White Coat Ceremony Recognizes Milestone for Third-year Veterinary Students

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Despite the energy expended by members of the DVM Class of 2025 as they shouldered the responsibility for organizing the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House on Saturday, April 13, a celebratory spirit buoyed them along that evening as they anticipated their participation in a veterinary school rite of passage.  Quickly changing from attire appropriate for cleaning-up from the Open House to much more formal wear, the third-year students arrived at the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms ready for the next important step in their journey to become veterinarians. 

As the clock struck 5:00, the students each took hold of a new white coat and placed it over their arm, ready to process to their designated seats in a room full of family, friends, loved ones and Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff and fellow students.  The White Coat Ceremony that followed beautifully signified the third-year students’ transition from the classroom to the clinics as they anticipate the start of their clinical fourth-year of the DVM program.

Dean Willie Reed started the program by sharing how the roots of the tradition date back to 1993, when the practice of holding a White Coat Ceremony was established at the Columbia University Medical School. “The event was designed to impress upon students, physicians, and the public, the important symbolic role of the white coat in patient-doctor interactions,” Dean Reed said. “Today, this ceremony is held not only in medical schools, but also in veterinary schools across the country.”

Dean Reed went on to explain that, for the members of the Class of 2025, the donning of the white coat symbolizes their new role as junior veterinarians. “This coat indicates your acceptance of the great responsibility you now have toward your patients and clients, as well as your commitment to show compassion and empathy, and to make a positive difference in the life of every animal and person with whom you come in contact.”

Dean Reed then introduced two guest speakers who each shared insights with the class, based on their own perspectives as mentors who themselves had been in the same situation when they were third year veterinary students. The first to speak was Dr. Larry Adams, professor of small animal internal medicine, who was selected by the class members as the faculty member they wanted to hear advice from as they prepare to begin their clinical year. The other speaker was a current fourth-year student, Joe Chandler, who shared his perspective as a student nearing the conclusion of his clinical year. Both speakers encouraged the students to make the most of the unique learning opportunities that the clinical year of veterinary school affords them.

After the presenters shared their words of advice, the focus of the ceremony turned to one who was absent and missed dearly by classmates, other students and faculty and staff.  The white coat that would have been presented to class member Aaron Lewis was carefully folded and placed in a shadow box, as a remembrance of the student who tragically lost his life in an accident last summer.  Aaron’s family members, who came from Georgia to be present for the ceremony, were invited on stage to receive his white coat.  Even in the midst of the emotional tribute, a calmness pervaded the scene as all who had known Aaron remembered his exemplary caring, perseverance and positive impact.

Following the tribute, the ceremony continued with Aaron’s classmates participating just as he would have wanted them to.  The students lined-up with their white coats in hand and one by one, as their names were called by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury, stepped across the stage and handed their coat to Dean Reed who then officially placed it on each one before posing with the student for a keepsake photo. Also present on stage was the president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and PVM alumna, Dr. Lindsey Hedges (PU DVM ’11), who gave each class member an IVMA sponsored name tag to place proudly on their stethoscope. Dr. Salisbury also pointed out to the students that within the pocket of each white coat, they would find a personal note from one of the numerous alumni and friends of the college who supported the ceremony by making donations as white coat sponsors.

As the class members stepped down from the stage, they proceeded to risers that were positioned nearby, so they could assemble for a commemorative class picture.  Spontaneously, they arranged to hold the white coat of their missing classmate, Aaron, front and center in the group picture.

Following the photo, the students returned to their seats as Dean Reed began the second part of the program, which involved the presentation of awards recognizing the special accomplishments of individual members of the class. Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Mary Nowak received the Dr. William W. Carlton Award for Aptitude in Veterinary Pathology. Established by Dr. William H. Jordan and his fellow alumni in the DVM Class of 1973 as a tribute to the late Dr. Carlton, the Leslie Morton Hutchings Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology, the award recognizes a third-year veterinary student who has shown aptitude in the field of pathology through superior academic performance in pathology studies.

Emily Prugh received the Indiana Horse Council Foundation Equine Industry Award. Chosen by peers, the recipient of this award is recognized for providing other students with the greatest exposure to the equine industry.

Carissa Adrianson was presented with the Holly Watts Memorial Award based on her selection by a vote of the members of the Exotic Animal Club. The award is a tribute to a veterinary student named Holly Watts, who passed away in 1983 during her junior year. Established by her family and members of the Class of 1985, the Holly Watts Memorial Award recognizes a student with exceptional interest and proficiency in non-domestic animal medicine.

Devon Anderson received special recognition for his service during the past year as president of the Purdue Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, known as SAVMA Purdue. Devon was praised for his dedication in fulfilling this important leadership role in the student body.

Dean Reed then concluded the program by sharing his own message for the Class of 2025. “I would like to congratulate you on reaching this pivotal point in your veterinary medical education when you begin your clinical training,” Dean Reed said. “You will be the third veterinary class to complete your fourth year in our new veterinary hospitals. This will be an exciting time for each of you and all of us in the college. The coming year will be a phenomenal learning experience. Immerse yourself in it so you can become the best veterinarian you can be – and have fun!”

Dean Reed also acknowledged the importance of the support of loving family members. “On behalf of our college’s faculty and staff, we say thank you to each of our graduates’ family members who have joined us today.” Attendees then were invited to stay for a reception that provided an opportunity for students and their families to visit with one another and college faculty and staff, while also capturing some of their own keepsake photos of the occasion.

Professional photos from this event are available to view and purchase online at: lauschphotography.com (Gallery: 2024 Purdue Vet Med; Password: 2024PVM).

Congratulations to members of the DVM Class of 2025!

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr and Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu