PNWU Hosts the College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2025’s White Coat Ceremony
On Friday, June 2, 2023, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) hosted our College of Osteopathic Medicine (PNWU-COM) Class of 2025’s White Coat Ceremony, live from downtown Yakima’s historic Capitol Theatre. The annual celebration recognizes PNWU Student Doctors’ transition from the classroom to a patient care environment, and their advancement as valued members of the healthcare workforce.
“This ceremony is a heralded rite of passage for medical students,” explained Dr. Thomas Scandalis, dean and chief academic officer of PNWU-COM. “The White Coat has come to represent the trust people put in us and the responsibilities it entails. It is a time-honored symbol of the profession of medicine, and it is a privilege to wear it. That privilege must be earned with every patient you care for.”
During the ceremony, PNWU’s Student Doctors were “coated” by members of the University’s faculty, or an alumnus from PNWU-COM. Dr. Marie Cadwell Meyer, a graduate of PNWU’s inaugural Class of 2012 and the assistant dean for clinical education, served as the events keynote speaker.
“The White Coat signals to the world that you work for the health and well-being of others,” explained University President Dr. Michael Lawler.
“I felt like a mom sending my kids out into the world,” said E. Karen Garza, reflecting on the ceremony. Garza started working in PNWU’s Student Affairs Office on the Class of 2025’s first day of orientation, and quickly formed a deep connection with the future healers. As she thought about their next steps, she offered these words: “Be amazing and make a difference.”
For Criselia Gonzalez, who works alongside Garza as PNWU’s Senior Student Affairs Coordinator, PNWU-COM’s Class of ‘25 is an inspiration. “Each and every one of these students have a touching story of why they chose to become a doctor,” she explained. “I am so proud of them all for the hard work, dedication, volunteerism and sacrifice they have put into these two years, and so thankful for the families who continue to support them on this journey.”
As PNWU’s Associate Dean of Preclinical Education, Dr. Emily Oestreich has also formed a strong bond with the Student Doctors honored at Friday’s ceremony. “The white coat represents your awesome commitment to provide the best care possible for your patients,” she said, speaking to the Class of ‘25, “but don’t mistake it for a superhero cape. You are uniquely bonded as a class through this experience – don’t forget to care for one another and for yourselves.”
