CSM celebrates first Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) celebrated its inaugural Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony on April 9 in Gross Auditorium. The event recognized Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students who will begin the clinical care portion of the curriculum by presenting them with their white coats.

"The CSM DPT faculty are proud of the first cohort's growth and progress as new professionals," said Dr. Kimberly Varnado, director of the DPT program. "The White Coat Ceremony was very special because it brought together the CSM community with the friends and family members of the DPT Class of 2022."

Elise Lewis D'22 led the opening prayer. Dr. Varnado gave the opening remarks, Gabriele Gregory D'22 delivered the student speech, and Dr. Emmanuel B. John, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at Chapman University, presented the keynote address. Kenneth Conde D'22 gave the closing prayer, while Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, president of CSM, provided the closing remarks.

The students received their white coats from Dr. Varnado and Dr. Andrea Kessler, director of clinical education.

"As we have honored these students by bestowing their white coats, a sign of their expertise and of their profession, I want to truly thank this particular group of students for being willing to be the inaugural physical therapy class at College of Saint Mary," Dr. Stevens said. "We are very grateful to you because you have taught us a lot. You are the inaugural group. You have set the foundation for future classes," she added.

The White Coat Ceremony is an important ritual across the medical profession that welcomes students into the healthcare field. The white coat itself represents medical and professional excellence and compassionate care.

This is the inaugural White Coat ceremony for the students in CSM's DPT program, which was launched in June 2020. Upon receiving their white coats, the students will begin clinical work and start working directly with clients while completing their course work. They are expected to graduate in December, but they will walk in the May 2023 commencement ceremony.

CSM's DPT program offers a blended-learning and competency-based model with core faculty certified in online instruction. This allows students to study from the comfort of their own homes while attending onsite program sessions throughout the year.

Doctor of Physical Therapy students

Kaitlyn Burton, Omaha
Colton Busch, Omaha
Kenneth Conde, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Lyla El-Refaie, Omaha
Gabriele Gregory, Monticello, Ky.
Katie Green, Midland, Texas
Rachel Hunt, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Kelsey Jaeschke, Kenesaw, Neb.
Victoria Leffler, Lincoln
Elise Lewis, Rapid City, S.D.
Melissa McDonald, Huber Heights, Ohio
Lucky Maze, College Grove, Tenn.
Jawwad Rashid, Rockwood, Mich.
Megan Schipper, Holyoke, Colo.
Payton Stephens, Manhattan, Kan.
Jasmine Thomas, Memphis, Tenn.
Madison Voss, South Sioux City, Neb.