BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences held its fourth annual Long White Coat Ceremony for graduating physician assistant students on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.
“Today is a day to celebrate our achievements, put on our white coats for the very first time, and to say thanks to all those who have helped along the way,” said James Lisowski, president of the PA Class of 2016.
Held on the day before commencement, the Long White Coat Ceremony is a special event hosted by the College that celebrates academic achievements and honors the commitment and help students received from their support systems along the way.
The ceremony signifies the transition from student to practicing clinician because the longer white coat is a symbol of completed training in the health sciences fields. Students in the clinical setting wear short white coats.
Graduates invite a significant person in their academic career to present their long white coat to participate in the ceremony by helping them put on their coats for the first time.
“The Class of 2016 has put in great efforts into their medical education with 12 months of didactic training and 15 months of clinical rotations,” said Dr. Tom Colletti, program director. “This is a life-changing event. They will be taking on the responsibilities they have trained for over the last two and a half years.”
Nine members of this graduating class will graduate with dual degrees in physician assistant and public health. This dual degree program is the only one of its kind in North Carolina.
In addition to College administration, the Class of 2016 received advice from John Perry, vice president of medical education for WakeMed Health & Hospitals.