The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (CPHS) opened the new academic year this afternoon with its presentation of white coats to incoming first-year student pharmacists and physician assistant candidates.
The White Coat Ceremony is a deeply rooted tradition of the College and symbolizes professionalism, integrity, high moral values, empathy, and compassion. Students wear a short white coat to signify they are in training. Upon entering the field after graduation, healthcare providers wear longer white coats.
“Today we pause to celebrate the start of your professional education and the beginning of your transformation into professional students,” shared Michael L. Adams, PharmD, PhD, dean of CPHS. “There is no specific act or single event that marks the beginning or end of your professional development, but rather it is the constant pursuit of excellence, integrity, respect, compassion and continuous improvement that ultimately make you a professional.”
Eugene H. Maynard, Jr., Medical Director for the Benson Area Medical Center, addressed the forty-five Master of Physician Assistant Practice Class of 2018 students and the 105 members of the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2020 during the ceremony. Maynard spoke of the pillars of the medical profession, including the importance of remaining humbled by the extreme level of trust bestowed to them by their future patients.
Virginia White, PharmD, CPHS Alumni Association Board of Directors President also greeted the new cohort of students as new members of the CPHS family and encouraged them to network and get involved in the campus community in addition to working diligently in the classroom.
The ceremony concluded with each student being coated by their respective department director and signing the CPHS Honor Code to publicly acknowledge their commitment to honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.
About Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences: Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences is committed to preparing students to excel in the ever-expanding world of health care. In addition to the doctor of pharmacy program, the College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in clinical research and pharmaceutical sciences, a master’s degree in public health, and professional degrees in nursing, physician assistant practice, and physical therapy.
Dean Michael L. Adams addresses the faculty and students of CPHS at the 2016 White Coat Ceremony. Photo by Lynsey Trembly.