Class of 2029 Medical Students Attend White Coat Ceremony
Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine held a White Coat Ceremony for its second class of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students on Saturday, Aug. 2 at First Baptist Church-Memphis. This class of students will be the largest to date.
During the ceremony, the class of 114 medical students received their white coats — a significant milestone that symbolizes professionalism and marks students’ entry into the medical field. Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered with students at the event to celebrate the beginning of their journeys to becoming osteopathic physicians.
Dr. Robert Piccinini, president of the American Osteopathic Association, offered greetings. He is the first psychiatrist to lead the American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. William Anderson delivered the keynote address by video. A trailblazer in both medicine and civil rights, he is a distinguished surgeon, educator and leader whose influence has shaped the landscape of osteopathic medicine and American history.
Dr. Anderson’s remarkable career began in Albany, Georgia, where he practiced as a family physician and surgeon for six years while leading the historic Albany Civil Rights Movement. His courage and advocacy during the 1960s earned him national recognition.
Following the presentation of white coats, students recited the osteopathic oath, led by Dr. Piccinini. Each coat was adorned with the college patch, which symbolizes commitment to a new role.
The ceremony also featured an invocation from Michelle McDonald, doctor of public health, senior associate dean for administration, operations and services; welcome and closing remarks from Dr. Peter Bell, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine dean and vice provost; an introduction from Dr. David Klink, senior associate dean for clinical affairs; and presentation of the class led by Sophie La Salle, Ph.D., senior associate dean for academic affairs.
Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine students started classes on Monday, Aug. 4.
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This article was originally published on Baptist Leader.