Over the years, OCOM’s faculty has been working to more intentionally infuse professional development into the curriculum and experience of OCOM students. A step forward in that work took place at the end of Winter quarter, at the college’s first-ever White Coat Ceremony.

The formal ceremony, attended by OCOM faculty, alumni and staff, presented more than 50 students entering clinical education with white clinic coats. Having worked together to create an Oath of Professionalism, students recited this pledge as part of the ceremony, initiating another step on their journey to become professionals in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM).

White coats have been worn by health professionals for more than 100 years. The White Coat Ceremony – prevalent in many medical schools – marks the student's transition from preclinical studies to a clinical experience. At OCOM, Spring quarter marks the start of clinic observation rounds, in which classroom learning begins to translate into practice. It is a time of exciting transformation for students – and one we are pleased to share with the OCOM community and community partners alike.

Special thanks to faculty members Drs. Joe Coletto and Regina Dehen for leading the efforts to bring a White Coat Ceremony to the college. The ceremony was generously sponsored through a gift from Biotics Northwest, a partner of OCOM’s clinics, and by the OCOM Alumni Association. Our Alumni Relations Coordinator and the Alumni Association Board support the success of students from the first day of class to their ongoing success as practicing professionals, through mentoring and training.