ATSU-KCOM, founding school of osteopathic medicine, welcomes class of 2028

ATSU-KCOM, founding school of osteopathic medicine, welcomes class of 2028

A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), the founding school of osteopathic medicine, welcomed more than 170 members of the class of 2028 on Saturday, July 13, with a White Coat Ceremony in Kirksville, Missouri.

The white coat ceremony marks entrance into a health profession.It originated in Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993 and involves a formal "robing" or "cloaking" of professional students.

Worn for more than 100 years by physicians, white coats have been adopted by other health professions. White coat ceremonies typically address professional ethics and recognize students for reaching a milestone in their professional education. The ceremony symbolizes a "conversion" of a lay person entering the profession and has been described by some as similar to a priest's oath to priesthood.

During the ceremony, students were cloaked by ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, '82, with their first white coat as an osteopathic medical student and recited the Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment.

ATSU-KCOM's class of 2028 includes 171 students from 26 different states and 14 countries, with 55 students from Missouri. The class also includes 11 graduates of Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.

Watch the complete ceremony here.