WesternU COMP-Northwest welcomes the DO Class of 2028

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest) is pleased to welcome a new class of health care professionals. To celebrate this next step in their journey to become healers, the students were honored during the white coat ceremony on Aug. 2, 2024 hosted at the Lebanon First Assembly Church in Lebanon, Oregon.

Throughout the week, COMP-Northwest students have been exploring campus, getting to know their new classmates and advisors, and preparing for the start of classes.

Students pose for pictures before the ceremony. (Steven Webber, WesternU)

"I'm really looking forward to the white coat ceremony. I'm excited to be with my classmates and be able to celebrate each other; it's really special. I think this is going to set the tone for our four years together," said incoming COMP-Northwest student Marissa Bobay. "I'm excited about all the support I've seen from faculty and staff and how it just feels like a family here. I'm so glad this will be the foundation of my medical career. I'm excited to see the type of physician WesternU will build me into."

A community of belonging is a unique characteristic of WesternU. During the white coat ceremony, students were encouraged to rely on their classmates, faculty, and support system as they face the challenges of the next four years.

"In this journey, you will encounter challenge and triumph, moments of doubt and moments of clarity," said WesternU Provost Paula M. Crone, DO '92. "But remember, you are not alone. You are now part of a community of physicians who are dedicated to supporting one another. Lean on your peers, seek guidance from your mentors, and always remember why you chose this path."

During the white coat ceremony, COMP and COMP-Northwest Dean Lisa Warren DO '01, MBA, was welcomed to her new position and recognized with a plaque from President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. In her address, Dr. Warren shared how much she has enjoyed getting to know the incoming class in the last week. Dr. Warren became dean on July 1, 2024.

"Over the past few days, I have seen a lot of passion out of you all. Wow, the energy you bring to this class is amazing! It's palpable, it's refreshing. We are so grateful you chose this path and grateful for the opportunity to train you along your medical journey," said Dr. Warren. "You have so much to share, you have so many unique experiences. These gifts and talents that you bring will have such a positive lasting impact wherever you go."

COMP-Northwest students wave their new black medical bags gifted to them from the Lebanon community (Luke Rauch, WesternU)

COMP-Northwest's tradition is to present each incoming medical student with their own black medical bag. This tradition, which has been around since the start of the college in 2011, has come to symbolize the relationship between WesternU students and the Lebanon community. During the ceremony, community member Doris Modderman addressed the students, welcoming them to Lebanon and presenting them with their medical bags.

"We sincerely hope you feel welcome here. We are a small town. We are a close-knit town. And we are happy you have chosen to be here with us. We are extremely proud of this school and each student," said Modderman.

To conclude the ceremony, COMP-Northwest Site Dean and Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry Mandilin Hudson, DO '09, led students in the osteopathic oath and encouraged students to remember how fortunate they are to study medicine.

"As physicians we are exceedingly privileged. Your journey into that privilege starts now as medical students. It is a privilege to learn the gritty details of the strength and fragility of the human body and spirit," said Dr. Hudson. "Don't forget what a true privilege it is to be an osteopathic medical student and a future physician."

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