James Van Ness of Peru Honored in Clarkson University Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony

2012 Aug 7

James Van Ness of Peru, N.Y., a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies student at Clarkson University, recently was honored at the program's inaugural White Coat Ceremony.

Seventeen physician assistant (PA) students were given the short white coat, which marks the student's transition from classroom studies to clinical studies, where they will begin to meet with patients.

The Clarkson PA program is a 28-month course of study granting a master of science degree in physician assistant studies.

PAs are licensed health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with supervising physicians. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural, urban and suburban settings.

As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs prescribe medication, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care and assist in surgery.

Find out more about Clarkson's Physician Assistant program at http://www.clarkson.edu/pa , 315-268-7942, or pa@clarkson.edu .

See more in the video at http://youtu.be/VEpbwgUU4ew .

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/pa-white-coat-2012.jpg .]

Photo caption: Clarkson University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies students recently took part in the program's inaugural White Coat Ceremony, which marks the student's transition from classroom studies to clinical studies. Front row (left to right): Andrea Loiacano, Riane Fletcher, Christine Billings, Maureen Hannan, Lindsey Sampo, Alyssa Moore, Amber Wagg, Mariah Wilson, and Pam Leary. Second row: Scott Arno, Alicia Flint, Jennifer Freeman, Tonya Seymour, James Van Ness, John Sibley, Daniel Hopkins, Ryan Mazzone, and Instructor Laura Goshko, Third row: Prof. Keith Young, Prof. Michael Whitehead, Instructor Ryan Titus, Prof. Jeremy Welsh, Prof. Richard Gonzalez, Dr. Robert Rogers, and Prof. Dawn White.