For the Gazette

GRAND FORKS, ND – Emily Yenter, of Amherst Junction, was among 32 University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) physician assistant (PA) students to begin the clinical portion of their studies in an effort to earn their master of physician assistant studies degree.

To celebrate this milestone, members of the Physician Assistant Class of 2024 received their white coats on Jan. 20, 2022, in the Charles H. Fee, M.D. Auditorium at the SMHS.

 “The presentation of the white coat is symbolic of the new profession the students are entering,” said Department of Physician Assistant Studies Chair Jeanie McHugo, Ph.D., PA-C. “The coats will be worn by students through the clinical phase of their training and denote their involvement with the PA program at UND.”

Students have already completed their first two semesters of basic science instruction, and now transition into the clinical aspect of their curriculum in the didactic setting before beginning their primary care clinical experiences under the supervision of physician and PA preceptors.

Over the next 18 months, they will return to UND for several weeks at different junctures for continued education and training.