Meghan Newcomer is ready to wear her white coat.
The Kansas native is one of 33 students who received their coats on March 17 to kick off their studies as physician assistants. After completing the 26-month Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Program and passing the necessary exams, they will be able to care for patients in primary, surgical and other settings.
"Having a white coat is a big deal," said Newcomer, 33, who decided to make the switch to clinical care after working as a coordinator and program manager at nearby Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "Patients look at you in a different light. There are great expectations for you."
Located in a bustling urban setting, Weill Cornell was Newcomer's first choice. The 28 women and five men in her class come from both coasts and the Midwest. A record number — 12 — are New Yorkers.
"I was looking for diverse patient population and the most cutting-edge advances," said Newcomer, who previously earned a graduate degree in public administration in science and policy from Columbia University. "I also really liked the surgical focus of Weill Cornell's program."
After her first day of orientation, Newcomer was thrilled to report a strong start to her training. "We have a great class this year," she said. "I feel so honored to have been accepted. I know putting on the white coat means more responsibility, and it's very special to me."