Current Student News
Physician Assistant
General News
It was a busy few days for Morgan Gianelle, MMS ‘24 to say the least.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, she attended the long white coat ceremony for Salus University's Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program graduates. The following day, she took the PA boards, and on Tuesday, Oct. 15, she participated in the University’s 129th commencement ceremony.
Then, she and her family were off for a well-earned 10-day vacation to Italy.
But first things first. Gianelle had a big day at the long white coat ceremony, where not only did she receive her long white coat, but she was also presented with the Clinical Excellence Award for her class and was one of six students to receive the Pi Alpha National Honor Society awards, given to the students who demonstrate significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service and related activities.
“Being with everyone and getting to do this with my classmates is an incredible feeling and I’m lucky to be able to share it with these people,” said Gianelle after the ceremony. “The clinical excellence award was unexpected. The clinical year was fun. You got to learn a lot about yourself as a practitioner. I’m glad that my family and friends got to see that.”
Her parents were indeed happy to be there to see it all. Both Adriana and Eric Gianelle, from Glenside, Pennsylvania, expressed pride in their daughter’s accomplishments.
“She worked really hard and I’m glad to see her work created this energy for her. To me, that helps her see the potential. Hard work brings rewards,” said dad Eric.
The day was filled with accolades and family moments. Nimra Tahir, MMS ‘24 said it was initially nerve-wracking in the lead-up to the long white coat ceremony, but that once she put it on, it felt natural. Tahir enjoyed the honor of having the long white coat placed on her by her sister, Sana Tahir, OD ‘17.
“I wanted to do it because I knew that alumni get to help put on the coat and the hood on the student during graduation,” said Dr. Sana Tahir. “I’ve been looking forward to this day since she joined the PA program.”
During the ceremony, the students were given a lot of advice from speakers, none more relevant than from one of their own, Evan Schulz, MMS ‘19, PA-C, who was named the PA Alumnus of the Year this past year. He said it was not the coat that sets the Class of 2024 apart from everyone else. It’s not the title stitched onto the front or the length. But what differentiates Salus PA students is what’s inside of them, he said.
“The white coat may be a universal symbol of authority and trust, but it doesn’t come with compassion, knowledge and empathy. It doesn’t automatically make you a great clinician or the smartest person in the room. That comes from within you,” said Schulz. “The qualities that make you a healer, those aren’t sewn into the fabric of the coat - they are already a part of who you are.”
Class president, Lilly Rapps, MMS ‘24, pointed out to her classmates that while in the program, they had formed friendships that will last a lifetime.
“I’m so grateful to have shared this experience with all of you. You’re such a passionate and talented group of individuals,” she said. “As we take this step, let’s remember to embrace the joy of being PAs. Every smile, every time we can educate someone about their health, those are the times that make it all worthwhile. Let’s wear these white coats with pride, passion, and a sense of humor.”
Salus PA program director Rachel Ditoro, EdD, MSPAS, PA-C, recommended the students write down the reasons they each wanted to become a physician assistant and keep it with them at all times.
“Keep it close and refer to it often,” she said. “We live in complicated times - pandemic, political unrest, and natural disasters. It’s really easy to get tired of all the noise that surrounds you. Protect your heart and your spirit. Remind yourself regularly that it’s the human connections that fill us up.”
Dr. Ditoro stressed the students should pay attention to how they’re feeling, both physically and mentally, and to protect themselves against burnout.
“Take care of yourself so that you can take care of other people,” she said. “Be the provider that future PA student want to emulate. Be attentive to your patients, listen to their stories, and value their perspectives. Make thoughtful medical decisions that show you care about who they are as people.”
Salus president Michael H. Mittelman, OD ‘80, MPH, MBA, FAAO, FACHE, echoed similar sentiments.
“Most importantly, take care of yourself. If you’re going to take care of others, you have to take care of yourself,” he said. “Patients are watching you. You should be setting the example for your patients but, at the same time, take care of yourself, physically and mentally.”
Dr. Mittelman also urged the students to be curious, and inquisitive and to continue to be lifelong learners.
“Be compassionate. It’s the caring part that makes you different,” he said. “You chose this profession because you’re different, and that makes you special to your patients and everybody you’re going to see.”
Other awards given during the ceremony included:
Preceptor Outstanding Service — Brian Pellini, MD.
Preceptor of the Year — Joel Kramer, DO.
Alumni Association Award (highest academic) — Kathleen Miller, MMS ’24.
Pi Alpha Awards — Morgan Gianelle, Nathan Macleary, Catherine Oakley, Anna Saginario, Whitney Schroeder, and Julianna Stevens, all MMS ‘24.
