Friday the 13th was a great October day for 179 PCOM Georgia first year pharmacy and medical students as they crossed the stage at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth to receive their white coats, which symbolize professionalism, compassion and trust.
As their loved ones watched, Shawn Spencer, PhD, RPh, dean and chief academic officer of the PCOM School of Pharmacy, presided over the 10:30 a.m. ceremony, while Andrea Mann, DO, FAAP, dean and chief academic officer of the PCOM Georgia College of Osteopathic Medicine, led the 2:30 p.m. rite of passage.
In his remarks, Dr. Spencer said, “As you wear your white coat, hopefully it serves as a reminder that being conferred a doctor is more than a piece of paper and more than a career…I hope it serves as a reminder that you are making a difference in the lives of others, and in yourselves.”
Zachary Powell, PharmD ’23, a recent graduate who is currently a PGY1 pharmacy resident, addressed the student pharmacists.
He said, “Although I just started my journey as a pharmacist, I can assure you that the long nights studying have been well worth the reward to have the opportunity to be a contributor to the health and safety of others and begin earning the trust of patients and healthcare professionals.”
Pharmacy Class Chair Jasper Dorsey (PharmD ’27) had the honor of speaking to his classmates about their newfound responsibilities.
“As we don these white coats, we not only embrace a new chapter in our education, but also accept the profound responsibilities that come with it.
“Our white coats are not mere garments. They represent the trust that patients will place in us as caregivers, the integrity with which we will conduct ourselves, and the compassion we will show to those in our care.”
Three hours later, the Hughes ballroom, bedecked with floral arrangements in the college’s colors of blue, burgundy and gold, again filled up with family members and friends supporting the Doctor of…
Read the full article here