Rowan-Virtua SOM welcomes students with unique gift at White Coat Ceremony

On Sunday, August 27, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine officially welcomed 288 future physicians during a traditional White Coat Ceremony on the University’s main campus in Glassboro. Because of the large class size, Rowan hosted two White Coat Ceremonies on Sunday. Both took place in Pfleeger Concert Hall.

Rowan University President Dr. Ali A. Houshmand welcomed the Class of 2027, extending his special thanks to the partners and family members whose sacrifices and support helped the students reach this milestone. Dr. Houshmand shared excitement for the expansion of the medical school and the distinct privilege of welcoming the largest entering medical school class in the state of New Jersey, remarking “your commitment to learning, your empathy for patients, and your commitment to improving health care are a beacon of hope for our future.”

Dr. Richard Jermyn, Interim Dean of Rowan-Virtua SOM, noted that this class becomes a part of SOM's history as the first to embark on their medical school journey through Rowan’s partnership with Virtua Health that formed the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences. The incoming class includes a diverse group of students with over 75 percent from New Jersey and 17 percent from South Jersey. The class represents 12 states, with attendees from as far as California and even Canada. Notably, the female student population makes up a significant 56 percent of the class.

Dr. Jermyn pointed out to the students the privilege of their opportunity as future medical professionals. “Always remember this – the character of your white coat is only as good as the character of the person who wears it.” 

Students were also greeted with remarks from Dr. Reginald Blaber, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Virtua Health. Dr. Blaber encouraged students and reminded them that the visible symbol of the white coat “invites them into the lives of others in their most vulnerable moments, trusting you implicitly to always do what is in their best interest despite knowing very little about you.”

For the first time students were welcomed with two gifts in their white coats. The traditional White Coat Note, personally written by faculty, staff, or an administrator, extended a warm welcome and congratulations to students embarking on their medical careers. This year a second gift, a naloxone dispenser (NARCAN), a nasal spray that saves lives in drug overdose emergencies, was also in each white coat serving as a reminder of the critical role students undertake in their medical journeys.

President for the American Osteopathic Association, Dr. Ira Monka, a 1984 graduate of SOM concluded the ceremony with heartfelt congratulations to the Class as they joined “the 38,000 osteopathic medical students in the country today” leaving them with advice to take good care of themselves emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually as they continue their journeys as students and into their careers.

The White Coat Ceremony tradition began in 1993 at Columbia University and, in 1996, Rowan-Virtua SOM became the first osteopathic medical school to hold a White Coat Ceremony.

A recording of the White Coat Ceremonies is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=friGHRLhfDg