Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Students from four programs at St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences received their white coats earlier this month, marking a significant step in their educational journey. The White Coat Convocations, held during the first two weeks of October, celebrated students from Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, and Radiologic Sciences degree programs. Faculty members placed white coats on each student to symbolize their entry into the healthcare field.
More than 200 students from the Classes of 2025 to 2028 participated in these ceremonies. Anne Y. F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, highlighted the significance of the event for pharmacy students: “The white coat is a powerful symbol of responsibility that pharmacists have as health-care providers,” she said. She emphasized that these students are on their way to becoming compassionate professionals dedicated to providing quality patient care.
Sophia Daher, class of 2026 and president of the Students of the PA Program organization, shared her thoughts during the Physician Assistant ceremony: “Being here today is an incredible achievement for my classmates and me,” she said. Sophia expressed that receiving their white coats represents moving forward in gaining experience and opportunities in healthcare fields they are passionate about.
Deirdre Duffy, a senior in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, expressed pride in receiving her white coat: “I am glad we got a white coat,” she remarked. Deirdre noted how other universities do not offer this tradition and viewed it as a source of pride.
In keeping with tradition, all students who received white coats recited an oath committing themselves to integrity and responsibility in their professional lives. Diella Mrnaci, Senior Director of Radiology at White Plains (NY) Hospital, offered advice during the Radiologic Sciences ceremony: “Take risks, ask questions, and challenge the status quo,” she advised. She encouraged them not to settle for normalcy but instead see themselves as change agents in healthcare delivery.
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