Larence took a photo of the event and sent it to her mom with the message, “Hopefully this is me next year.”

Sydney Larence

This year, it was her. Larence was one of 30 MPAS learners in the Class of 2027 who took part in the Inaugural Exercises on August 29 on the Bannatyne campus. The event officially welcomes the learners to the program and includes the Stethoscope Ceremony and the recitation of the Physician’s Pledge.

“It was a full-circle moment. Being a physician assistant is something that I’ve wanted for almost eight years. It’s really incredible,” said Larence, who is Métis and Jewish, and is passionate about Indigenous care and integrating Indigenous knowledge into the health-care system.

The MPAS program is competitive. UM received 240 applications for just 30 spots, which increased last year from 15 to meet the growing need for physician assistants in Manitoba.

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke to the students about the importance of interprofessional collaboration during their training and after graduation.

“There’s growing evidence that health care professionals working together as part of an interdisciplinary team improves the quality of care and patient outcomes,” Nickerson said.

Yuxi Ramirez

Yuxi Ramirez could relate to the importance of working as a team. Before entering the MPAS program, she worked as a dental assistant and a medical clerk. She hopes to bring her experience working on collaborative teams to her new career.  

“I learned a lot about teamwork and working in a very fast-paced environment, so I really hope that prepares me for the future as a physician assistant,” said Ramirez, who was born in Colombia and immigrated to Brandon, Man., at the age of 11.

Provincial Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable addressed the students.

“Dr. Nickerson shared some really important stats with all of you, but the stat he didn’t talk about was how many of you we need to stay in Manitoba after you’re done – and that is 100 per cent of you,” Asagwara said.

Kale Mayor

Kale Mayor plans on doing just that. He wants to return to his hometown of Thompson, Man., after his two years of training.

“I discovered the physician assistant (PA) profession when I got into university. I got to shadow some PAs and see the impact they have on health care. Being a northern boy, I want to go back and have that same impact as a PA,” said Mayor, who completed his bachelor of health sciences at UM in 2024.

Before the students were presented with stethoscopes, Rebecca Mueller, program director of MPAS, shared the symbolism behind the ceremony.

“Receiving your first stethoscope serves as a milestone in the life of every PA student,” Mueller said.

“The stethoscope represents the relationship between the practitioner and the patient, highlighting the most important part of health care, as the stethoscope is only useful when there is communication between the practitioner and the patient because you must first and foremost listen.”

Ramirez said that during the stethoscope ceremony, she was excited and happy to be part of the program.

“It was probably the most exciting moment of my life,” she said.

View an Instagram Reel recapping the Inaugural Day Exercises or watch the full event on YouTube.

Kimberly Dela Rosa

“I feel like it’s a dream come true,” said Dela Rosa, who immigrated to Winnipeg from the Philippines at age 12 and worked as a dental assistant for more than a decade. “I know I have to work hard over the next two years, but I’m almost there.”

Dela Rosa is one of 30 MPAS students starting the program this fall. In previous years, 15 students were admitted annually.

With five physician assistant programs in Canada, UM’s was one of the first two programs in the country to launch in 2008, and the first at the master’s level.

Rebecca Mueller, program director of MPAS, addressed the audience gathered in the Brodie Centre atrium and congratulated the Class of 2026.

“It is with great excitement and a true deep sense of pride that I stand today with you to officially welcome an expanded class,” Mueller said. “It’s truly a historic moment, not only for our institution, but also for each one of you who have chosen this path.”

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, thanked the Government of Manitoba for its support in expanding the program to meet the demand for physician assistants across the province.

MPAS Class of 2026 students recite the Physician’s Pledge.

“This emphasizes the crucial role that physician assistants play in our health-care system and their invaluable contributions to patient care,” Nickerson said.

Tuxedo MLA Carla Compton spoke on behalf of provincial Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

“I want to thank each one of you for choosing to step into this program to become physician assistants. This is a challenging time in health care, but this is also a time of opportunity and innovation,” Compton said.

Elder Charlotte Nolin, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, gave the opening prayer. Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, registrar at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba; Kali Braun, Manitoba Director of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants; and Dr. Sheldon Permack, associate head of the department of family medicine, also spoke at the Inaugural Exercises.

Jess Neufeld

Along with being presented with their first stethoscopes, the MPAS students recited the Physician’s Pledge.

First-year learner Jess Neufeld said it was an honour to recite the pledge along with his new classmates.

“My whole family assumes many different roles in health care and my dad is a physician. I was actually at his white coat ceremony in this atrium many years ago when I was little,” said Neufeld, who was a member of the Canadian national long-track speedskating team for four years. “So, it was really neat for me to experience the same thing and be a part of this growing profession.”

Melissa Pearson

First-year MPAS student Melissa Pearson said it all felt real when she was reciting the pledge.

“I felt the seriousness of the profession that we’re going into,” said Pearson, who worked as a registered dietitian for the past two years. “Everybody was not just saying the pledge because it’s on a pamphlet we were handed. We’re all 100 per cent committed. I think that was really evident and really sunk in when we said the pledge today.”