The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) Class of 2029 received their white coats in dual White Coat Ceremonies held earlier this month at Rowan University’s Glassboro campus.
White coats are designed to remind physicians of their duty to practice medicine with humanism and professionalism. The White Coat Ceremony, celebrated at Rowan-Virtua SOM since 1996, is the symbolic start of the medical school journey.
This class, the largest in Rowan-Virtua SOM’s 50-year history, will make a direct impact on New Jersey’s growing physician shortage, as over half are from the Garden State.
Dr. Richard Jermyn, dean of Rowan-Virtua SOM, welcomed the class, noting their diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
“While over 60% of this class hails from New Jersey, with 15% from South Jersey, we welcome our students from 19 states across the nation to New Jersey and Rowan-Virtua SOM,” Jermyn said. “We are also excited to welcome our largest cohort of international students yet – 18 students. In total, the class is represented by eight countries, making the Class of 2029 the most globally diverse to date!”
Jermyn urged students to aspire to ever greater things: “Remember, when the health of your patients is at risk, be an advocate. Go into the community and don’t be afraid to be a disruptor—especially when it is for the health and well-being of another,” he said.
Students were welcomed with two gifts in their white coats. The traditional White Coat Note, personally written by faculty, staff, or an administrator, extended a warm welcome and congratulations to students embarking on their medical careers. They also received a naloxone dispenser (NARCAN), a nasal spray that saves lives in drug overdose emergencies, serving as a reminder of the critical role students will undertake in their medical journeys.
