For more pictures of the White Coat ceremonies, click here.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine medical and pharmacy students marked their transition from classroom study to clinical education at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, as students received their white coats – symbols of trust between doctor and patient, of compassion, and of the purity of a medical professional’s purpose.

Approximately 130 students in the School of Pharmacy class of 2012 and approximately 270 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2013 pledged to uphold professionalism and competence in the presence of their families, professors and peers.

Michael Mashyna, PharmD, a 2006 graduate of the LECOM School of Pharmacy, was the keynote speaker for the School of Pharmacy Class of 2012 white coat ceremony.

The White Coat Ceremony initiates aspiring health care professionals into a commitment to the highest principles related to the practice of medicine and pharmacy. The White Coat Ceremony marks not only the entrance into medical and pharmacy school, but also matriculation into the health care professions with all of its traditions, accomplishments, rights and profound responsibilities to humankind. The students are now ready to embark on the highest quality in medical education as they start work with physicians and pharmacists in clinical courses and practices where they will learn more about how they can partner with their patients on a pathway to better health for their lifetimes.

Michael Mashyna, PharmD, a 2006 graduate of the LECOM School of Pharmacy, was the keynote speaker for the pharmacy student ceremony. Dr. Mashyna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Penn State University and attended the LECOM School of Pharmacy after 27 years as a small-business owner. While at LECOM, Dr. Mashyna was the President of the LECOM chapter of the American Pharmacists Association and was honored with the LECOM Mortar & Pestle Professionalism Award. Upon graduation, Dr. Mashyna joined Hamot Medical Center in Erie as a staff pharmacist. He is a member of APhA and the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Hershey Bell, MD, MS, Dean of the LECOM School of Pharmacy, led the class of 2012 in the Pledge of Professionalism.

Danielle Hansen, DO, a 2005 LECOM graduate, was the keynote speaker for the osteopathic medical student ceremony. Dr. Hansen is an Internal Medicine Specialist with Medical Associates of Erie, Vice President of Acute Care Services at Millcreek Community Hospital (MCH) and Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at LECOM. She completed her internship and residency at MCH. She is the 2008 recipient of the American College of Osteopathic Internists Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, and past recipient of the Alice J. Coppola Internal Medicine Award. In addition, Dr. Hansen has served as representative for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association’s Young Physicians Committee.

Danielle Hansen, DO, MS, a 2005 graduate of the College of Medicine and 2007 graduate of the Master of Science in Medical Education program at LECOM, was the keynote speaker for the College of Medicine class of 2013 white coat ceremony.

Silvia M. Ferretti, DO, Provost, Senior Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, led the osteopathic medical students in the Osteopathic Oath of Commitment. Special guests for the ceremony included Carlo DiMarco, DO, immediate past president of the American Osteopathic Association, and Frank Tursi, DO, Vice President of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA). POMA provides the white coats and the stethoscopes to all the osteopathic medical students.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Prepare yourself for medicine as your life’s profession.