""

about | Maps & Directions | contact | admissions | faculty | alumni & development | library | Tech Support Center | dean's office | Policies & Procedures

Nighttime view of Temple University Children's Medical Center Temple University Hospital in background, Kresge Hall (left) and Medical Research Building (right) in foreground Old Medical School building in foreground, Jones Hall, General Services building and Student Faculty Center to the right

OFFICE OF news communications

News Archive

A GOOD FIT:  FIRST YEAR MED STUDENTS DON THEIR WHITE COATS 

November 17, 2008

CONTACT:  Megan Chiplock, chiplock@temple.edu

215-707-1731

 

With the White Coat Ceremony officially over, first year medical students rejoice over their new attire. Photo by Kelly & Massa

With the White Coat Ceremony officially over, first year medical students rejoice over their new attire.  Photo by Kelly & Massa

 

First year medical student Angeliki Papavlassopulos joins fellow students on stage as they are "coated" by University alumni, faculty and trustees. Photo by Kelly & Massa

First year medical student Angeliki Papavlassopulos joins fellow students on stage as they are "coated" by University alumni, faculty and trustees. Photo by Kelly & Massa

Angeliki Papavlassopulos was always good in science and spent her free time helping others in the community - be it in a soup kitchen or at a health center - in Ithaca, New York. Jonathan Dunn persevered through many hard winters and even harder pre-med classes in Madison, Wisconsin. Two young people from different parts of the country who are now at Temple University School of Medicine with the same goal: to become a doctor. They joined 180 others just like themselves, for the annual White Coat ceremony, a symbolic rite of passage for first year medical students.

 

"This is such vindication for all my hard work. It's awesome, I feel more like a doctor," said Dunn.

 

The White Coat ceremony is a day medical students nationwide look forward to since its inception some 15 years ago. Much like a graduation ceremony, the students come up in groups to receive their first doctor's coat from faculty, alumni and Trustees of the University. The faculty, particularly, will lead them on their journey toward becoming physicians. It's a poignant moment for both, including Dean John M. Daly, MD, who has presided over six White Coat ceremonies at Temple.

 

"Wear your jacket with pride and humility as you embrace the profession that will be yours," Daly told the students.

First year medical student Jonathan Dunn tries on his first white coat. Photo by Kelly & Massa

First year medical student Jonathan Dunn tries on his first white coat. Photo by Kelly & Massa

“Back in my day, there was no ceremony, I simply went out and bought a coat, but it still represented what it does today. You’re assuming responsibility for the care of patients.”

 

And while the students still have much work to do before taking their place in the medical community, the message is not lost on Papavlassopulos.

 

“It gives you a sense of responsibility, prestige and respect. You’re contributing to the community,” said Papavlassopulos.

 

However, the white coat does come at a cost. As Dean Daly so appropriately put it, “sorry about the loss of cutoffs and sandals after this.” But for Jonathan, Angeliki and their classmates, it’s a tradeoff they’re happy to make.