PCOM's White Coat Event???

[einey]

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When is the white coat ceremony at PCOM? I was kinda disappointed that there isn't enough room for parents, spouses to see such an important event. I wonder why they can't find a bigger place to hold the event. It's not like you get white coated everyday!!

 

[Hedwig]

Speaking of that, what's the event like? Do the students go up on stage individually and give their name, etc., like at KCOM?

 

[WishUponAStar]

The White Coat event!

The White Coat ceremony takes place on the second or third day of Orientation. I think it was the third day for us. Everyone crowds into the lecture hall. Some people give some speeches. I forget who gave the speeches. I think the president of PCOM, the president of POMA, and some other D.O. dignitaries did the speaking. The Dean then leads everyone through the reading of the class mission statement which we wrote as a class on the first day of orientation. Somewhere right before or after that, I can't remember, we put on our white coats. Faculty line the isles and help put the coat on the person on the end of the row, then everyone helps the person to their left.

 

[marleybfour]

Does anyone know if this is a mandatory thing? I am really not interested in going as I feel the ceremony needs to at the end of the four years when I've actually accomplished something, not the beginning.

To me it's kind of like having a graduation ceremony after kindergarden. 🙂 🙂

 

[Dr JPH]

Of course it's mandatory...and of course you should go.

The white coat you get will be used for patient encounters, rotations, and other situations where you will be seeing patients.

Don't get too excited...it's a short white coat...like a big red (or white) flag that can be seen from a mile away signifiying "Hey...I'm only a medical student."

If you don't feel that getting accepted to PCOM is an accomplishment, then step aside.

If you really feel that way, then hopefully you won't go...and give your spot to someone who will appreciate it.

 

[marleybfour]

Jeez JP....Did I hit a nerve or something?

I asked the question as a generic for all the White Coat Ceremonies. I didn't apply to PCOM. I am going to Nova.

Yes, I feel it is an accomplishment...a major accomplishment, but I also feel the "ceremony" should be done at graduation time. Just my opinion. I truly didn't mean to step on any toes.

 

[Claymore]

Marley-
I see your point on the whole symbolic thing, and offer you this: most places have the white coat ceremony during first year, as this particular coat (the short one) symbolizes your transition into medical school. As JP pointed out it will be functional in that it identifies you as a student to patients once you start rotations.

However, you receive the "real" (long) white coat upon graduation, thus obtaining the true symbol of your transition into physician-hood. So, I think it all works out.

 

[tkim]

Josh,

You are a great source of information and encouragement to a lot of posters to the osteopathic forums. There are times, however, that I read your posts as a bit, well - arrogant - especially when it comes to PCOM.

No doubt it's a great school, and it's gratifying to see you have such school pride. But anytime someone posts anything remotely negative about PCOM, you get ... weird.

Anyway, this is just my opinion, and perhaps it's just me. Please don't take it in a bad way.

- Tae

 

[tkim]

Originally posted by marleybfour
I am going to Nova.

Yes, I feel it is an accomplishment...a major accomplishment, but I also feel the "ceremony" should be done at graduation time. Just my opinion. I truly didn't mean to step on any toes.

First of all - congrats on NOVA. I interviewed there and was totally blown away by the facilities - wireless access, new library.

I know how you feel about the white coat, but there is some history and tradition behind it. Short coats used to be worn by the students and interns, while the longer coats were worn by instructors.

For me, I'd be happy with some school windshield stickers for my car and a keychain or something - or maybe a sweatshirt to give to my mom. Those white coats will come in handy in the clinical years, but until then, I'd feel a little like a fraud having one around - ya know?

- Tae

 

[group_theory]

I wear a long white labcoat - when I'm in the lab.

Actually, I don't like wearing the labcoat. Dunno why. I only wear it when the radiation safety inspector, lab safety inspectors are around OR when I am handling something dangerous (radioactive, nasty chemicals, or biohazardous).

In fact, there is no reason why doctors wear white labcoats (besides the fact that it fits people's perception).

I read somewhere (so take this w/ a grain of salt) that physicians started wearing white lab coats at the turn of the century to convince the public that medicine is a science and should be trusted and respected.

Short lab coat, long lab coat, scrubs - if I had my way - it's tshirts (sweaters) and jeans all day - even with patients. But alas, it would be "unprofessional" 🙁

Lab coats are great - when you accidentally spill concentrated sulfuric acid onto yourself, you can just take it off and throw it into the trash can. No harm, no foul 🙂

Group_theory
Penn Class of 2003
PCOM Class of 2007

 

[einey]

I think the white coat should be presented upon transition from the 2nd to the 3rd year because the 3rd year is when we actually start to interact with patients and asssume the role of "student-doctor in training." I think that gives real meaning to 1/2 a white coat being 1/2 a doctor. But since we are being grommed to be physicians and at most schools, I believe they have some sort of standardized patients for students to "paractice" on and learn assessment skills- this is a good place to get used to wearing the short white coat.

Einey
PCOM Class of 2007

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by einey
I think the white coat should be presented upon transition from the 2nd to the 3rd year because the 3rd year is when we actually start to interact with patients and asssume the role of "student-doctor in training." I think that gives real meaning to 1/2 a white coat being 1/2 a doctor. But since we are being grommed to be physicians and at most schools, I believe they have some sort of standardized patients for students to "paractice" on and learn assessment skills- this is a good place to get used to wearing the short white coat.

Einey
PCOM Class of 2007

You will actually have contact with patients as well as patient actors starting a few weeks into your first year at PCOM.

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by tkim6599
Josh,

You are a great source of information and encouragement to a lot of posters to the osteopathic forums. There are times, however, that I read your posts as a bit, well - arrogant - especially when it comes to PCOM.

No doubt it's a great school, and it's gratifying to see you have such school pride. But anytime someone posts anything remotely negative about PCOM, you get ... weird.

Anyway, this is just my opinion, and perhaps it's just me. Please don't take it in a bad way.

- Tae

I apologize for sounding abrasive. First week back from vacation got to me a little bit I think.

As far as me being arrogant...I surely don't try to come across that way.

To the original poster...best of luck at NOVA. You chose a fantastic school.

And...for anyone who still has a problem with me

you go here --> <-- me

😀 kidding......

 

[marleybfour]

JP, No problem at all.

The whole 'ceremony" thing is just not my cup of tea. To spend an entire day waiting around and hearing over 100 names called just to hear your own.....sheeeet...it puts me to sleep. I went to my college graduation in 1985 and was bored to tears. After that I skipped my graduation from graduate school and nursing school. No regrets to either. Mind you, that doesn't mean I didn't celebrate either!!

Can't I just get the white coat on my own???!!!!! I'd rather spend the day at work earning money to help pay for this endeavor!!

Tkim, yes I love Nova also. I actually received my Master's from there, so was very confident of its academics. Will you be attending also??

Marley

 

[tkim]

Originally posted by JPHazelton
I apologize for sounding abrasive. First week back from vacation got to me a little bit I think.

As far as me being arrogant...I surely don't try to come across that way.

It's just school pride. Refreshing to see people proud of their schools.

*Humming "Academy fight song"😀

- Tae

 

[tkim]

Originally posted by marleybfour

Tkim, yes I love Nova also. I actually received my Master's from there, so was very confident of its academics. Will you be attending also??

While I would love to, we got a baby on the way, and our respective families live in New England and Hawaii. So, to be closer to either coast and family, we're heading towards Western/COMP in California.

If my circumstances were different, I'd go to NOVA (or PCOM 😉 ) in a heartbeat, cause they kickass schools.

- Tae