DMU Students Don White Coats as a Symbolic Entrance into Medical School

On Sept. 13, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Grand Ballroom in Des Moines was filled with pride as 438 clinical students from five programs at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences received their white coats during the university's White Coat Ceremony.

"Our ceremony has important components in this initial rite of passage and reflects a symbolic entrance into medical school," DMU President and CEO Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., told the students. "You will don your white coat as a symbol of professionalism and humanism. By reciting the white coat student oath in front of peers, faculty, family and friends, you acknowledge your willingness to assume the obligations and responsibilities of a medical and health care professional."

The White Coat Ceremony is the true start of a student's medical education to becoming a compassionate and competent health care provider. Participating in DMU's ceremony were 63 students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, 25 students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, 66 students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, 51 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program and 233 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

Each dean shared remarks about the significance of donning a white coat and the responsibility that comes with it. Wallace Boeve, Ed.D., PA-C, DFAAPA, dean of the College of Health Sciences, spoke on the art of medicine and how there is much more than just diagnosis that goes into treating a patient. "Evidence-based medicine is only half of the practice of medicine. The art of medicine is the other half," Boeve said. "As you put on your white coat, your practice should include the arts of communication, compassion, professionalism, respect patient autonomy, employ empathy and humanity."

Kevin Smith, D.P.M., Ph.D., M.S., FACFAS, dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, spoke to students about how the white coat represents a commitment to professionalism. "We celebrate not just an outward symbol of our profession, but also the values, ethics and dedication the white coat represents," Smith said. "This coat signifies our pledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to dedicate ourselves to the well-being of those we serve."

David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.), dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, reminded students that in order to take care of others, they have to take care of themselves. "Your generation of physicians will be instrumental in shaping the face of medicine, and your future patients will undoubtedly rely on your dedication and skills," Connett said. "You'll be faced with challenges and stress as a physician and scientist. As you care for others, I want to emphasize the importance of caring for yourselves physically and mentally. This should be prioritized to sustain you through your medical career."

The ceremony concluded with the three deans leading students in reciting the White Coat Ceremony Student Oath. During this oath, students pledge their efforts "will be focused on the ultimate goal of serving future patients." The students' white coats were provided by an endowed fund established by DMU graduates Maurice Schwartz, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1933, and Elliott Schwartz, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1973, as well as by donations from other alumni and friends.