Inside Education and Health Sciences

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Dayton held an inaugural white coat ceremony for the first-year students in the doctoral program. The students honored at this ceremony are embarking on their first set of clinical rotations.

White coat ceremonies have gained popularity over the past 30 years in healthcare preparation fields as a symbol of transition between the classroom and the clinic. Other departments within the School of Education and Health Sciences hold white coat ceremonies for their students, and the physical therapy department has decided to join in the tradition.

The ceremony was attended by the students' family members and friends. UD alumna Jessica Smith '09 addressed the students with words of encouragement as they advance to the next step in their journey to become physical therapists. Three students also gave short remarks.

In addition to being coated by their faculty advisor, students also recited a physical therapy oath written specifically for the University of Dayton's program, tying in the university's Catholic and Marianist traditions:

I pledge to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this oath:

• I will practice with integrity, humility, honesty and compassion.
• I will honor the intrinsic value and dignity of each individual I encounter by providing equal care regardless of their experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
• I will work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to best meet the needs of the individuals that I serve.
• I will use my knowledge and skills to improve the health and well-being of my community.
• I will recognize the limits of my knowledge and will constantly seek truth in order to provide the most current evidence-based care.
• I will honor the Catholic and Marianist traditions through my faithful dedication to lifelong learning, leadership and service in the pursuit of the common good.  

I make this declaration freely and solemnly.

"White coats are about how you as the student practitioner present yourself to the world – it is really a symbol of clinical service," said Mary Fisher, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, during her remarks at the ceremony. "Let your white coat serve as a symbol of humility and being open to learning and growth."