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Over 1,300 first-year Midwestern University students from the Downers Grove and Glendale campuses received their white coats this fall. 

During the ceremonies, students walked across the stage to be coated by a faculty member from within their respective programs, signifying that one day, they will be considered fellow healthcare providers and colleagues. The students also took the Oath of Commitment with several important vows, including promises to:

• Acquire the necessary skills and education of a healthcare provider
• Assume responsibility for the healthcare field they are trained in
• Respect their faculty
• Value their predecessors in their profession

“In practice, white coats help to easily identify healthcare professionals, they provide a barrier from contaminants and pathogens... and they have dozens of pockets to carry the tools of our professions,” Jared Chamberlain, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Glendale Campus (CHS-Glendale), explained jokingly during Glendale’s CHS ceremony. 

“Perhaps more important is what the white coat symbolizes,” he continued.  “Initially, the white coat was only used by scientists working in laboratories. Believe it or not, physicians and other healthcare professionals wore street clothes when providing treatment. But in the 19th century, the healthcare professions realized healing was not just an art but also a science, so they adopted the white coat to symbolize the infusion of science in healthcare.” 

“In addition to the core pillar of science, the white coat has become a symbol of competence, integrity, expertise, and authority. It also unifies the various professions, reminding all of us of the shared mission of helping those in need.”

Select student speakers also shared words of encouragement from the stage. Karen John (CCOM ’28), OMS-II, Student Government President, advised her fellow students to do three things: “Lean on your classmates… they'll become your study partners, your support system and your family away from home. Give yourself grace; perfection isn't required, but growth is. And most importantly, don't forget your why. Whether it was a patient who inspired you, a family member, or just a deep calling to serve, hold on to that… it will carry you through the toughest weeks of medical school.”

White Coat Ceremonies by the numbers:

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.):

• Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine: 214
• Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine: 267

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.):

• College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove: 70
• College of Pharmacy, Glendale: 52

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.):

• College of Health Sciences – Downers Grove: 38

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.):

• Chicago College of Optometry: 64
• Arizona College of Optometry: 75

Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.):

• College of Health Sciences – Downers Grove: 50
• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 93

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.):

• Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine: 30

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.):

• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 25

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.):

• College of Health Sciences – Downers Grove: 33
• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 51

Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science (M.S.):

• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 44

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leadership in Global Health for Complex Systems (M.S.N.):

• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 8

Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.):

• College of Health Sciences – Glendale: 31