WHITE COAT CEREMONIES AT LECOM ERIE AND LECOM AT SETON HILL EMPOWER CLASS OF 2018
First-year Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students recently participated in White Coat ceremonies. Receiving the white coat, which represents integrity and professionalism, is an important milestone for the students. Photos clockwise, from top left: Members of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2018 at LECOM Erie campus receive their White Coats. Samuel Urick, DO, a 2008 LECOM graduate and Internal Medicine Physician with St. Clair Medical Services, gave the Keynote Address to the DO Class of 2018 in Erie. Top right: members of the DO Class of 2018 at LECOM at Seton Hill received their White Coats. Samuel G. Marcotullio, DO, a 2002 LECOM graduate and Hospitalist in Internal Medicine, with Premier Medical Associates, gave the Keynote Address to the DO Class of 2018 at LECOM at Seton Hill. Bottom left: the 143 members of the LECOM Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2017 recited the Pledge of Professionalism. Nathan Dahl, PharmD, a 2011 LECOM graduate and Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic, gave the Keynote Address to the PharmD Class of 2017.
26 LECOM CONNECTION | WINTER 2015 | LECOM.edu
LECOM first-year Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students undertook a significant and symbolic step in their health care careers as they participated in the 2014 White Coat ceremonies. The receiving of the white coat connotes a pivotal benchmark for the students as they complete their first semester of medical training and as they now prepare to make the transition from pre-clinical education to the more clinical aspects of their studies.
Dr. Urick’s remarks highlighted the symbolic relevance of the traditional white coat. “At first, it will be merely an empty white coat, but truly it will become part of their identity as osteopathic physicians,” he assured. “When the students recite the Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment, they will begin to understand the importance of preserving the health and the life of their patients and of retaining their confidence and respect, both as physician and friend,” he remarked.
On September 20, 2014, two LECOM graduates - who, themselves, once participated as students in the venerable coating ceremonies - served as Keynote Speakers at the Erie event. Speaking warmly of their time at LECOM, Nathan Dahl, Pharm.D., a 2011 LECOM graduate and Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic along with LECOM Bradenton graduate, Sam Urick, DO, a private practice, Board-Certified internal medicine physician with St. Clair Medical Services, offered practical and useful advice to the newly-coated class
The LECOM campus at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., held its White Coat ceremony on Saturday, October 4, 2014, for its 104 first year medical students. Samuel G. Marcotullio, DO, a 2002 LECOM graduate and Hospitalist in Internal Medicine with Premier Medical Associates of Monroeville, Pa., presented the Keynote Address in the Performing Arts Center at Seton Hill University. Dr. Marcotullio affirmed the sure success of the first year students at LECOM at Seton Hill provided that they are willing to work hard. “Give this challenge ahead of you all that you have; give it everything that you have got,” he exhorted the listening students. His words filled the center with a deep sense of purposeful spirit. “Be courteous, be collegial, be humble and be compassionate,” he added. The inspirational and wholly-welcomed remarks resonated with the students as they venture forth to answer the calling of their lives.
Dr. Dahl emphatically noted the value of developing trust with patients. He explained that pharmacists consistently are ranked at, or quite near, the top of all professions with respect to honesty and ethical standards. “Patients place a great deal of faith in their pharmacists to provide exceptional care,” expounded Dr. Dahl. “This trust allows us, as pharmacists, to make use of our extensive knowledge in medication therapy to help improve patient outcomes, to increase adherence, and to optimize medication regimens in collaboration with prescribers,” he furthered.
@1LECOM | LECOM CONNECTION 27