White Coat Ceremony
What is the White Coat Ceremony?
Each year, incoming veterinary students, accompanied by their family members, participate in the UTCVM's White Coat Ceremony. The purpose of the ceremony is to formally welcome incoming veterinary students and indoctrinate them into the pursuit of the veterinary profession. During the ceremony, we will review the traditions and goals of the profession, and the significance of the veterinary profession in providing for a healthy society. Incoming students will be formally inducted into the veterinary profession with the presentation of a white laboratory coat, the traditional symbol of compassionate medical sciences.
History
The white coat ceremony was initiated on August 20, 1993, at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, with goals of welcoming new medical students and reemphasizing the balance of scientific excellence with compassion patient care. With the support of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the ceremony has since been adopted at the major of U.S. medical schools. Variations of the ceremony have recently been initiated at several North American veterinary colleges, either for incoming students or students entering the clinical year.
The Veterinarian's Oath
Being admitted to the professional of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medicine ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.