LECOM WHITE COAT CEREMONIES AN ENDURING IMPRIMATUR The White Coat Ceremonies for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton Class of 2022 were held at the Harvest Center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida in late January of 2020, where 389 first-year students affirmed the beginning of their journey from preclinical education to clinical education. Supported by a gathering of friends and family, LECOM School of Dental Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and College of Osteopathic Medicine scholars received their white coats in ceremonies that call to mind the history of the moment. Harken to the nineteenth century, during which time a profound regard for science blossomed. To highlight the scientific undertaking associated with modern
Since that time, the white coat and the White Coat Ceremony have taken on profound meaning that symbolizes the conversion of a lay person into a member of the healthcare profession.
The white coats with which the scholars were ceremoniously cloaked were generously supplied by three deeply involved organizations and stalwart LECOM supporters. The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) provided the garb for the medical students; Walgreens supplied the pharmacy coats; and Dentsply Sirona furnished the dental coats.
The symbolic white coat signifies the zenith of a glorious experience for healthcare scholars, who so adeptly have primed themselves academically and mentally for the rigors of medical training. The august occasion signifies the readiness of the students to embrace the calling of medicine. The event reaches more profoundly to the purpose of a life dedicated to health care.
Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, LECOM Provost, Vice President, and Dean of Academic Affairs, addressed the scholars during the collective events. She underscored the fact that although the celebration reflects a pinnacle moment at LECOM to a year companioned by a commitment to hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, it also signifies a new beginning to invest oneself into the total
medicine, physicians comported themselves as scientists, wearing the symbolic apparel of the scientist – the white laboratory coat.
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