THIEL COLLEGE

Student earns white coat

Patrick Kregeloh, of Coplay, one of the 37 members of the first class of the new Physician Assistant Studies program, received his white coat April 2, 2022, from Thiel College, Greenville,

The traditional use of white coats in medical professions began around the start of the 20th century.

Before that time, doctors primarily wore black coats, which is a color often negatively associated with filth, sickness and death.

The switch to white coats promoted a symbol of safety and cleanliness, but also a sense of compassion and honor in the relationship between patients and medical professionals.

The white coats represents completion of the students’ first half of their studies in the 27-month physician assistant program.