Each year, our first-year students in the School of Physician Assistant Practice take part in a rite of passage — a ceremony where they receive their first white coat, symbolizing their transition into the health care profession. Students are personally required to purchase these coats. Our goal during this year’s Great Give is to rally our College of Medicine alumni, donors and friends to provide funding for these coats through charitable gifts. By purchasing a white coat — or multiple coats at $60 each — you will help ease our students’ financial burden.

Annually, we accept promising and talented students into our 27-month program from nearly 3,000 applicants. It is quite competitive. Upon completion, students earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice.

For our Class of 2025, which graduated this past December, more than 30% were first in their families to attend college; 27% came from an economically disadvantaged background, and a quarter of them came from a health provider shortage area or medically underserved area. Our students and alumni know how important it is to provide health care services to the underserved, and many of them return to their communities to do just that.

Although the fundraising goal is important, the impact of your gift is tremendous. As we look to the future, your support will help our students pursue a rewarding career in health care, providing much-needed care to the people of Florida and beyond.

Please, join us. Help us celebrate the significant progress being made to address the health care provider shortage and make a gift that will have a positive impact on future PAs!