White Coat Ceremony
The inaugural White Coat Ceremony for fourth year students of UCD’s School of Veterinary Medicine was held on Thursday, March 1st, 2012 at Astra Hall. Eleven committee members from the Class of 2013 worked tirelessly throughout the past year to create this new annual tradition for the veterinary college. The White Coat Ceremony distinguishes the progression from formal classroom education to full-time clinical training with a primary focus on patient care within the UCD Veterinary Hospital under the guidance of clinical specialists.
The formal ceremony commenced with the procession of academics, followed by an introductory address by Dean Grace Mulcahy. Academics presented students with personalized white coats embroidered with their name and the UCD crest. Mike Doherty, Barbara Kirby, Deirdre Campion, and Rory Breathnach presented the coats. Dean Mulcahy then lead the students in reciting the Veterinarian’s Affirmation which exemplifies the importance of professionalism and ethical values during the transition from student to student clinician. Dr. Patrick Wall gave the key note speech and closing remarks were given by Alan Rossiter, the President of Veterinary Ireland. Following the ceremony a wine reception was held at the Rendevous where guests enjoyed mingling with the staff and students.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate this event with staff and students, some even traveling from the United States and Canada to attend this ceremony. Those unable to attend in person were able to participate as a live internet audience watching via a live videocast.
This webcast was recorded and will be available shortly.
White Coat Ceremony Committee included:
Claire Ashburner, Stephen Beatty, Lauren Bernstein, Amy Brogren, Meghan Connolly, Miriam DeFeu, Sarah Holden, Rebecca Jeffrey, Aoife McCarthy, Edele Grey, Ashley Woo
