SIUE School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony celebrates student commitment

EDWARDSVILLE — A new cohort of 82 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy students has proudly received their professional white coats, acknowledging their entrance into the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. The first-year professional students were presented their garments at the 10th SOP White Coat Ceremony held recently in the Morris University Center at SIUE. “The White Coat Ceremony conveys the school’s commitment to the hallmarks of the pharmacy profession: professionalism, respect, integrity and compassion,” said Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the school. It also underscores the students’ commitment to provide pharmaceutical care and to assure the safe and effective use of medication for the benefit of the patient and society. Gupchup emphasizes that the white coat marks the transition from student to “student pharmacist.” “As these students move forward toward their doctor of pharmacy degree their educational journey is no longer about them, it’s about serving the needs of the community and their patients.”