Stars in the making: ATSU students receive their white coats and reflect on journey ahead
Posted: September 25, 2024
This summer, hundreds of new ATSU students from across the globe embarked on their journey to become the next shining stars in the healthcare field. Traveling to Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and Santa Maria, California, these aspiring professionals took their first steps toward careers dedicated to improving the health and wellness of their communities.
Medical and dental students received their white coats after their first week of orientation, while audiology, physical therapy, physician assistant, and occupational therapy students received their white coats further into their programs as they prepare for clinical rotations and patient care.
The white coat, representing professionalism and ethical responsibility, has been worn for more than 100 years by physicians and has since been adopted by other health professions. The white coat ceremony, which involves a formal “robing” or “cloaking” of students, marks a significant milestone in their professional education. It symbolizes the transformation from layperson to healthcare professional – much like a star emerging from the nebula, ready to shine its light on the world.
ATSU-CHC CCPA program
“I felt really proud of myself and my classmates. We worked really hard to get here and I’m very proud to have my family watching me. It’s been a long journey – I’ve thought of this a really long time and it’s finally happening.”
–John Janisko, PA, ’25
ATSU-CHC
“It just means the world to me, especially as a young black girl seeing other black girls become doctors, that I can be part of the representation … so another girl who looks like me can have faith that she can get here too.”
–Francisca Okeke, OMS I
ATSU-SOMA
“It felt like a dream come true. I’ve been in the admissions process for a really long time, and I’m finally able to start dental school soon, and I’m excited for the journey ahead. It’s a dream to be able to receive my white coat.”
–Nia Moquino, D1
ATSU-ASDOH
