Focusing on patients as people as well as the data of their lab tests and medical histories is the foundation of true patient care.

This advice, shared with USF Health’s newest medical students and their families at this year’s White Coat Ceremony, was offered by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“Patient care is not simply the endpoint of genetic sequences, lab tests or complex diagnostic and treatment algorithms,” Dr. Lockwood said. “It is also an appreciation that your patients are living, breathing people with hopes and dreams, fears, and anxieties, all of which are magnified when they are sick.”

The 182 students representing the Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2027 received their first white coats during the White Coat Ceremony held Sept. 5 at the Tampa Convention Center.  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% of students identified as traditionally underrepresented in medicine, including 15% who are Black, one of the highest percentages among medical schools not affiliated with a historically Black college or university.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Dr. Lockwood also thanked the students’ family and friends for their support of the students as well as donors to the event, who contributed more than $175,000 toward the Class of 2027 scholarship fund.  He called on the students to recognize that part of donning their white coats is making a commitment to pursuing a career of life-long learning.

“The physician’s life is a noble one,” Dr. Lockwood said. “But it’s not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, when you’re frustrated, when you doubt your abilities. These challenges will never abate.  They will span your career.  But the passion and perseverance, grit, and determination that got you here today will see you through.  So keep your eyes on the higher purpose you serve.”

Peter Chang, MD, vice president of Healthcare Design for Tampa General Hospital

Peter Chang, MD, is vice president of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital, MCOM’s primary teaching hospital and clinical partner as well as the primary sponsor of the White Coat Ceremony.  Dr. Chang, an MCOM Class of 2008 graduate, told the new students how he felt when he got his white coat and offered them some encouraging words.

“Today marks a momentous occasion in the beginning of your career as a physician, a day you will remember for the rest of your life — as I did mine. It’s hard to believe that I would be on this stage as a USF medical student 20 years ago,” said Dr. Chang. “I can’t wait to hear about the amazing future you guys will hold and the amazing things you will achieve.”

Ashley Mason, Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2024.

Ashley Mason, a Class of 2024 MCOM student, also spoke.

“This white coat represents a chance to meet people in their most vulnerable moments in life and take time to offer compassion and empathy,” she said. “Importantly, this compassion and empathy occurs not just when in clinic, but with every interaction you have during your lifelong career in medicine.”

Students selected Jennifer Costa, MD, assistant professor of Family Medicine, for the second consecutive year as the faculty member they wanted to address the class. Dr. Costa explained the importance of giving back to their communities throughout their medical careers.

“Your white coat is your portal to humanity and yet also it is a call to action.  We ask that while you’re wearing it, you bear witness to the human experience,” Dr. Costa said. “We chose you to be here because you have proven to be the type of person that does not back down when faced with adversity.  We ask that with your white coat on, you be the type of person who fights for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Following Dr. Costa’s remarks, students came up in groups to have their first white coats placed on their shoulders by the physician educators who will help guide them during medical school.

Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean of Educational Affairs and chair of the MCOM Department of Medical Education, led the students as they recited the Oath of Commitment, dedicating themselves to a career of life-long learning, community service and patient care.

The memorable evening ended with families and friends congratulating the newest medical students and commemorating the occasion with hugs, happy tears and pictures with the students wearing their new white coats.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.91

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More photos from the event:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Ryan Rossy and Freddie Coleman

As the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy celebrates its 10^th anniversary, its latest group of pharmacy students were welcomed into training on Friday, Sept. 16.

The annual White Coat Ceremony—during which faculty present the students with the coats and pins they will wear for the next four years— was held at USF’s Marshall Student Center for the 69 members of the class of 2026.

Kevin Sneed, PharmD, the dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy and USF Health Senior Associate Vice President, welcomed the students and their families.

“The Taneja College of Pharmacy is not only forging a path to innovative discoveries and products, but with the full intention of transforming lives for the better,” Dr. Sneed said.

Kevin Sneed, PharmD, USF Health senior associate Vice President and Dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy, gives the opening remarks.

Dr. Sneed later announced that the college was renaming its Entrepreneurial Academy, a two-year-old program that provides pharmacy students with advanced education and training in innovation and business development. It will now be called the ITEHC (Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in Health Care) Academy.

“Let us not be limited in our courage to be bold, innovative and transformative,” he said.

As part of the ceremony, Dr. Sneed was honored with the college’s first chain of office. The chain will traditionally be worn by the college’s leader during ceremonial events and will be engraved with the names of Dr. Sneed and future deans.

Angela Hill, PharmD, smiled after the Taneja College of Pharmacy class of 2026 students finish their “Oath of Professionalism” during the White Coat Ceremony.

David Medvedeff, PharmD, gave the keynote address during the Taneja College of Pharmacy class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony 

The ceremony also featured a keynote address by David Medvedeff, PharmD, CEO and co-founder of Aspen RxHealth. Dr. Medvedeff emphasized the rewards of difficult careers.

“If the work we’re doing was easy, everyone would do it,” Dr. Medvedeff said. “Being a pharmacist, from my perspective, is hard, but it doesn’t mean it’s not fun or rewarding. It’s just really hard because it matters.”

A procession of Taneja College of Pharmacy students heads to their seats during the class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

The Taneja College of Pharmacy’s class of 2026 is almost three-quarters women and ethnically diverse, with 60 percent identifying as Hispanic, African American or Asian. The class is also strong academically—44.5 percent of the students have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

More than 90 percent of the students hail from Florida, but there are also students from Illinois, New York, South Carolina and Puerto Rico.

Dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy and USF Health Senior Associate Vice Presiden. Kevin Sneed, PharmD,  greets Executive Vice President of USF Health and Dean of USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, Charles Lockwood, MD, during the annual White Coat Ceremony for USF Health’s Taneja College of Pharmacy, held at the Marshall Student Center. The ceremony, during which pharmacy students receive their distinctive white coats, marks the beginning of their four years of training.

Photos, videos and story by: Allison Long/USF Health

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

Friends and families filled the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa to officially welcome the 177 newest USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) students during the Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony.

This cohort of medical students represent MCOM’s most academically competitive and one of the most diverse cohorts in college history.  The class had an average MCAT score that ranked in the 95th percentile* nationally, a record high 3.91 average GPA*, and 18% of students come from groups that have traditionally been considered underrepresented minorities.

Special guests for the momentous occasion included:

• Rhea Law, University of South Florida system president
• John Couris, Tampa General Hospital president and chief executive officer
• Frank Morsani, namesake and long-standing supporters to MCOM, USF Health, and the University of South Florida

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Kicking off the ceremony was Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and MCOM dean.  He spoke to students about what it means to be a physician and remembering to always hold on to your motivation to be a doctor.

“The physician’s life is a noble one, but it is not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, and doubt your abilities. They will span your career.  But, the passion and perseverance, grit and determination that got you here will see you though.  So, keep your eyes on the higher purpose.” said Dr. Lockwood. “Patient care is at the center of all we do.  You have chosen a career in medicine because of your desire to help people and you must never lose sight of that motivation.”

Elham Yousef, MD, Tampa General Hospital associate chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs.

Following Lockwood was Elham Yousef, MD, TGH associate chief medical officer, vice president of medical affairs, and nationally recognized expert in patient safety.  Her remarks focused on the high expectations of wearing the white coat.

“The expectations of the white coat are enormous as you are privileged to care for other humans during the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives and their families’ lives.  The privilege comes with the great responsibility of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.  In return, you will get the deepest and greatest satisfaction of your lives,” said Dr. Yousef. “I will take great pride in seeing you in the hallways of Tampa General Hospital.  Your journey will continue, and you will continue to accomplish much more in the future as you serve in the role as physician and become true difference-making doctors.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa.

David Dunning, executive director of the James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, took the stage after Yousef.  The JAH is currently celebrating their 50^th anniversary and long-standing partnership with USF Health.  Dunning emphasized to the students that the VA is available to help them throughout their medical school journey.

“The journey you are undertaking is not one you are doing alone.  There are 5,600 of the most dedicated health care professionals in the world at the Tampa VA and more at our partner facilities, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way,” said Dunning.  “Remember, the joy is in the journey, not the destination.”

Jody Wellcome, MCOM fourth-year medical student.

The class also heard from fourth-year medical student, Jody Wellcome.  She gave advice to the students that she has accumulated over her four years of medical school.

“You are all incredibly brilliant with so much to offer.  But not one of you nor your journeys are the same.  While there are plenty of people and resources at your disposal, remember that medicine is not a ‘one size fits all’, said Jody Wellcome.  “You have a whole community behind you ready to lend a helping hand.  Be mindful of one another, take care of each other, and celebrate each other.”

Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.

Last to speak was Bri Anne McKeon, MD, MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology assistant professor.  She spoke to the students about the meaning of the white coat and the responsibility that comes with it.

“Today’s white coat ceremony welcomes you into your medical training.  You’ve worked hard to get here.  If you do it right, you will continue to work hard to fill the responsibility and privilege given to you,” said Dr. McKeon.  “You are now part of a community of medical students, residents, and attendings who have come before you and will walk with you as you are on this journey.”

Her words were the perfect transition to the highlight of the ceremony.  Small groups of students were called center stage for preceptors, teachers and mentors put their first white coat on their shoulders, officially making them part of the USF Health family.  To wrap up the ceremony, Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, MCOM associate dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, led the students in the Oath of Commitment.

Groups of student received their first white coats in front of friends and family.

Fun facts about the class of 2026:

177 students – 121 CORE, 56 SELECT

54% Female, 46% Male

18% Under-represented minorities

Undergraduate Education:  58% Out of State, 42% In State

3.91 average GPA*

518 median MCAT score (95th percentile nationally)*

Primary Undergraduate Majors:  50 – Biology, 23 – Biomedical Science, 13 – Biochemistry and Neuroscience (tied)

More photos from the event:

*This story was updated with more current info that includes MCAT scores, national percentile ranking, and GPAs.

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing

Friends and family filled the seats of the Tampa Convention Center for the White Coat ceremony for the Class of 2024. The ceremony is traditionally held during the first year of medical school but the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the celebration for the now second-year medical students.

When COVID-19 postponed the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony last year, that group of medical students pondered if they’d ever get one. On August 24, 2021, at the Tampa Convention Center, USF Health and MCOM leaders, friends and family welcomed the now second-year medical students to their medical school journey, providing them with a time to cite and oath to themselves and their patients.

Among those in attendance was Rhea Law, interim president of the University of South Florida.

Friends and family filled the seats of the Tampa Convention Center to share the moment with the Class of 2024 during their white coat ceremony, which is traditionally held during the first year of medical school. The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the celebration for the now second-year medical students.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health senior vice president and MCOM dean, addressed the Class of 2024 medical students, assuring them of the importance of receiving their white coats and reciting their oath, despite the one-year delay.

“The white coat represents a commitment to grit and lifelong learning,” he said to the students. “You must be prepared to keep up with the latest diagnostic tests, imaging techniques, devices, drugs and management paradigms. The passion, determination, grit and perseverance that got you here will get you through.”

Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF Health senior vice president and MCOM dean.

USF Interim President Rhea Law received an honorary white coat from fourth-year medical student Jacob Wasserman. She spent time visiting with students before the ceremony to learn more about why they decided to pursue a career in medicine.

Pres. Rhea Law and Dr. Charles Lockwood (both center) with a group of students before the ceremony.

Pres. Rhea Law chats with students before the MCOM Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony.

Jacob Wasserman, fourth-year medical student, helps Pres. Rhea Law with her honorary white coat.

Pres. Rhea Law and Jacob Wasserman, fourth-year medical student, after she received an honorary white coat.

Jacob Wasserman, fourth-year medical student, spoke to the students and their families during the ceremony. He reflected on his personal experience having a team of health care providers care for him after he had brain surgery. He said they didn’t just check on his vitals, but also his well-being. “It’s never too early to start making a positive impact on your patient’s care,” he urged his fellow students.

Jacob Wasserman, MCOM fourth-year medical student.

Amy Weiss, MD, associate professor for MCOM Department of Pediatrics, spoke to the group about what it means to wear the white coat. “Wear it with poise and pride. You are entering medical school at a historic time,” she said to the students during her speech.

Dr. Amy Weiss, associate professor in the MCOM Department of Pediatrics.

It’s a tradition in the ceremony for instructors, mentors, and counselors to help put the students’ white coats on their shoulders. In order to adhere to the guidelines of the USF COVID-19 Task Force, students put their own coats on and helped their classmates with theirs.

The white coat ceremony is not complete until the students recite The Oath of Commitment, led by Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP, associate dean of MCOM’s Undergraduate Medical Education.

It didn’t matter for the students and their families that this ceremony happened a year later, as long as they could celebrate this momentous occasion together.

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine’s newest students donned their first white coats Aug. 29 during a ceremony at the Tampa Convention Center.  The college and other USF Health leaders officially welcomed the 182 students who will be among the first to occupy the college’s new building when it officially opens in late 2019.

The MCOM Class of 2023 is one of the most competitive in the college’s history.  With more than 5,500 applications, students had less than a 4 percent chance of getting in.  This class attained an average MCAT score of 515, putting them in the 93^rd percentile nationally with an average GPA of 3.76.  Students have a variety of experiences and come from a wide array of backgrounds including the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, black belts in Tae Kwon Do, certified SCUBA divers, a folk and ballet dancer, and college athletes in rugby, tennis, lacrosse and volleyball.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

“We are beyond thrilled to have assembled such a distinguished group of brilliant future doctors,” said Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “We are impressed by your academic achievements and look forward to seeing you leverage this talent for the betterment of humanity.”

Following his remarks, Dr. Lockwood introduced Sally Houston, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Tampa General Hospital, who offered her welcome on behalf of hospital chief executive officer, John Couris.

Sally Houston, MD, Tampa General Hospital executive vice president and chief medical officer.

“This is such an exciting evening. There’s so much energy in this room and you all are starting the next leg of a journey that started a long time ago,” Dr. Houston said. “The work you do with your classmates, the time you spend with them, you’ll make life-long friends during this time.”

The ceremony featured remarks from the MCOM student council president and faculty speakers, and culminated with the class of 2023 reciting the Oath of Commitment, a promise they make as medical students to the health care profession and their patients.

The white coat represents four main ideas for those who wear them: Commitment to scientific inquiry, empirical research and the pursuit of the truth; a commitment to compassion and concern for every patient no matter how difficult or challenging they may be; a commitment to grit and lifelong learning; a commitment to community and giving back.

“You are going to be part of a transformational year. We are working hard to build you a first-class experience in our new Morsani College of Medicine on Water Street.”
– Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, MCOM chief academic officer, vice dean of the Office of Educational Affairs.

“The next four years will be both exhilarating and exhausting. You will be challenged mentally, physically and emotionally in ways that you’ve never been challenged before. It is an honor and a privilege to care for people as a physician does.”
– Amy Weiss, MD, MPH, MCOM associate professor of pediatrics.

“Today, as you receive your white coat, I want you all to remember why you chose to pursue a career in medicine. Regardless of the reason, hold on them tight and be sure to reflect back on them during your time in medical school.”
– Amy Mickelson, fourth-year medical student, MCOM Student Council president.

Story and photos by Freddie Coleman.  Video by Allison Long

The USF College of Pharmacy recognized 101 new members into the profession.

The USF College of Pharmacy welcomed 101 new members into the pharmacy profession during their seventh annual white coat ceremony. The ceremony, held Sept. 22 at the Marshall Student Center’s ballroom, is a traditional rite of passage for many first-year students throughout USF Health who will learn alongside each other as health care teams of the future.

“Receipt of your first white coat is a very personal and special occasion,” said Amy Schwartz, PharmD, associate dean of Academic Affairs, who guided the ceremony. “The coat provides a sense of confidence and immediate awareness of the associated professional obligations, responsibilities and accountability.”

Bright-eyed and smiling, students filled the center aisle of the ballroom as they walked on stage to take their seats.

“You feel like you’re becoming a doctor,” said Farah Abdeen, a PharmD student in the Class of 2021, who led the procession of students into the ballroom. “I’m excited to have the faculty recognize and welcome me.”

Families holding flowers or cellphones pointed at the stage watched and learned about the future roles students will grow into within the coming years.

“Teamwork in health care has never been greater and that’s what USF Health is all about,” said Edmund Funai, MD, chief operating officer for USF Health and senior vice president for Strategic Development for USF System. “Since medications touch virtually all aspects of health care and as demand increases, you will provide services that extend well beyond the traditional roles of the pharmacy profession.”

Dr. Funai’s theme of team work carried on throughout his remarks. He thanked Kevin Sneed, PharmD, founding dean of the College of Pharmacy and senior associate vice president for USF Health, along with the pharmacy faculty, staff and students for “going above and beyond the call of duty to serve people and communities in need before, during and after Hurricane Irma.”

Edmund Funai, MD, chief operating officer for USF Health and senior vice president for Strategic Development for USF System, spoke during the ceremony about team work.

Dr. Funai also thanked donors of the White Coat Scholarship Fund, who helped raise more than $21,000. A significant portion, $10,000, was received by Tampa General Hospital, USF Health’s primary teaching affiliate. “Our futures are inextricably linked,” said Dr. Funai about the strong community partnerships that help support and student scholarships.

The USF College of Pharmacy was cited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a leading force in driving interdisciplinary pharmacy education and continues to attract students with high Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores. Along with the other USF Health Colleges of Nursing, Medicine, Public Health, and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the College of Pharmacy’s mission is to revolutionize health with interprofessional education.

Since its inception, the college has lead with innovated ideas in personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, geriatrics and informatics as its main pillars. Nearly 10 years ago, Dr. Sneed ambitiously drafted the application to start the College of Pharmacy.

“I dreamed of what health care would be like in 2020 and beyond, and what role would pharmacists play,” Dr. Sneed said. “With this entering class I remain more convinced than ever that not only will we achieve those dreams, but they will be even better because of our collective efforts.”

Kevin Sneed, PharmD, founding dean USF College of Pharmacy took his traditional selfie with the Class of 2021.

Dr. Sneed spoke about heath equity and urged the class of 2021 to remain focused on becoming the best health care clinician possible and not to be swept away in the 24-hour news cycle.

“I do believe that ultimately health care is a right that we all have,” Dr. Sneed said, “and it is our job to help them be the very best that they can be.”

The ceremony’s key note speaker was Robert J. Weber, RPh, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FASHP, FNAP, assistant dean for Medical Center Affairs at Ohio State University’s College of Pharmacy and administrator for pharmacy services at the Wexner Medical Center.

“You are now a member of our esteemed and most trusted profession,” began Dr. Weber, “The symbol of arriving on the professional scene as a trusted future pharmacist is your white coat.”

Students anxiously held their neatly folded white coats on their laps and listened.

Dr. Weber asked students to remember the family, friends, personal mentors and pharmacists that helped them reach this point of their careers such as those before them “Your profession is the most trusted because of those pharmacists who have come before you and worked hard to hold its credibility.”

Robert J. Weber, RPh, PharmD, MS, BCPS was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

Dr. Weber’s titled his remarks A Time to Be Flexible. “Along with the prestige of a white coat comes the responsibility to be flexible and to adapt to the changing needs of our patients,” Dr. Weber said.

Students were asked to reflect on their education and their experiences today to help their patients tomorrow.   “The successful pharmacist is one who can adapt to any situation in a positive way,” he added.

Faculty members then stepped onto the stage in pairs to help students put on their very first white coat. Then the Oath of Professionalism was led by Angela Hill, PharmD, BCPP, professor and chair of Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Research and associate dean of clinical affairs for USF College of Pharmacy.

Newly coated Doctoral of Pharmacy students took the Oath of Professionalism.

The evening ended with 101 newly committed pharmacy students alongside their strongest supporters who, throughout the evening’s remarks, had an invigorating view of what the future of pharmacy will be.

Story by Sandra C. Roa, photos by Eric Younghans, USF Communications and Marketing.

For Bianca Arboleda, who was born in Florida and raised in Puerto Rico, getting into medical school was quite the journey.

Arboleda, who wants to become an obstetrics and gynecology doctor, faced many cultural and language barriers before coming to USF. But, she never gave up.

“I always knew I wanted to become a doctor,” Arboleda said. “So, I am beyond grateful to be an MD student at USF. Every obstacle I encountered along the way, gave me the courage to do better and study harder to make my dream a reality.”

Bianca Arboleda receives her white coat.

Arboleda was one of 173 medical students to take the oath of commitment and receive the coveted white coat in front of families, friends, guests and USF Health leaders – marking the beginning of a remarkable journey into the MD program at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM).

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, poses with a group of students from Class of 2021.

The White Coat Ceremony, held this year on Sept. 1 at the Tampa Convention Center, is an annual event that welcomes students to the prestigious MD program at USF Health MCOM.

“This is a surreal experience, I’m in medical school,” said Cannon Nelson, who came to USF from Salt Lake City, Utah, and wants to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. “To us, the white coat is the symbol of transition, responsibility and commitment to a greater cause that’s bigger than any of us. It took a lot of work to get here, so being a part of this event today makes it all worth it.”

Cannon Nelson, student in the Class of 2021, is excited to celebrate the big day with his entire family, who flew in from Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Class of 2021 brought in the most selective medical student cohort in the history of the program — with an average MCAT score of 514 — placing it among the top 25 of all medical schools in the country.

This group of students was selected among more than 6,400 applicants – also a record number — giving them a less than three percent chance of getting into the program.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be among such a talented group of students,” said Katie Reming, student from the class of 2021, who wants to go into internal medicine. “No matter how challenging the road ahead may be, I feel so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to be surrounded by such supportive faculty, staff and fellow students.”

During the event, Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, welcomed the students to the MD program with an inspirational speech about the future of health care and the challenges the field faces ahead.

Dr. Lockwood speaks to students, families and guests. 

“The future of our nation’s health care belongs to those who are unafraid to challenge the status quo, unafraid to think deeply about problems and unafraid to embrace change,” Dr. Lockwood said. “Decades from now, when people look back on this time in health care, my hope is it will be said of all of you that you were the forward-thinking generation of physicians who did not postpone addressing these great challenges – you embraced them. Your generation leveraged tools such as precision medicine, the mining of ‘big data’, cutting edge tissue imaging, and telehealth to improve health while lowering costs.”

This year, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Scholarship Fund –the beneficiary of funds raised to sponsor the white coats — was the most successful and largest white coat sponsorship program of all medical schools in the U.S., raising more than $100,000 towards the Class of 2021 scholarships.

“I’d like to thank our faculty, staff, alumni and members of the MCOM Alumni Society Board for their unwavering support in sponsoring white coats for this year’s class,” Dr. Lockwood said. “We are committed to increasing scholarship funding and I’m deeply grateful to all of you who have donated to our White Coat Scholarship fund – you are supporting an amazing group of students.”

Offering the keynote address was Sion “Bill” Carter, MD ’87, chair of the MCOM Alumni Society, who told the new students “The white coat you receive today welcomes you into the community of medicine and signifies your commitment to the long road of training ahead. But most importantly, this ceremony is meant to emphasize the humanistic side of medicine at a time when headwinds can dehumanize its practice.”

Sion “Bill” Carter, MD ’87, chair of the MCOM Alumni Society, gave the keynote address at the event.

City of Tampa Mayor, Bob Buckhorn spoke to the new students during the ceremony and welcomed them to the city of Tampa.

City of Tampa Mayor, Bob Buckhorn.

“This is an exciting time for USF, an exciting time for Tampa and an exciting time for all these young people,” Mayor Buckhorn told the crowd. “This is a city that’s risen from the worst recession since the Great Depression. This is the city of hope, the city of destiny and a city where young people are flocking to. For those of you who will spend four years with us, you are in the midst and part of an amazing renaissance American city. We want you to make Tampa your home when you complete this journey. I promise you this that you’re going to learn to love this place.”

Rose Tillis, a current fourth-year medical student and president of the MCOM student council, spoke to the new students about humanism in medicine and the responsibility of wearing the white coat.

“All of you have a gift,” Tillis said. “It’s a gift of intellect, compassion, motivation and determination, and a decent amount of stubbornness. That’s how you got here. But that gift comes with the responsibility to give back. And that’s what you’ll learn while you’re here. You have the ability to change the trajectory of your patients’ lives, just by walking with them in the hallway. That’s what this white coat represents, and that is the responsibility that comes with it.”

The Class of 2021 also received a copy of “On Doctoring,” a compilation of poems, fiction and essays edited by John Stone, a physician writer, and USF Health’s Lois Nixon, MPH, PhD, professor in the Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities. The books are provided by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

To conclude the special evening, the new students recited the Oath of Commitment — a promise they make to the health care profession and their patients.

“This is an important milestone in the journey of becoming a physician,” Reming said. “In some ways it’s celebratory, recognizing that all of the hard work involved in getting to this point has paid off. At the same time, I think it also symbolizes a transition from living life as a regular member of society, to becoming part of the health care profession, which necessitates a higher standard of behavioral expectations, has ethical implications and includes social responsibilities.”

Ameyo Jereen, student from the Class of 2021, is excited to finally wear her white coat.

“This is a celebration of the start of a difficult but rewarding journey in which we will learn intricate details about our bodies, our minds and our society,” said Ameyo Jereen, student from the Class of 2021, who wants to go into neuroscience. “I am very excited and honored to partake in this ceremony to mark the start of this wonderful journey.”

Arboleda celebrates this important milestone with her parents and siblings.

Among the Class of 2021 medical students receiving a white coat was Madeline Carney, shown here as a baby held by her mother Nancy Murphy at Murphy’s USF College of Medicine graduation ceremony in 1996. As she was walking off stage with her new white coat, the now young adult Carney shared a hug with Associate Vice President and MCOM Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor Dr. Catherine Lynch. “I haven’t seen you in a while, I delivered you,” Lynch told her.

Story by Vjollca Hysenlika and photos by Eric Younghans, Sandra C. Roa and Frederick Coleman, USF Health Communications and Marketing

Members of the USF College of Pharmacy Class of 2020 marked their entry into the profession at the sixth annual White Coat Ceremony Sept. 16 in the Marshall Student Center ballroom. The 101 new Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students pledged their commitment to integrity, ethical behavior and honor that are hallmarks of the pharmacy profession.

“Receipt of your first white coat is a very personal and special occasion, although the white coat does not contain any magical powers, one cannot help but feel difference once cloaked,” said Amy Schwartz, PharmD, associate dean of academic affairs at the USF College of Pharmacy, who began the ceremony reminding students of the qualities a white coat symbolizes.

“The coat provides a sense of confidence and immediate awareness of the associated professional obligations, responsibility and accountability. Each student has made it to this day following different paths. However, hard work, motivation and passion unites them as a class.”

Edmund Funai, MD, chief operating officer and vice president for administration for USF Health and vice president for strategic development for the USF System, praised the incoming class.

“This class was chosen from a robust pool of applicants who garnered high scores on their PCAT exams and one of the highest GPA’s of any incoming class,” Dr. Funai said. “We started out with a talented class and I’m confident they will excel in the next phase of their professional journey. Today’s ceremony represents the first step in becoming a pharmacists, I personally think that these white coats do have a little magic.”

Dr. Edmund Funai, chief operating officer for USF Health and vice president for strategic development for the USF System, addresses the new class. (Photo by Anna Mayor)

The students were also welcomed into their new profession by leading representatives of all four USF Health Colleges:  Bryan Bognar, MD, vice dean of educational affairs for the Morsani College of Medicine; William Quillen, PT, DPT, PhD, FACSM, senior associate dean for the Morsani College of Medicine and director of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and Donna Petersen, ScD, CPH, senior associate vice president for USF Health, dean of the College of Public Health and interim dean of the College of Nursing.

The consensus from the representatives was that together we can all improve health care, and that if any student needed help they do not have to go far.

Dr. Kevin Sneed, dean of the USF College of Pharmacy

Kevin Sneed, PharmD, senior associate vice president for USF Health and dean of the College of Pharmacy, opened up his welcome with a story about his extraordinary week helping a patient. He stressed the importance of patient-centered care.

“I’m encouraging all of you that no matter what you do we must do better,” Dr. Sneed said. “We all have an obligation to do better for our patients. We must have more advocacy, more influence and more technological advances to make sure that we are doing everything for that patient and the millions like them.”

Sharing the significance of the doctor of pharmacy degree, he said, “When you get a clinical doctoral degree or any doctoral degree across the world, it’s unlike any other degree you will obtain. When you get a bachelor’s degree we say, ‘Good luck’; when you get you master’s degree we say, ‘Do well’; but when you get your doctoral degree we say, ‘Welcome’.”

Dr. Sneed then recognized pharmacy student Christopher Konig, Class of 2018, for being named the first ever recipient of the Bristol Myers Squibb USF College of Pharmacy Scholar award. Not only will Konig be able to interact with Bristol Myers Squibb for the next two years, the scholarship he will receive will also pay for all of his tuition for his remaining time at the USF College of Pharmacy.

Bristol Myers Squibb USF College of Pharmacy Scholar Christopher Konig.

As keynote speaker, Chris Christopoulos, PharmD, health care supervisor at Walgreens Boots Alliance, shared with the students a theme that had resonated with him – responsibility.

“For each one of you who sits here today, there are at least five or six others who didn’t make it,” said Dr. Christopoulos. “So that in it of itself brings an awesome responsibility. There is a level of respect that comes with that white coat because it represents all that you have achieved, but it also represents the responsibility you have to make the most of this opportunity.”

In his final sentiment, Dr. Christopoulos said, “You represent a sense of hope and it is our hope that you will do more, that you will carry the torch further than we were able to.”

Keynote Speaker Dr. Chris Christopoulos.

After presenting Dr. Christopoulos with the College’s traditional keynote speaker award, Dr. Sneed used his cell phone to snap a selfies with Dr. Christopoulos and the students.

Dr. Sneed and Dr. Christopoulos taking the traditional selfie.

Following the keynote address, Heather Petrelli, MA, PhD, assistant professor and associate dean of clinical affairs at the College of Pharmacy, gave an account of a conversation she had with the students before the ceremony.

“We always put a challenge to the students, who are you going to be?” Dr. Petrelli said. “Now is your opportunity to develop how you’re going to represent yourself in the profession of pharmacy in the future. And then a student, Brittany Smith, raised her hand and said to me that the students have already given this some thought; they are the class of 2020 and they have perfect vision for the future.”

Each student was then helped by College of Pharmacy faculty as they put on their own white coat, which included their name embroidered on the front and a note from its donor in the pocket.

In conclusion of the ceremony, Angela M. Hill, PharmD, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Research and associate dean of Clinical Affairs for the USF College of Pharmacy, led the Class of 2020 as they took the Oath of Professionalism. Together, they pledged their commitment to integrity, ethical behavior and honor that are hallmarks of the pharmacy profession.

The USF Pharmacy Class of 2020 contains an array of outstanding and bright students; here are some of their stories.

Ruxandra Ivascu

Ruxandra Ivascu: As the Class of 2020’s newly elected president, Ivascu hopes to unite her fellow colleagues into the exuberant group of visionaries that they are. She is all already envisioning a plethora of innovative ways to advance their profession into the future and believes that they are just the right individuals to take on this challenge. Ivascu attended USF from 2006-2007 during which she switched from a MBA path to journalism. She later returned to school in 2013 after starting her own small business in order to pursue entering into the PharmD program at USF.

What interests Ivascu most about pharmacy is the direction in which it is heading; more specifically, the field of pharmacogenomics and nanotechnology. She believes that we are at the horizon of some incredible medical discoveries that will change the course of medicine, health care, and human longevity. Her future aspirations are currently fairly varied. As much as she would love to delve into research she would be as delighted to work in a clinical setting as well. Ivascu wants to remain open to new opportunities that may peak her interest over the next few years as well, as there is much to learn.

Hayato Delellis.

Hayato Delellis: Delellis earned his bachelor’s of science degree at USF in biomedical science.  What interests him the most about pharmacy is the idea of how readily pharmacists are able to supply information to individuals. He has always held a soft spot for children and is interested in working as a pediatric pharmacist. It makes Delellis feel truly appreciated to be welcomed in this pharmacy program that holds students to such a high standard. Receiving the white coat to him not only shows a more tangible sign of how hard, not only he, but all of his classmates had to work to be here today. It is also a reminder of the responsibility that goes into being a clinician and the start of reaching a long-held goal.

Rachel Fanti

Rachel Fanti: Fanti completed her undergraduate education at USF earning a bachelor’s of science degree in microbiology. She is interested in pharmacy’s vast diversity and believes that pharmacy is not only a science based of drug action and physiology, but also a discipline centered on clinical practice and patient care. Fanti will begin practicing at the Boys and Girls club next semester, and feels that is important to take on this professional role early in the program. She appreciates that the USF College of Pharmacy provides its students with such opportunities at the start of pharmacy school and is excited to begin her transition into the role of a clinician.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

Photos by Ryan Noone, USF College of Nursing

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Filing into the historical Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa, 183 new University of South Florida medical students smiled at family and friends as they walked on to fill the front rows of red plush seats. This year’s White Coat Ceremony, held Aug. 18, marked the beginning of the Class of 2020 for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM).

USF Health’s incoming medical students file across the stage at downtown’s Tampa Theatre to receive their first white coats.

This particular group is making history.  It is the largest class in the school’s history and the strongest group academically to enter the college, averaging a record 34 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exam, the highest of all Florida public universities and a score that places MCOM above the 90^th percentile for all students taking the exam nationwide.

In addition, this group represents the 183 students who were culled from more than 6,100 applications and successfully admitted to MCOM, also a record number.

And to top those historical points, to accommodate the increased number of students and their family members, this year’s White Coat Ceremony was, for the first time, held off campus at the downtown Tampa Theatre. This tipping point is a sign of the medical school’s transition to downtown Tampa, and an example likely to become more common, as both the Morsani College of Medicine and the Heart Institute remain on target to move to the Channelside district in 2019.

This milestone group will benefit from another record-breaking fact: student scholarship funds contributed by 186 donors, including 83 USF MD alumni, exceeded $107,000 for the White Coat Scholarship fund so far this year — a 14 percent increase over last year. Of that total, $97,000 will be used to create scholarships for the MCOM Class of 2020.

Before turning his attention to the students, Charles Lockwood, MD, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, recognized special guests Carol and Frank Morsani, thanked donors, and welcomed the audience of faculty, staff, alumni and students’ families and friends who packed the Tampa Theatre for the annual rite of passage. In addressing the students, Dr. Lockwood prepared the students for what is before them.

“This is an amazing time to become a physician,” Dr. Lockwood said. “We are all on a journey toward a very different and much better health care system — and era when health information will be abundant, accessible and transferable…We are committed to preparing you for this exciting but rapidly changing health care landscape by teaching you the knowledge, attitudes and skills you need to be caring, competent and safe physicians in the 21st century, allowing you to provide both personalized and community based health care, both high quality and low cost health care, and both high tech and high touch health care.”

“I know I can count on each one of you to build trust with your patients and deliver high value care,” Dr. Lockwood said in his address to the new medical students.

“The white coat you receive tonight is not only a metaphor of the beginning of your journey as a physician, it is also a well-recognized symbol of compassion, of trust, and of understanding — a commitment to provide great patient care but also to accept great personal responsibility.”

Nakul Batra, fourth-year medical student and president of the MCOM Student Council, spoke about humanism in medicine from a student’s perspective, laying out his own experiences as an incoming student tackling a tough anatomy exam, as a third-year student facing surgery on a living human being for the first time, as a member of a health care team telling a patient a horrible prognosis, as a classmate confronting the stress of performing well and being able to turn to peers and USF Health administrators for support.  Batra urged the Class of 2020 to stay focused on the foundation of being a doctor, even though the profession of medicine and the health care system around them will change.

“We will not know the exact challenges in front of us, but it is almost a certainty that they will require us to develop ourselves as a community to be ever stronger and ever more dynamic,” Batra said.

Nakul Batra, president of the MCOM Student Council, spoke about humanism in medicine from a student’s perspective.

“The modern incentives and structure of medicine can be bewildering and misguiding.  As you go through medical school and onto your careers, remember today.  Remember why you came to medicine and what you wrote in your personal statement.  Remember the values of medicine that have guided us for the last 2,500 years and remember the values that your family and friends have imparted on you.  The school will do its best to prepare you but the science and training can only take you so far.  So develop yourself: develop yourself into a team player, learn to be a leader of your health care team but also your community, take care of yourself and find the strength that best fits you and will make you the most content.

“Because ultimately when you strip away all the advantages of modern medicine, you are just a person in a clinic who will have taken an oath that is 2,500 years old, with some textbooks, some medicines and some instruments trying to help another person in need.  Congratulations and welcome to medical school.”

Kira Zwygart, MD, FAAFP, professor of family medicine and associate dean for the MCOM Office of Student Affairs, helped put into context the intent of the White Coat Ceremony.

“In the spirit of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, we hope to help our students provide humanistic care by empowering them to build collaborative and caring relationships with their patients,” Dr. Zwygart said. “Students, when you receive your coat, you will note that you have a gold pin on your lapel, which will stand to signify your commitment to the care and dedication to your future patients.  It will serve to remind you to treat everyone with equal respect, to actively listen to patients and families with the intent to learn about their values and needs, and to seek the best method of addressing their needs as you progress throughout your medical education.”

Dr. Kira Zwygart explains to significance of the White Coat Ceremony.

Michael Albrink, MD, associate professor of surgery and recipient of the 2016 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, spoke about the significance of the white coat.

“One accomplishment of the Arnold P. Gold foundation is the implementation of ‘White Coat Ceremonies’ throughout American medical schools,” Dr. Albrink said.

Faculty member Michael Albrink, MD, recipient of the 2015 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, spoke about the symbolic significance of the white coat.

“In fact some 95% of U.S. medical schools have such ceremonies. Are such ceremonies necessary? Will they save any lives? Do they add anything to medical education? My answer to this is a resounding yes! When I was a medical student, there was no such ceremony. We simply took the white coat out of its plastic wrapper and put it on.  I felt a bit sheepish about wearing it as my medical knowledge was sorely lacking, and this anxiety is normal.  This coat is your ‘tool belt.’ You will carry in it many devices, stethoscopes, tuning forks, journal articles, Snellen eye charts, and the occasional sandwich or cookies. People will treat you differently when you wear this uniform. Please respect the white coat as your honor the profession.”

Each student in this MCOM Class of 2020 received a copy of “On Doctoring,” a compilation of poems, fiction and essays edited by John Stone, a physician writer, and USF Health’s Lois Nixon, MPH, PhD, professor in the Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities. The books are provided by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

After receiving their new white coats, members of the MCOM Class of 2020 recited the Oath of Commitment – a promise to serve their patients well – led by Deborah DeWaay, MD, FACP,  associate dean for MCOM Undergraduate Medical Education.

MCOM alum Dr. Jordan Messler tells the Class of 2020 they will receive the last known copies of the book “On Doctoring”

Dr. Sion “Bill” Carter, chair of MCOM Alumni Society, urged the future doctors to be inspired by their new white coats, and to be the most highly skilled, caring and compassionate physicians they can be.

Students recite their Oath of Commitment in unison, pledging to bring honor and integrity to the “privileged profession of medicine.”

And now medical school truly begins for the Class of 2020.

The White Coat Ceremony was attended by two of the USF medical school and university’s most passionate advocates and friends Carol and Frank Morsani.

Among the new USF medical students embarking on the lifelong journey of learning that a career in medicine embodies:

Nadia Khalil and Sabrina Khalil: These twins have lived and attended school in the Tampa Bay area their entire lives. Even choosing USF – and MCOM’s 7-year MD track – kept them local. Both were on the USF cycling team and took most of their pre-medical courses together. Now the two are part of the Class of 2020, and their nearly constant lifelong parallel paths are already including experiences that separate them. As part of the Core MD program, they were asked during their first week to choose a focus in the Scholarly Concentrations Program, an academic elective program for students to focus on areas of interests beyond the medical school core curriculum. Nadia chose engineering. Sabrina chose nutrition, the program’s newest offering. And both are already defining specialties that will send them to different residencies. Sabrina and Nadia will be the first doctors in their family.

Ryan Johnson: With dual undergraduate degrees in biology and nutrition, Ryan knows his career in medicine must include a way to use nutrition to impact his patients’ lives along with the other sciences he learns in medical school. Looking ahead to areas of medicine he might specialize in, Ryan says he has decided to be undecided for now, and to look at what he likes to do and then find a field that matches. Ryan is part of the SELECT MD program, a leadership track within MCOM that includes the first two years at the USF Tampa campus and the second two years at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. The program helped make USF his first choice – not only for its focus on leadership, but also because those second two years would put him closer to home and family in New Jersey. Ryan will be the first doctor in his family.

Carla Hasson: Watching her family’s pediatrician care for her sick younger brother – even making house calls for the boy’s many medical needs – drove home the point that doctors make huge impacts on families. That memory of how much that doctor did for her brother and how much her parents trusted her led Carla to aim for becoming a physician herself – a vision that only temporarily paused as she excelled in creative writing, saw her own poetry published, and edited a literary magazine for her high school. She was born in South Africa and lived there until age 9 when her family moved to Miami. With double undergraduate degrees in biology and public health, Carla enters the Class of 2020 with a goal of being the first in her family to become a doctor, which follows being the first in her family to earn a college education.

Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications