Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) held a White Coat Ceremony for its first class of doctor of osteopathic medicine students on Saturday, Aug. 3 at First Baptist Church-Memphis. The 81 medical students comprising the class of 2028 received their white coats—a significant milestone that symbolizes professionalism and marks students’ entry into the medical field.
Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered with students at the event to celebrate the beginning of their journeys to becoming osteopathic physicians.
“You are joining the proud profession of osteopathic medicine,” said Dr. Teresa Hubka, president of the American Osteopathic Association, as she greeted attendees. “You will become physicians who truly value the relationship between the patient and the physician, working together to guide patients to good health.”
Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee delivered the keynote address. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to be appointed dean of a medical school in the U.S.
“The White Coat Ceremony is a life-changing rite of passage,” said Dr. Ross-Lee. “I am reminded of a Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13:11. To the members of the BUCOM inaugural class, today you are no longer a student. Today, you start a new educational process as an osteopathic medical student, a member of the house of medicine.”
Dr. Ross-Lee continued, “Know that as the inaugural class of BUCOM, you will set the achievement bar for all the subsequent classes that follow you. My charge to you is to set that bar high. That’s your charge together.”
Following the presentation of white coats, students recited the osteopathic oath, led by Dr. Hubka. Each coat was adorned with the college patch, which symbolizes commitment to a new role.
The ceremony also featured an invocation by Cameron Conn, senior associate dean for administration, operations and services; welcome and closing remarks from Dr. Peter Bell, BUCOM dean and vice provost; a university address from Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., president of Baptist Health Sciences University; an introduction from Dr. David Klink, BUCOM senior associate dean for clinical affairs; and presentation of the class led by Dr. Beth Choby, senior associate dean for academic affairs.
BUCOM students started classes on Monday, Aug. 5.
