On a cool winter day in Florida, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) welcomed its College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy and School of Dental Medicine students into the health profession with traditional White Coat ceremonies.
In receiving their White Coats Saturday, Jan. 28, the 100 third-year dental students, 100 first-year dental students, 138 first-year pharmacy students and 192 first-year College of Medicine students pledged that they are ready to gain experience outside the classroom and took oaths of professional commitment.
Families and friends packed the Harvest United Methodist Church facility in Bradenton as School of Pharmacy students heard guest speaker Dr. Revika Matuknauth, LECOM Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Class of 2015, remind them of the high level of professionalism and quality patient care expected of them.
Another LECOM alum, Randall Scott, D.O., Class of 2008, told medical students that perseverance, passion and listening skills were keys to him achieving his dream to become a doctor.
“Developing relationships with my patients makes my day so much better than I could have ever imagined,” Scott said. “They have made a permanent impression on me and I will always be grateful for that.”
Dr. Ronald Renuart, incoming president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association; John M. Ferretti, D.O., LECOM president and CEO; Silvia M. Ferretti, D.O., provost and senior vice president of LECOM and dean of academic affairs of the College of Medicine; Dr. Hershey S. Bell, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the LECOM School of Pharmacy; Robert George, D.O., College of Medicine associate dean of academic affairs; Dr. Julie Wilkinson, associate dean of Florida pathway at the School of Pharmacy; and Mathew Bateman, interim dean of the School of Dental Medicine were among the dignitaries attending the ceremonies.
After the ceremonies, student ambassadors gave tours of the LECOM College of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine to families and friends of the just-honored students.