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The 48 members of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2023 graduated on Dec. 8.

The commencement ceremony, held in the Holly Auditorium, marks the successful completion of the 30-month MPAS program. Jacqueline Mok, PhD, vice president of academic, faculty and student affairs for ������ of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, noted in her remarks during the ceremony that this year’s class includes students from both the San Antonio and Laredo campuses. The MPAS program expanded to the UT Education and Research Center at Laredo campus in 2021. Eight of the graduates attended the program in Laredo.

“You are just really supremely educated professionals entering the next phase of your career, and we could not be more proud of you,” Mok said.

School of Health Professions Dean David Shelledy, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FASAHP, reminded the graduates to show compassion to their patients and to “take time to provide the care and attention they need.”

The path to becoming a PA isn’t an easy one, Erica Hernandez told her fellow classmates and guests during her remarks on behalf of the class.

“Everyone here is collectively responsible for the success of our class,” Hernandez said. “Let us approach our profession with humility, empathy and a commitment to lifelong learning.” 

Commencement speaker DeAndra Ransom, PA-C, a 2013 alumna of the MPAS program, encouraged graduates to find a mentor, be flexible and treat support staff with kindness and patience. She also encouraged them to take care of their own mental health and to consider paying forward the support they have received.

“Don’t be afraid to become a mentor yourself one day,” she said.