Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) proudly celebrated three milestone White Coat Ceremonies last week, honoring the achievements and professional commitments of students in its Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs. Each ceremony brought together classmates, faculty, friends, and family members, and featured inspiring remarks from program directors and guest speakers.
On the morning of August 7, the Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2025 received their long white coats, signifying their official entry into patient care. This tradition represents their readiness to serve as practicing clinicians, and the white coat itself symbolizes their duty to practice medicine with professionalism and empathy. It also stands as a reminder of the integrity, responsibility, and compassion that guide healthcare professionals when diagnosing and treating patients.
Following in the afternoon, the Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2027 received their short white coats, marking the rite of passage to beginning their medical education and their commitment to serving patients with empathy, responsibility and scientific excellence.
The celebrations concluded on August 8, 2025, with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2029 donning their white coats, surrounded by loved ones, faculty and administrators. This momentous occasion welcomed first-year medical students into the osteopathic profession, underscoring their duty to practice with humanism and professionalism while upholding the trust between physician and patient.
For many students, the ceremony was a dream realized.
“Putting on the white coat makes everything feel real—it's a symbol of the hard work we've put in and the responsibility we now carry,” said Kelsey Short (DO '29).
Christina Mitry (DO '29) added, “It's an honor that represents the beginning of our journey and the values we'll strive to uphold throughout our careers.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
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