It’s back-to-school time, but if you are entering the health sciences in Roseman University’s Doctor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Dental Medicine programs, the transition from undergraduate to clinical education has some added significance—an event that is marked by the tradition of the White Coat Ceremony.
DMD White Coat Ceremony
On Friday, August 21, 82 Doctor of Dental Medicine students enrolled in the Roseman University Class of 2019 celebrated their White Coat Ceremony at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. After the national anthem and invocation, students heard from a patient who has been to The Dental Clinic at Roseman University for help with new dentures after chemotherapy cause him to lose all of his teeth more than 10 years ago. He reminded students how important it was to treat patients with respect and dignity, the way that his student dentist (now a Roseman DMD graduate, Dr. Kia Zeram) treated him when he came to the clinic.
There were also comments from the president-elect of the Utah Dental Association, Dr. Brent Larson, and keynote speaker Dr. Ken Kalkwarf, Dean of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School since 1988, and recipient of the American Dental Association’s highest award—the Distinguished Service Award.
After receiving their white coats from faculty members or family and friends who are in the healthcare professions, students took the White Coat Pledge and then enjoyed an ice cream and toppings bar from Utah’s famed Leatherby’s creamery.
Pharmacy White Coat Ceremonies
Students in the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2018 attended their White Coat Ceremonies on Thursday, August 27 (South Jordan, Utah campus) and Friday, August 28 (Henderson, Nev. campus).
At both ceremonies, Henderson campus chancellor Dr. Eucharia Nnadi welcomed students to the profession of pharmacy, her profession, and “one of the best and most trusted professions.”
In South Jordan, Dr. Venkata (Kash) Yellepeddi brought greetings from the faculty, where he reminded students that Roseman University faculty members are pushing the frontiers of knowledge in the field of pharmacy and in patient care. The president of the Class of 2016, James Le, discussed some of the challenges that students will face in the coming years but reminded them that, “Success is not final, and failure is not fatal. It’s having the courage to move forward that counts.”
Keynote speaker and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Roseman University, Dr. Scott Stolte, discussed the importance of developing character and integrity throughout the program. While the program is certainly designed to provide the knowledge necessary to work in the field of pharmacy, if that is the only thing they achieve during their years at Roseman, Dean Stolte will consider himself “a failure”. Instead, he hopes students will take time to recognize the beauty around them, the inherent talents and capabilities of their classmates, and learn to become compassionate and caring providers.
“We will make you a competent pharmacist,” said Dean Stolte. “I challenge you to also make yourself a person of great character.”
Once they donned their white coats, students recited the Oath of a Pharmacist, since they will begin patient care and participate in clinical rotations during their education. In South Jordan, Campus Dean Larry Fannin told students, “This program requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice, so turn around and look at your family and friends,” and as students turned to face the audience he added, “Now wave goodbye to them for the next three years.”
Roseman University is pleased to welcome all of these new students to the health professions.