The 2024 Allied Health White Coat Ceremony
On September 30, 2024, the Division of Allied Health at Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) held its twelfth annual White Coat Ceremony, honoring students entering the clinical phase of their programs. The Allied Health professions represented at the ceremony included students from Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology.
The White Coat Ceremony symbolically marks a student’s transition from pre-clinical preparation to professional-level coursework and focuses on the professional standards expected of those in patient care careers.
Dr. Anuja Ghorpade, Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs at BHSU, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the profound significance of the white coat. “The white coat represents a promise," Ghorpade said, addressing the students. "A promise to your future patients that you will listen, show respect, and provide care to the best of your abilities. It’s about meeting them where they are, honoring their choices, and always upholding the trust they place in you.”
Sixty students were then cloaked in white coats by their respective faculty members, representing the eight Allied Health programs at the College. Specifically, there were 8 students in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 4 in Medical Laboratory Science, 17 in Medical Radiography, 6 in Nuclear Medicine Technology, 5 in Neurodiagnostic Technology, 5 in Radiation Therapy, 5 in Respiratory Care, and 10 in Surgical Technology.
The 2024 Allied Health White Coat Ceremony not only welcomed students into the next phase of their education but also reminded them of the profound responsibility they bear as future health care professionals. As these students embark on their clinical journeys, the white coat will serve as a symbol of their dedication to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.