BUCOM Hosts First White Coat Ceremony
On August 3, 2024, Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) proudly hosted its inaugural White Coat Ceremony, welcoming 81 first-year students to the practice of medicine as the class of 2028. This momentous occasion took place at The First Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, with family, friends, faculty, and staff gathering to celebrate the beginning of these students' journeys to becoming osteopathic physicians.
The White Coat Ceremony is a significant milestone, symbolizing professionalism and marking the students' entry into the medical field. It represents a rite of passage, ushering them into their new roles as medical students.
Dr. Teresa Hubka, DO, FACOOG, CS, President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), delivered greetings, emphasizing the importance of the osteopathic profession. She addressed the class of 2028, stating, "You are joining the proud profession of osteopathic medicine. You will become physicians who truly value the relationship between the patient and the physician, working together to guide patients to good health. Remember, the true measure of a physician lies not in accolades or titles, but in the lives, you touch and the difference you make. The DO difference."
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, FACOFP. She reminded students of the significance of the ceremony: "The white coat ceremony is a life-changing rite of passage. "I am reminded of a Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13:11. To the members of the BUCOM inaugural class, today you are no longer a student. Today, you start a new educational process as an osteopathic medical student, a member of the house of medicine."
Dr. Ross-Lee continued, "Know that as the inaugural class of BUCOM, you will set the achievement bar for all the subsequent classes that follow you. My charge to you is to set that bar high. That’s your charge together."
Following the presentation of the white coats, students recited an oath to the osteopathic profession, led by Dr. Teresa Hubka. Each coat was adorned with the college patch, symbolizing their commitment to their new roles.
The ceremony also featured an invocation by Dr. Cameron Conn, senior associate dean for administrative, operations, and services; welcome and closing remarks from Dr. Peter Bell, vice provost and dean, college of osteopathic medicine; a university address from Dr. Hampton Hopkins, president of BHSU; an introduction from Dr. David Klink, senior associate dean for clinical affairs; and the presentation of the class led by Dr. Beth Choby, senior associate dean for academic affairs.
The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for BUCOM and its inaugural class, setting the stage for a future of excellence in osteopathic medicine.
Video highlights of this ceremony is available for viewing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBh5j5X-CDw
