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Students focusing on healthcare come from all backgrounds and cultures, but they all share one goal: earning the privilege of receiving their “white coat,” a rite of passage showing academic progress and commitment to patient care.
The chiropractic white coat ceremony commemorates the same level of success as the white coat ceremonies observed at hundreds of health care educational institutions, including schools of
At the Ceremony
Qualifying students are presented with their white coat in a formal ceremony, which is one of several major milestones in the progression towards graduation. At most institutions, the white coat ceremony signals a transition from mostly text-and-lecture-heavy coursework to applying skills and knowledge to people in patient-care focused settings. Patients in clinical and hospital settings recognize those in the “white doctor coat” are their link to a healthier future.
At this event, faculty members who have served as mentors welcome students to the next phase of their education – patient care – by placing the coat on them. This action conveys the importance of their achievement and serves as a reminder to always treat patients with honor and respect.
Joining the celebration are family, close friends, and classmates, along with professors and instructors who’ve helped the students get to this defining point in their health-care career.
History in the Making
Historically, the white coat ceremony is a recent development, originating at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993. Arnold P Gold, M.D., who originated the idea, wanted a physical action that demonstrated a desire for patient-focused care.
Not only has the event expanded nationally to hundreds of schools offering advanced medical training, but also worldwide.
The CUKC White Coat Tradition
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), known as Cleveland Chiropractic College until gaining university status in 2015, had its inaugural chiropractic white coat ceremony in May 2017. The ceremony is an extension of its nearly 100-year tradition of recognizing Doctor of Chiropractic student success.
At CUKC, students earn the honor during the third trimester, before their first adjustment in technique class – Tech 3: Cleveland Comprehensive I. From then on, students wear their white coats as they continue to demonstrate proficiency in their chiropractic adjusting skills.
To learn more about the Doctor of Chiropractic program at CUKC, request more information today or download the free ebook Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession and find out how you could be the difference in healthcare!
