Physician assistant students take oath, mark rite of passage in virtual event
The P.A. Class of 2020 recite the Physician Assistant Professional Oath
Future physician assistants (P.A.) from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis gathered virtually to mark their transition into the profession with the recitation of the Physician Assistant Professional Oath Sept. 18.
The Master of Health Services — Physician Assistant Class of 2020 gathered online to mark the formal transition from student to health care professional. By taking the oath, students pledge to put the health, safety and privacy of patients first and adhere to a professional code of ethics.
“Never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, energy and hope,” said Jeff Pearl, P.A. program director. “Apply these ideas as you learn in your profession and practice craft. Keep these words in mind as you continue to demonstrate humanity and compassion as your care for your patients and their families. Continue to make this part of who you are and the P.A. you aspire to become.”
After 27 months of classroom discussions, skills lab instruction, and hundreds of hours of clinical rotations, the graduates are ready to take their licensing exam.
Graduate Keoki Leong spoke to his fellow classmates and relayed wise words his father shared before his passing in 2011.
“He told me something I’ll never forget. He said, ‘Keoki, find the good.’ Three simple words.” Leong shared, “The oath is our pledge to find the good. I’m excited for our journey that is about to unfold.”
Thanks to dedicated faculty, staff and colleagues within the UC Davis School of Medicine, these students were able to stay in required clinical rotations to graduate on time.
“Most of the health systems in the region whom we rely on as partners for students’ clinical experiences told our students to steer clear until the worst had passed,” said Dean Stephen Cavanagh. “Fortunately, we were able to tap into the vast enterprise of UC Davis Health and partner with our colleagues like never before.”
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Physician Assistant Professional Oath
I pledge to perform the following duties with honesty and dedication:
- I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
- I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice.
- I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
- I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
- I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
- I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
- I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
- I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
- I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
- I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
- I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
