viva la vida: White Coat Ceremony

8.29.2011

White Coat Ceremony

I am now officially a PA student: Kristina Anderson, PA-S. No turning back now. Before I know it that title will turn to PA-C (certified). But for now I'll just enjoy the ride. Well, endure it I should say. Getting back into the swing of things after my week break has been more difficult than I thought. I'm getting there though.

You might wonder exactly what the White Coat Ceremony is...... It was started back in the 90's with medical schools and is mostly like a graduation with speeches, having your name called and walking across the stage to put on your white coat with the assistance of a professor, and lots of pictures, all BEFORE graduating. It's fantastic. But really it's to symbolize officially becoming a health care provider and all that it entails.

Here's your official example (taken straight from the back of my program).....

"The White Coat Ceremony" is a 'rite of passage' for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient.

The white coat is a symbolic, non-verbal communication used to express and reaffirm a fundamental belief in a system that society observes. The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual or random. It is a guide to both the patient and clinician on how to react and relate to one another.

The dress of healers in primitive societies was an important part of the paraphernalia of their healing. The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence that his/her complaints will be dealt with competently and seriously. The white coat is the cloak of compassion."

Am I ready for this? ABSOLUTELY!