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Pharmacy Professionalism Toolkit for Students and
Faculty
Provided by the APhA-ASP/AACP Committee on Student Professionalism
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NEW STUDENTS
White Coat Ceremonies
Description of activity
In an effort to demonstrate professionalism, many colleges of pharmacy
have implemented a White Coat ceremony for new students. These
ceremonies are often held early in the students’ experience, for
example during orientation, the first day of class, or some time during
their first semester. Some schools hold the ceremony in the third year
as students move from the didactic to the clinical portion of their
Pharm.D. degree program. Each ceremony should be developed around the
unique needs of each school. The White Coat ceremony may be planned
during the day or in the evening. Often the ceremony is held in
conjunction with a social event, such as a lunch, dinner, or reception.
It is a time of celebration and remembrance. A keynote speaker may be
invited as well as other prominent members of the community, such as
legislators, campus administrators, or the president of the state
pharmacy association. Many schools also include parents, spouses,
current students, and faculty members in the celebration. In addition to
giving each student a new white coat, the ceremony may include a time
for students to recite the Oath of the Pharmacist or the
Pledge of Professionalism. Several schools have new student
class write its own oath or pledge to be recited at the ceremony.
Rationale
The “white coat” is a powerful symbol of the awesome
responsibility that pharmacists have as healthcare providers. The
presentation of the white coat to new students represents their passage
into the pharmacy profession with all the opportunities and
responsibilities associated with professionalism. The ceremony also
provides an opportunity for the class to come together (to celebrate a
significant event together) for the first time which is quite memorable
for many students. Having family members and other important individuals
participate also adds to this event.
Areas of professionalism addressed
The White Coat ceremony emphasizes the professional responsibility that
pharmacists have as healthcare providers. Through the ceremony, new
students will learn to take pride in being a part of the profession of
pharmacy.
Special issues involving planning / promotion /
implementation
The important and special meaning of this ceremony can be lost if proper
planning and preparations are not made. Ideally, both faculty members
and current students should plan this ceremony. Allowing family to
witness this event helps to demonstrate the important meaning of the
ceremony. Selecting the best time and date is probably the most
difficult task based on everyone’s busy schedules. The planning
committee must prioritize which target groups are the most important.
For example, if the goal is to have as many family members as possible
involved, then the event needs to be scheduled during the weekend. If
the group wants a large alumni turnout, then later in the evening on a
weekday would be the best. This ceremony should be planned several
months in advance, and invitations should be sent to students and family
members with enough advance notice for them to make arrangements to
travel to the school. Invitations to keynote speakers, alumni, and
pharmacy state leaders should also be sent well ahead of time. In order
to emphasize this special occasion, the ceremony should be held away
from campus or at a special location on campus.
Examples of programs and resources
- Butler University
- Howard University
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Florida
- University of Maryland
- University of Michigan
- University of Nebraska
2004 AACP School Posters:
“Successful Professionalization of Pharmacy Students at Mercer
University.”
James W. Bartling, Jordana L. Stephens, Mercer University Southern
School of Pharmacy.
“A Multi-faceted Approach to Enhancing Professionalism of
Pharmacy Students.”
Caroline Zeind, Michelle M. Kalis, Joseph M. Calomo, Martin Zdanowicz,
Mehdi Boroujerdi, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health
Sciences-Boston.
“Enhancing the Professionalism of Pharmacy Students at the
University of Washington.”
Katherine Hale, Gail Caballes, Dana Hammer, Nanci Murphy, University of
Washington.
References
Brown DL, Ferrill MJ, Pankaski MC. White Coat Ceremonies in U.S. Schools
of Pharmacy. Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2003;
37(10):1414-19.
APhA-ASP/AACP-COD Task Force on
Professionalism. White paper on pharmacy student
professionalism. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2000; 40:96-102.
Checklist of planning steps
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identify a planning committee made up of students and faculty to
coordinate the event |
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planning should begin 3 months in advance |
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identify target student group (new students and/or third
professional year students) |
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decide on a date, time, and location |
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if applicable, contact possible sponsors for the event |
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determine target groups to attend (family, faculty, alumni, state
pharmacy leaders, etc) |
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choose invitations and send 4-6 weeks in advance |
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choose the format for the event (dinner, luncheon, ceremony,
etc) |
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reserve venue, caterer, AV equipment, etc |
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coordinate fittings and sales for the coats and choose patch,
monogramming, etc |
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choose a keynote speaker, if applicable |
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plan the details for the ceremony and have programs printed for
guests |
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have students recite Oath of a Pharmacist, Pledge of
Professionalism, or unique pledge written by the students |
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insure all deposits and final payments are made for venue, caterer,
equipment, white coats, etc |
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write thank you notes to keynote speaker, sponsors, and others who
played an important role in the event |
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gather feedback and ideas to improve the event for the following
year |
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maintain and update a notebook with all details of the planning
process |
Student Orientation
Professionalism Orientation Booklet
Peer Mentoring Programs
Introduction to Student Pharmacy
Organizations
White Coat Ceremonies
Public Affirmation of Professionalism
Service Projects in Community
Charity Fundraisers
Outside Speakers to Reinforce Messages
Introductory Pharmacy Courses
Student Portfolio Process
Integration into Residence Life Programs
Issues for 0-6 Programs
Issues for Distance Learning Programs
Issues for Religious-Affiliated Programs
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