Drury University Held Annual White Coat Ceremony
The event marked the transition of physician assistant students into their clinical rotation phase.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in People
Drury University in Springfield hosted its annual white coat ceremony this past Saturday afternoon. The tradition signals the transition for physician assistant students from classroom instruction to active, hands-on patient care.
Why it matters
The ceremony serves as a rites-of-passage milestone for medical trainees entering the clinical environment. It emphasizes the professional responsibility and patient-centered focus required of future healthcare providers.
The ceremony included a keynote address and formal presentation of coats as students move into their clinical rotation phase. The exact number of participants in this year's program cohort remains undisclosed.
The players
Jeff Frederick
Jeff Frederick serves as the President of Drury University and oversaw the institutional event.
Kelsey Cozby
Kelsey Cozby served as the keynote speaker for the university's physician assistant ceremony.
Ashley Van Zant
Ashley Van Zant serves as the Program Director for the Drury University physician assistant program.
The details
Drury University organized the ceremony to formally recognize the transition of its physician assistant students from academic study to clinical practice. Key figures in attendance included university leadership and faculty who addressed the cohort regarding the standards of the medical profession.
Timeline
October 3, 2026: Drury University hosted the annual white coat ceremony.
Market Landscape
This event follows the established pattern of the traditional white coat ceremony used by medical schools to mark the start of clinical training. It highlights how regional institutions are aligning with national educational standards for physician assistant development.
The transition of these students into clinical rotations means more trainees will begin working under supervision at local medical facilities. Residents in Springfield may encounter these students as they fulfill their required patient care hours.
The takeaway
The white coat ceremony acts as a professional milestone that signifies the readiness of students to begin supervised medical practice. This transition phase ensures that new providers are prepared to integrate into the local healthcare workforce upon completion of their rotations.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Ky3.
