SC Connecticut News

The 40 new Physician Associate (PA) Program students in Yale School of Medicine’s (YSM) PA Class of 2026 were welcomed to the profession on August 23, receiving white coats and stethoscopes before a crowd of family, friends, and YSM community members in Mary S. Harkness Hall.

In opening remarks at the ceremony, PA Program Director David Brissette, MMSc, PA-C, stated, “this momentous occasion marks the beginning of an amazing voyage—one that will test your minds, nurture your hearts, and transform you into compassionate and capable healers.” Turning to the meaning of the white coat, he said it “reminds us of the profound impact that you, as future physician associates, will have on the lives of countless individuals and communities. By donning this coat, you accept the responsibility of not only acquiring medical knowledge and skills but also upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fostering human connection, and demonstrating empathy with a patient-centered focus.”

Jean and David W. Wallace Dean and C.N.H. Long Professor of Internal Medicine Nancy J. Brown echoed this theme, reminding the students, “As you embark on this profession, it is important to understand you are making a commitment and the white coat is a symbol of that commitment representing professionalism and the humanism of the profession.” She also emphasized that it is a privilege to care for people who trust in you when they are at their most vulnerable.

Keynote speaker Indumathi Dhakshinamurthy, MMSc, PA-C., a 2020 graduate of the YSM PA Program used the metaphor of a train journey to provide advice about PA school starting with the White Coat Ceremony. “You have already embarked on a very crazy yet rewarding train ride and though this is quite a remarkable stop your PA journey has many more to come.”

Reflecting on her own time at YSM as an example for what is ahead for new students Dhakshinamurthy stated “We all started on very different routes from across the continent but as a class we were on this PA journey together both inside and outside the classroom,” sharing how they supported and learned from each other during didactic year while enjoying extracurricular activities.

“Fast forward a few more fun train stops,” Dhakshinamurthy continued “clinical clerkships were now right around the corner.” She shared how “hanging in back of my closet was my clean crisp white coat with my long name embroidered on it.” While she had been excited to wear coat when she received it at her own White Coat Ceremony previous year right before clerkships began “I was feeling nervous The thought working longer hours having more responsibility higher expectations was overwhelming.”

Dhakshinamurthy described how she used previous work experience—when she was preparing be cleared from EMT orientation begin running her own 911 medical calls—to calm her nerves At that time her preceptor reassured me reminded me I knew basics most importantly I cared really all matters Therefore put white coat stethoscope prior first clerkship remembered physical reminder job training swore oath do well

Dhakshinamurthy then recited seven-word philosophical poem Thirukural written Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar dates between 300 BC 600 AD explained four years primary school train ride taken southernmost state India Tamil Nadu studied Tamil one world oldest languages parents native tongue

“Noynaati noymuthal naati athothanikkum Vaaynaati vaaypas seyal”

She translated this as “Diagnose illness trace cause seek proper remedy apply skill” expanded meaning saying Do more than hand patient pill Explain why may work show compassion While advancements artificial intelligence other technologies exciting efficient let’s not forget basics Your white coat honor so wear pride You practicing noble historical ideology Every time speak listen patient wearing giving sense hope bad day turn better

Returning train metaphor told students while make mistakes over time undoubtedly grow experiences get back track Remember alone classmates chugging along beside experiencing every emotion help each other learn another She also reminded future preceptors like trust mentor provide safe environment thrive amazing Yale PA student

Dhakshinamurthy ended speech reference last Harry Potter book where Harry arrives empty train station uncertainty questions whether choice boarding maybe imaginary train And where would take me Harry asks Professor Dumbledore simply replies On Congratulations welcome Yale Grab white coats all aboard concluded Dhakshinamurthy

After keynote each first-year student called stage where second-year student helped don white coat In turn each first-year student gave second-year pin YSM crest As Brissette explained pin reminder enough master studies strive best clinician rather when get going need help those follow

Each first-year student also received stethoscope donated by PA Program alumni Because donors wrote special messages students Brissette described how stethoscope goes beyond role connecting patient provider becomes conduit linking alumni current students enriching circle connection within outstanding program