More than 160 students at the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Class of 2023 celebrated a rite of passage that every first year medical student eagerly anticipates—they formally received their white coats at the 2019 White Coat Ceremony. Friends and family members from across the country gathered together in the new Hobson Performing Arts Center to celebrate this milestone event.
“This is a great day and an important milestone in your journey,” said Jim Powers, DO, interim dean for the School of Medicine, in his opening remarks. “It’s one that’s going to welcome you to the profession and symbolize your commitment to taking good care of other people and also your commitment to accept the roles and responsibilities that you’ll have when you enter this honorable profession.”
Students and guests were also welcomed by Campbell University President Bradley Creed and Barbara Walker, DO, on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association’s President, Ronald Burns, DO, and the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association (NCOMA).
Dr. Creed shared how Campbell medical students help to embody what Campbell is all about – a place that provides opportunities for people who want to serve using their gifts, talents, skills, and knowledge to help others and contribute to a flourishing world.
Stephen DeMeo, DO, delivered the keynote address. Dr. DeMeo is a neonatologist at WakeMed Hospital where he also serves as the Regional Assistant Dean for the Campbell Medicine Raleigh Clinical Campus.
“This ceremony is unique in that we’re celebrating the start, not the end of something,” said DeMeo. “Donning the white coat signifies the beginning of your journey from student to osteopathic physician.”
Throughout his address, DeMeo challenged students to be mindful of three primary responsibilities that should guide them daily as osteopathic physicians – responsibility to themselves, their patients, and each other.
Responsibility to themselves:
“The white coat should orient you always towards a constant humbleness and willingness to learn,” said DeMeo. “The most dangerous physician is the one who doesn’t consider the possibility they could be wrong.”
He reminded students of the importance in recognizing that they’re part of a team and encouraged them to listen to their professors, the nurses, staff, and therapists that are caring for their patients alongside them as they are often the guides that can lead to making the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
“Medicine is no longer a one-man or one-woman show,” he said, “so be humble and be a constant learner.”
Responsibility to their patients:
Taylor was a fourth year medical student at the time. She admitted a patient, John*, for end-stage heart failure. He was homeless and had no real social support. He didn’t have anyone coming to visit him or even wondering where he was. His health declined during his hospital stay and he knew he was at the end of his life.
Dr. Taylor spent time every day during her lunch break after rounds sitting with John and getting to know him. She learned that he was a huge Carolina Panthers fan and how much joy it brought him, even while being stuck in a hospital bed, to watch the Panthers on Sundays. One afternoon Kate took time out of her day and called the NFL franchise and explained John’s story.
Two days later a package arrived at WakeMed from the Panthers. It was full of all the Panthers gear anyone could ever want, a personalized letter from Ron Rivera, and an autograph from Cam Newton. Dr. Taylor presented John with his surprise surrounded by every member of the nursing staff on that floor, and he began to weep. He couldn’t believe the extreme kindness and compassion that Taylor, as a fourth-year medical student, had shown to him.
“That was really a wonderful day, not only for John but also for all of us that were lucky enough to be there to witness it,” said DeMeo. “And I want you to find those moments to remember that you’re taking care of other human beings.”
Responsibility to each other:
“When you don the white coat, it’s important to have an understanding that you’re now part of a community of osteopathic physicians whose duty is also to look after the health and wellbeing of one another,” DeMeo remarked.
He explained that wearing the white coat doesn’t somehow make students impervious to pain, injury or sadness, and that’s why it’s vital to take care of each other throughout the journey from student to osteopathic physician. He encouraged students to always remember who they are and that they all have different personalities and talents, and that diversity is really the strength of the osteopathic profession.
Dr. DeMeo concluded by saying, “I think the name that’s written on your white coat as you look down on it someday is less of an identification for our patients and more for you to remind yourself how far you’ve come, the challenges that you’ve overcome, and your duty to always try to do what’s right for your patients and care for one another.”
The Journey to the White Coat
The journey to medical school, and the white coat, looks different for every student. It begins long before they even set foot on campus for an interview, and it continues for days, weeks, months, and years beyond that as they work toward their ultimate goal of becoming a physician.
“It’s remarkable to see the growth and maturity of students from the beginning of their journey,” said Stephanie Goral, MA, director of admissions for the School of Medicine. “Students arrive on an interview day – many with mixed emotions – not really knowing what to expect. The opportunity to welcome them into the Campbell family and support them from the very beginning is not something we take lightly.”
Throughout their journey, students are often reminded that medical school is a marathon, not a sprint, and Campbell Med students will tell you they are surrounded by support every step of the way. “We’re committed to helping our students not just survive medical school, but thrive in medical school,” said Jennifer Parrish, M.Ed., director of student affairs.
From the admissions process to orientation, from the first day of class to the first exam, and from receiving their white coats to all of the things that lie ahead, medical students at Campbell are on this journey the together, celebrating milestones – both big and small – all along the way.
“The first semester of medical school was a challenging yet rewarding experience,” said Andres Ainolhayat, MS-I from…. “I’ve had the opportunity to grow with an amazing group of people that motivate me every day. The first semester taught me to have confidence in my strengths as well as develop different strategies for my weaknesses.
“We know the road ahead is long, but it was nice to celebrate a victory to remember why we’re all here,” he continued. “To me, the white coat is a symbol of honor – it represents how far I’ve come as well as the journey ahead. Being coated by my grandmother and mother was one of the best days of my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
-Shelley Hobbs
Class of 2023 Motto
Today we learn. Tomorrow we heal. Together we serve.
Class of 2023 Statement
We strive to provide holistic care with compassion and humility to local and global
communities. By evolving with medicine and taking initiative to break boundaries, we will
inspire the future of healthcare.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Campbell Medicine Class of 2023 reads the Osteopathic Oath together.