LMU-SMS Celebrates Class of 2025 White Coat Ceremony

The Lincoln Memorial University-School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) celebrated the White Coat Ceremony for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program's Class of 2025 on October 23, 2023. The event, held at the Knoxville Convention Center, marked a significant milestone in the journey of 90 students as they donned their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and the start of their professional responsibilities in the health care field.

 

Class President Sarah Dotson welcomed attendees with an inspiring greeting, capturing the enthusiasm and dedication of the Class of 2025 as they embark on this transformative journey. Dustin Bates, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C, program director, followed with remarks highlighting the exceptional standards and dedication of LMU-SMS students and faculty in training the next generation of health care professionals.

 

In her keynote address, Holly Apodaca, PA-C, shared insights from her 13+ years in family medicine and her deep commitment to patient-centered care. A graduate of South College in Knoxville, Apodaca has also been an influential educator as adjunct faculty at LMU, shaping future health care leaders with her mentorship. An entrepreneur, she founded Graduates Academy, a private homeschool program that reflects her commitment to personalized learning.

 

As part of the ceremony, Bates administered the Physician Assistant Oath, underscoring the ethical principles and unwavering commitment to patient care that each student must uphold throughout their careers. White coats were presented to students by distinguished faculty members Sonia Rupani, DMS, MS, AE-C, PA-C; Mary Scott, MD; and Erin Kramer, MMS, PA-C, symbolizing each student’s transition from classroom to clinical practice.

 

In addition to the white coat presentations, Assistant Professor Stacy Chelf, PhD, recognized five outstanding students with scholarships, further acknowledging the academic and personal achievements of LMU-SMS students.

 

• LeConte Rural Medicine Physician Assistant Scholarship: Awarded to Ann Marie Smith, this scholarship supports students committed to serving rural and underserved communities, with a GPA requirement of 3.0 or higher.
• Alisha Hicks & Erika Todd Memorial Scholarship: Presented to John Charles Sadler in memory of Alisha Hicks and Erika Todd, this award honors students who exemplify compassion, dedication to the PA profession, and commitment to serving others.
• Harvey and Lois Schell Endowed Scholarship: Given to Grace Genella Taber, this scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate personal integrity and a commitment to academic excellence, funded through the Schell family estate.
• Snider Whitaker Scholarship: Brandi Nicole Delgado received this award, which is presented to graduate students in the School of Medical Sciences who display resilience and dedication to their education.
• Golden Scalpel Endowed Scholarship: Dakota Rose Wehausen was honored with this award, which supports students excelling in medical sciences education.
• Leabow Family Endowed Scholarship: Bailey Lynn Brewer was awarded this scholarship, recognizing students with a commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge in the medical field. 

 

The White Coat Ceremony holds deep significance within the PA profession, representing both a rite of passage and an affirmation of LMU-SMS’s commitment to equipping the next generation of healthcare leaders with the skills, integrity, and compassion needed in today’s complex medical landscape. Watch the ceremony on demand at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lincolnmemorialevents/

 

 

 

Established in 2019, the School of Medical Sciences (LMU-SMS) is home to LMU’s PA program with a primary care focus at the main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, a PA program with a surgical focus at LMU-Knoxville, the online Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) program, and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. The school supports the University’s mission of service to Appalachia and other underserved areas by maintaining high quality medical education and supporting student success.