Megan Velez ‘25PA was eager to wrap up her time as a student and begin her career as a physician assistant. However, there was some final business to attend to during the Salus at Drexel Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2025's long white coat ceremony.
That’s where Velez found out she was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award for her class. “I had no idea. I was very surprised, but I was excited,” said Velez. “It means a lot. It’s nice to get the recognition for all of the hard work, especially during the clinical year with all the amazing preceptors I had.”
Of course, Velez’s family was also thrilled that she not only received her long white coat - the symbol of their profession and tangible proof that the students have truly begun their professional journey – but to get the Clinical Excellence Award as well.
“It was touching to see her get that award and walk across the stage to get her long white coat. The grandparents and parents were all crying,” said Velez’s maternal grandmother, Rosemary Pico. “She’s the best. We have high hopes for her and she’s going to do it,” added grandfather Guy Pico.
Ahna Kay ‘25PA also received a nice surprise at the ceremony - the Program Director’s Award for her class.
“I didn’t know I was getting an award today, so I was a little bit shocked,” said Kay. “Everybody in this class has put in the hard work, so to be honored out of everyone in the class means a lot to me.”
Class president Emily Lutz ‘25PA delivered the class remarks and shared some stats, which included that the class had answered 6,100 exam questions equating to 101 hours of testing during its time in the PA program.
“But this journey wasn’t only about exams and clinical rotations. It also meant personal sacrifices – missing birthdays, weddings, holidays, and other moments with the people that we love. Those sacrifices were not only made by us, but by our families and friends as well,” said Lutz. “Today is the start of something incredible. You’ve worked tirelessly for this moment; now it’s our turn to make an impact.”
Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, senior vice provost of Graduate Studies, Office of Graduate Studies dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies in Drexel University’s College of Medicine, reminded the graduating class that the long white coat was more than just a symbol of their profession.
“It’s a commitment to leadership, compassion, and ethical responsibility. You are entering a profession that changes lives. We are proud of all that you have achieved and cannot wait to see the impact that you will make,” said Dr. Van Bockstaele.
In addition to the Clinical Excellence and Program Director’s Awards, other achievements presented at the ceremony, held Oct. 20, 2025, a day before fall commencement, included:
Preceptor Outstanding Service - Alice Niwinski, PA-C.
Preceptor of the Year- Carl Black, DMSc, PA-C.
Pi Alpha Awards – Christine Atamian, Dawson Fayman, Natalia Garcia, Sophia Got, Ahna Kay, and Madison Mascari, all ‘25PA.
Program director Rachel Ditoro, EdD, MSPAS, PA-C, urged the students to hold onto the idea of “connection,” the idea that human connection increases happiness.
“As health care providers, it can be difficult to balance the needs of our patients. People will come to you when they’re not feeling well. They may be vulnerable and scared. For some of those patients, it might actually be the worst day of their lives,” said Dr. Ditoro. “This is what I want you to remember about human connection: those conversations with our patients that allow us to better understand who they are and how we can support them. It provides us with an opportunity to find our own happiness. So remind yourself regularly to stay connected with others.”
