New tradition to continue at pharmacy White Coat Ceremony
One year ago, newly-minted Premier Dwight Ball received the first honourary white coat at the School of Pharmacy’s 10th annual White Coat Ceremony.
The tradition began as a way to recognize pharmacy trailblazers.
Dr. Lisa Bishop, interim dean, explained that the School has many ties with the pharmacy community and would like to celebrate those collaborative relationships.
“The pharmacy community has contributed to our students’ experience in so many ways,” she said. “Whether it’s by becoming a preceptor to supervise our students during their Structured Practice Experience placements, volunteering during admissions interviews, collaborating on research projects, volunteering on school committees or contributing towards our student awards - we wouldn’t be where we are today without these partnerships.”
In recent years, the pharmacy profession has shifted from a dispensing focus to a more direct patient care role. Pharmacists today will have more opportunities to apply all their knowledge and skills as medication therapy experts. This would not have happened without the leaders who worked to make these changes possible.
“Pharmacy wouldn’t be where it is today without the history makers,” Dr. Bishop continued. “The recipients of the honourary white coat exhibit the qualities we want our students to have; we want them to strive to be leaders, mentors and forward-thinkers. We want them to be inspired by the people around them, to continue that cycle and inspire others throughout their education and when they begin their practice.”
The White Coat Ceremony officially welcomes first year students into the profession of pharmacy. Faculty, staff and members of the university and pharmacy community join the students and their families to celebrate the traditions and goals of the profession, the significance of pharmacists in providing for a healthy society and instill their moral obligation as health care professionals.
This year’s ceremony welcomes the Class of 2020 into the pharmacy profession.
The School of Pharmacy is grateful to the supporters of the White Coat Ceremony, including DRUGStore Pharmacy, Lawtons Drugs, Sobeys Pharmacy, the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board. Without their support this important ceremony would not be possible.