been a privilege to grow and learn alongside such an exceptional group of future colleagues. I was equally honored to have the opportunity to address the class and faculty at the ceremony — a moment that allowed me to highlight the strength and courage of this remarkable class.”

As the newly coated students embark on their careers, the ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a call to service, affirming the Institute’s mission to prepare healthcare leaders who advance equity, compassion, and excellence in patient care.