Members of the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy's Class of 2025 are now white coat official.
The School of Pharmacy welcomed 57 new students on Saturday, August 14, during the annual White Coat ceremony at the WVU Health Sciences Center.
The white coat ceremony signifies a student's entry into pharmacy school and a commitment to be future healthcare professionals who will develop, deliver, and monitor medications to improve their patients' health, well-being, and quality of life.
Dr. William Petros, the WVU School of Pharmacy dean, addressed the new cohort before the presentation. He encouraged them to develop a strong support system with classmates and use the Pledge of Professionalism as a guiding beacon for the next four years and beyond.
"Similar to our WVU values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation, the Pledge of Professionalism you are taking today paves the way for all you are doing on your journey," said Petros. "You are pledging to set forth on a life marked by self-awareness, leadership, innovation, ethics, honor and professionalism as a student pharmacist, and eventually as a Doctor of Pharmacy."
Dr. Tara Whetsel led students as they recited the pledge. Alumna Dr. Amber Chiplinski (PharmD, `08) spoke on behalf of the WVU School of Pharmacy Alumni Association.
Loved ones, faculty, staff, alumni, student pharmacists and friends donate the white coats each year. A note of encouragement from the sponsor is placed in the pocket of each coat.
If you are interested in sponsoring a white coat for a future ceremony, contact the School's Director of Development Kevin Tephabock at kevin.tephabock@wvuf.org.
