Downstate Celebrates Commitment to Care: Nursing and Physical Therapy Students Don White Coats
By Office of the President | Nov 28, 2023
The White Coat Ceremony, initially a rite of passage for physicians, has expanded to become a celebrated tradition across various health professions, symbolizing a commitment to compassionate and competent care.
As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, I have the honor of hosting several Downstate White Coat Ceremonies annually to celebrate the educational progress of our students. This semester, ceremonies were held for the College of Medicine, College of Nursing (November 14), and the School of Health Professions for the Class of 2025 Physical Therapy students (November 12).
The Gold Humanism Foundation initiated the White Coat Ceremony in 1993 to promote respect, empathy, and professionalism in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of human connection in medicine. The ceremony includes an oath, underscoring the commitment to humanistic patient care.
For nursing students, the ceremony marks the beginning of their professional careers, while for physical therapy students, it represents the transition from theoretical studies to practical clinical learning. These ceremonies highlight the vital role of nurses and all healthcare professionals in fostering a compassionate and effective healthcare system.
College of Nursing White Coat Ceremony 2023
The College of Nursing Ceremony featured Lori Escallier, Ph.D., RN, Dean of the College of Nursing, and over 150 nursing students. Melissa Hernandez, program manager of the Gold Foundation, also attended.
Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony 2023
The Doctor of Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony included Allen N. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., CRC, Dean of the School of Health Professions, Joanne S. Katz, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Chair of the Physical Therapy Program, faculty, and 23 students.
Tags: White Coat Ceremony, Events
