The White Coat Ceremony

Yesterday, we held our White Coat Ceremony for all the first-year students at the Downers Grove Campus. This ceremony really signals the beginning of our students' professional education in health care. Our President, Dr. Goeppinger, talked about the symbolism of the white coat, and how the general public views anyone wearing this coat with respect and esteem. The Dean of CCOM, Dr. Nichols, spoke about the "long white line" of physicians who have proceeded the current class and who have set high standards for all future generations of CCOM students. The Dean of CCP, Dr. Lee, talked about the functions of the coat itself and how students need to hold their dreams in the pocket closest to their hearts. The Dean of CHS, Dr. Paulson, emphasized the important role of all health care providers in contributing to our national economy and in taking care of our communities. More than 5,000 family members and guests came to the event to see their loved one receive their white coat. At the conclusion of the ceremony, looking from the stage, I was so impressed to see more than 600 new health care professional students all wearing white. It really was "a moment" and I'm sure something that these students will always remember.