2026 White Coat Ceremony at UIW Health Professions Schools

The White Coat Ceremony has become one of the most meaningful traditions in medical education. The first ceremony was held on August 20, 1993, at Columbia University through the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. It was created as a rite of passage, recognizing that becoming a physician requires not only knowledge and skill, but also humanity, compassion and responsibility.

Both UIW's School of Osteopathic Medicine and Feik School of Pharmacy recently celebrated this first-year milestone for the Class of 2030.

On Friday, August 28, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) honored the Class of 2030 at its annual White Coat Ceremony at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. This ceremony signifies the beginning of student doctors' academic journeys at UIWSOM. As they progress through the next four years of their education, they will grow into the next generation of exemplary health professionals who will heal their neighbors.

"Today marks a significant milestone in your journey," shared Dean of the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine, John Pham, DO, FACOFP. "The White Coat Ceremony is more than a tradition-it is a rite of passage symbolizing the responsibility, trust, compassion, and lifelong commitment that comes with becoming a physician."

Honored guests who joined in supporting UIWSOM's latest class included UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eva Fernandez, PhD, Vice Provost Dr. Dimitri Tamalis, PhD; President of the American Osteopathic Association Richard Thacker, DO, MACOI; and President of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association Robert Suter, DO, MHA.

Before students were presented with their white coats, Dr. Pham took the time to acknowledge some notable qualities of the ceremony's honored students. With the Class of 2030 comprising 162 students, 84% are Texas natives, 51% are women and 49% are men. 18 of you hold master's degrees. 24 are first-generation students.

"You were selected from more than 3,700 applicants and more than 800 interviews to fill these 162 seats," noted Pham. "Your selection was thoughtful and intentional, based on our belief that you have the potential to become outstanding osteopathic physicians."

One by one, each student received their white coat from a UIWSOM faculty member. Proud smiles filled the room as family, friends, loved ones, mentors, and University leadership greeted each new student doctor with enthusiastic applause. The ceremony concluded with every student proudly wearing their white coat, their eyes reflecting the ambition and determination that will guide them on their journey to becoming physicians.

FEIK School of Pharmacy

On Friday, August 14, the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) proudly hosted its 21st White Coat Ceremony at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. This annual tradition honors first-year pharmacy students as they begin their journey toward becoming skilled and compassionate pharmacy professionals dedicated to serving others in need. In alignment with this traditional ceremony, each student was presented with a personalized white coat that was then placed on them by an FSOP faculty member, invited pharmacist or a personally significant licensed healthcare professional. Following receiving the coats, the Class of 2030 recited the Pledge of Professionalism, led by the Dean of FSOP, David F. Maize, PharmD.

"I was very proud and excited to present the white coats and lead the Class of 2030 in the Oath of Professionalism," remarked Maize. "This is the beginning of their journey to becoming practicing pharmacists and the beginning of my last year as Dean at FSOP-as I am retiring at the end of the school year. I wish them the best of luck during their next four years of coursework."

Alyssa Saenz, PharmD Candidate, Class of 2029, and President-Elect of Phi Lambda Sigma, introduced the guest speaker, Brent Thacker, PharmD, a retired pharmacist and longtime supporter of the Feik School of Pharmacy. During his presentation, Thacker reflected on key milestones throughout his distinguished career, including his roles as HEB Senior Director of Pharmacy Operations and HEB Pharmacy Regional Director. He concluded by putting on his original white coat, symbolizing his enduring commitment to the students, UIW, and the pharmacy profession that has provided him with countless opportunities and rewards throughout his career.

Ultimately, the day embraced new beginnings and honored history. As the next generation of future pharmacists dedicate themselves to being a healing presence in the world, pharmacy experts and leadership witnessed as new students joined the legacy of FSOP that has been ongoing since its founding in 2004.

This year, 91 students were honored at the ceremony, as they were surrounded by more than 600 guests who attended the ceremony in-person and more than 500 who attended virtually. Whether applause and cheers were given by partners, family, friends, peers or mentors, each gesture collectively demonstrated the vast support the Class of 2030 will be offered throughout their respective journeys.

Congratulations, UIW SOM and FSOP Class of 2030!