The annual Master of Physician Assistant Awards & White Coat Ceremony, held May 12, celebrated the achievements both of the graduating health professionals and the program itself, which marked its 10th year.

Instead of a traditional keynote speaker, the event featured remarks from Rita Fickenscher, MPA, a graduate of the 2001 inaugural class, and 2010 graduate Jenny Doll. Ms. Fickenscher spoke about the program's roots, and Ms. Doll commented on how far it has come and future goals for the PA program.

Click here for photos from the 2010 ceremony.

"In 2005, 81 percent of the class passed their boards on the first try. By 2009, 100 percent passed on the first try," said Ms. Doll. "That doesn't leave the class of 2010 much room for improvement."

Developed to respond to community needs, the PA program started small, with a class of 30 students, one full-time professor and one secretary. "The course curriculum developed as we went, in real time," Ms. Fickenscher said.

To date, EVMS has graduated 394 PAs, and there were 1,900 applicants for 50 spots in the incoming class of January 2011. In light of the deepening need for well-trained health professionals, the PA program will expand to approximately 80 spots once EVMS' new education and research building is completed next year.

Following the awards presentation, a representative from each of the previous nine classes participated in the ceremony in which graduates donned the long white coat, signifying their transition from student to practitioner.