SPRINGFIELD, Mo., September 18, 2025 – Drury University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program will host its annual White Coat Ceremony, 1 p.m., Saturday, September 20, at Stone Chapel on the Drury campus.
The White Coat Ceremony is a symbolic rite of passage signifying the shift from didactic curriculum teachings to patient care through clinical rotations. The ceremony will feature students committing to fulfilling their responsibilities with honesty and dedication. Students will take the Pledge of Professionalism, which includes promises to deliver effective patient care, contribute to the betterment of the community, treat all patients with equality, and continuously strive to expand their knowledge and skills.
“The white coat is more than a garment — it is a symbol of humility, compassion, and service,” Drury PA Program Director Dr. Justin M. Gambini said. “For our students, this moment marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to care for others with both knowledge and heart.”
Keynote Speaker Bethany Lemmon
The Assistant Director of Clinical Education at Drury, Lemmon has more than 15 years of experience in Trauma Surgery, General Surgery, Wound Care, and Vein Care. She has practiced medicine primarily in and around the Greene/Polk County area since graduating from Missouri State University’s PA Program in 2009. Bethany is a native Missourian, having been born and raised in Kansas City. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in Greene County.
Brief History of the PA Program
The PA profession began in the U.S. in response to the changing healthcare landscape of the mid-20th century. Over the past 50 years, PAs have become vital to the healthcare system, with the field continuing to grow. Dr. Eugene Stead launched the first PA program at Duke University in 1965, using highly trained US corpsmen as students. Since then, the profession has expanded, serving underserved populations and gaining government support for its quality, cost-effective, and, collaborative care model. While the profession has gone through many changes throughout the last half-century, it has maintained its original emphasis on collaboration and excellent patient care, while expanding its diversity, specialties, and geography.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu