October 17, 2025
3:00-5:00 p.m.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
LONG WHITE COAT CEREMONY
WELCOME
Jenna Comeau, DSc, MSHS, PA-C
Program Director, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Department
OPENING REMARKS
Deanna Denault, PhD., MEd., MA
Interim Chair, Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Department
STUDENT ADDRESS
Fredric Louis Jeffries
Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2025
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Jerene Bitondo, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAPACVS, APP Scholar
Physician Assistant, Clinical Education Coordinator Department of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
PROGRAM AWARDS
Outstanding ClinicalFacultyAward
Janine Godfrey, MSPAS, PA-C - Presenter
Outstanding FacultyAward
Deanna Denault, PhD., MEd., MA- Presenter
StudentExcellenceinLeadershipAward
Student Excellence in Service Award
Meaghan Clapp, PA-C - Presenter
Program Director's Award
Jenna Comeau, DSc, MSHS, PA-C - Presenter
PI ALPHA INDUCTIONS
Mimoza Shehu, PA-C - Presenter
LONG WHITE COAT CEREMONY
Aaron Hoffman, DO, MPH - Presenter
CLOSING REMARKS
Jenna Comeau, DSc, MSHS, PA-C
MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES
2025 DEGREE CANDIDATES
Abigail Lonzame Abellana
Ashley M. Antonellis
Marjorie I. Archila
Camille M. Blanc
Samantha Spiewak Burrus
Bridget K. Carey
Sophia Wilson Cheung
Ella Marie Dehestani
Elyssa N. Denault
Rhiannon E. Doherty
Cheyenne D. Englert
Kaitlin Farrell
Angel R. Fuentes
Briana Mabel Haas
Abigail T. Hoguet
Sharon Hoory
Emily M. Howe
Hanna Hui
Fredric L. Jeffries
Lodtz A. Joseph
Jessica Claire Langston
Hanna Rae Lashmett
Nathan T. Lavoie
Katherine Hei Sin Leung
Mayrelys Maria Liz Jimenez
Sara J. McLeman
Mae Elisabeth McLoughlin
Kayla Grace Milofsky
Amal A. Musaid
Jessica Shanell Negron
Kayli E. Neil
Deanne Marie O'Brien Hagerty
Briana R. O'Neill
Zoe L. Ongaro
Alexa M. Peroni
Olivia Frances Privitera
Camila C. Morales Quintanilla
Francesca M. Rascati
Maeysa M. Saleh
Brianna M. Scheening
Katherine Schlepphorst
Mariana Shalit
Rita Sharma
Mustafa Turkimani
PROGRAM AWARDS
Outstanding ClinicalFacultyAward
This award honors a distinguished clinical preceptor who demonstrates excellence in bedside teaching and in supporting PA students’ growth and development in the clinical setting in the following ways:
1. Creates a welcoming and challenging environment for learning,
2. Engages in direct and honest communication including effective use of praise and constructive criticism,
3. Models’ compassionate patient- and family-centered care and
4. Tailors the learning experience to meet the program’s and students’ individual needs
Outstanding FacultyAward
This award honors a distinguished faculty member who demonstrates excellence in classroom teaching and in supporting PA students’ growth and development in the didactic setting in the following ways:
1. Expresses enthusiasm for their topic,
2. Fosters an atmosphere of respect for team learning and individual inquiry,
3. Creates a classroom environment that welcomes the expression of diverse viewpoints and
4. Models compassionate patient- and family-centered care.
StudentExcellenceinLeadershipAward
This award honors a student graduating from the PA Program who has been identified by peers and faculty as demonstrating outstanding leadership during their time in the program in the following ways:
1. Fosters a positive environment both in and outside of the classroom,
2. Demonstrates supportive, responsive relationships with peers,
3. Responds to and manages conflict effectively,
4. Seeks to improve the program through effective communication with program leadership and
5. Promotes and engages in activities that enhance the student experience.
Student Excellence in Service Award
This award honors a student graduating from the PA Program who has been identified by peers and faculty as demonstrating an outstanding commitment to service in the following ways:
1. Active participation in multiple IHP and outside service initiatives OR piloted a new initiative that benefits the program and the Institute,
2. Made significant contributions in their service work and
3. Positively represented the PA profession and the IHP through their interactions with peers and community service organizations.
Program Director’s Award
The Program Director, in consultation with program faculty, selects a candidate for this award to recognize outstanding student contributions to the program, the class, and/or the community.
PiAlpha Induction-NationalPhysicianAssistantHonorSociety
Pi Alpha is the national Physician Assistant honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of PA students, graduates, faculty, and others who have made significant contributions to the discipline. Membership signifies inductees’ significant academic achievement and honors them for their leadership, research, community/professional service, and other related activities, as well as a high standard of character and conduct.
Awardees will be announced on the day of the ceremony.