PA Student: White Coat Ceremony Represents ‘Significant Milestone’

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Since she was young, Diana Hernandez has had a drive to become a Physician Assistant. She saw firsthand her family’s difficulty in accessing healthcare, and it made her want to be able to help others.

“As an undocumented immigrant I had no health insurance and was often fearful of entering health care facilities,” says Hernandez, who is from Winchester. “As immigrants, it is easy to live in the shadows. Now, I believe I have found my voice. I hope to represent the many who feel silenced, as I once did.”

After graduating with a biology degree from Berea, Hernandez is now in UK’s Physician Assistant Studies program, and Friday, she will participate in the Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

“I would like to say that I have reached this point due to my own grit and determination, but that’s not true,” she said. “This moment represents the sacrifices of my family, to leave their home in search of a better life. The ceremony is a significant milestone in my educational journey.

“I had difficulties attaining higher education due to my immigration status,” she continued. “I often felt hindered, but this ceremony is a reminder that my immigration status wasn’t a roadblock, but a formative part in my story. As I reflect on the significance of this ceremony, I am reminded of the reason I want to be a PA and the great responsibility and commitment this white coat represents. I strive to become a PA worthy of my family’s and my community’s sacrifices.”

Hernandez says UK was always the place for her.

“I chose UK and CHS because I wanted to attend a place that is so committed to serving the people of Kentucky,” she said. “Although I wasn’t born here, central Kentucky has become my home and I have built a community here. I believe UK will equip me with the knowledge and skills to serve the people of the Commonwealth.”

The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences is to help the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond “attain the highest level of health possible. We fulfill our mission by educating the next generation of health care practitioners through education, innovative research, healing and compassionate care.”

Hernandez is ready to fill that role.

“I also watched my family struggle to communicate with health care professionals due to the language barrier,” she said. “I believe the PA profession will allow me to provide health care to marginalized communities. As a PA I hope to empower patients to speak for themselves regarding their health decisions, no matter the language barrier.”

And for those thinking of going down the same path?

“I would tell them that the relationships formed with the classmates here will be strong,” she said. “I will tell them that there is a team at UK made up of professors and mentors that will do everything in their power to help them be successful in the program.”