NEOMED welcomes 54 future pharmacists with white coat ceremony

NEOMED welcomes 54 future pharmacists with white coat ceremony

The College of Pharmacy Class of 2029 wrapped up a busy orientation week with a major rite of passage - the White Coat Ceremony in which students receive their crisp, brand-new white coats. Each member of the new class had their white coat placed upon them by a second-year pharmacy student, representing the many responsibilities of being a future health care professional.

"The specific NEOMED white coat acknowledges that you are additionally accepting the responsibilities of living by the College's values of excellence, innovation, respect, care and collaboration," said Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy. "These values will provide the foundation needed to become the remarkable pharmacists who we know you will become."

The event also marked the presentation of the Dean's Leadership Award, which went to Prabodh Sadana, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacy practice. Dr. Sadana was recognized for the formidable task of guiding the College of Pharmacy through the rigorous accreditation process - a challenge that requires immense commitment, attention to detail and steady leadership, according to Dr. Tromp.

The incoming class also heard from Kelechi C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., M.S.H.A., dean of the College of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Ogbonna challenged the students to be patient-centered, reminding them of the responsibility of always putting the patient first.

Each of the 54 students from the Class of 2029 then heard their names called to receive their white coat in front of the proud loved ones in the NEW Center Ballroom.

"We have selected you to be a member of the Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy's Class of 2029 because we are confident that you share our values and our commitment to the profession," concluded Dr. Tromp. Moments later, the students rushed out to celebrate with family and friends, sharing hugs and taking photos to commemorate the moment they will never want to forget.