Sixty-seven Doctor of Pharmacy students, along with friends and family, entered the Osterhout Concert Theater in Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Aug. 22, to participate in the annual White Coat Ceremony. This event marks their entrance into the profession of pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPPS).
“Today is much more than the beginning of your pharmacy education. It is the beginning of a calling,” said School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean Kanneboyina Nagaraju. “As first-year pharmacy students, or ‘P1s,’ you are embarking on a journey that will transform not only your lives, but the lives of the patients and families you will serve. The white coat is a symbol of trust, compassion, scientific excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.”
Nagaraju noted the rapidly changing field of healthcare, while acknowledging that there is nowhere better than Binghamton University to prepare for that future. Even though SOPPS is one of the nation’s youngest schools of pharmacy, students score highly on licensure examinations, place successfully in residency and fellowship positions, and serve in a variety of careers post-degree, all while learning from nationally renowned and caring faculty.
But success is not the only thing students get at Binghamton. They also build a community and learn how to be empathetic, exceptional providers.
“Your patients will remember not only the medications you recommend, but also the compassion, respect, and confidence you bring during the difficult moments of their lives,” Nagaraju said.
He concluded with a bit of advice for the Class of 2030: “Support your classmates, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and build the lifelong friendships that will sustain you throughout your careers.”
Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva reflected on the tradition of the white coat — a stalwart since the first students in 2017 — and the foundations of the pharmacy profession.
“Service and caring — that’s at the foundation of what you’re going to do in your pharmaceutical studies. Your white coat is a symbol of these values,” she said. “At heart, these values define who you are as individuals. You are dedicated and devoted to improving the lives of others and making our world a better place.”
Provost Donald Hall picked up where D’Alleva concluded, noting the friendly faces of the many loved ones in the audience and asking for a round of applause for those who supported the students to where they are today. He also mentioned the variety of outcomes that may follow a Binghamton degree and his confidence in students to achieve that future.
“Once licensed, you may find yourself working at a community pharmacy administering immunizations, advising patients and their physicians on medications and their interactions; working in a hospital or clinic as part of a team of professionals caring for patients; or working in drug discovery or education at a pharmaceutical company. The possibilities before you are rich and exciting,” Hall said. “You are taking a big step today, beginning a challenging program that will test your stamina, commitment, intellect, and compassion. We know that you have everything it will take to succeed.”
This year’s keynote speaker, Brad Hamilton, is the principal of pharmacy regulatory affairs at Evernorth Health Services, a division of The Cigna Group, and the president and chairman of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. He spoke on some of the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacist — the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and advocate for patients.
“You will work alongside physicians, nurses, and other specialists, sharing your expertise to ensure optimal patient outcomes,” Hamilton said. “This teamwork is essential in today’s healthcare environment, where a multidisciplinary approach is vital to patient care. Remember that each member of the team brings unique perspectives and skills, and your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively will be key to your success.”
Hamilton urged students to develop a mindset of lifelong learning, foster resilience, embrace technology, recognize the importance of cultural competence, and to maintain a sense of balance.
“I want to congratulate each and every one of you on reaching this pivotal moment. I ask you to bring excellence and ignite change,” Hamilton said. “As you put on your white coats, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. I am excited to see the incredible contributions you will make to the field of pharmacy and to the health of those you serve. Your journey is just beginning, and the impact you can have on individuals and communities is immeasurable.”
Students walked across the stage to receive their white coats from Clinical Assistant Professor Kelly Bach and Executive Director of Experiential Education and Clinical Assistant Professor Caroline Jensen.
Sarah Lynch, assistant dean for academic affairs and clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice, reminded incoming students of the network they have at their backs and to always “pass on the light of knowledge” to future generations.
To conclude, Taylor Clark ’19, PharmD’ 23, led the newly coated students in reciting the pharmacist’s oath.