D.P.T. Class of 2028 Steps into Clinical Education
White Coat Ceremony Marks a Meaningful Milestone for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
/filters:quality(70)/prod01/channel_58/media/schools-and-colleges/nymc/images/intouch-photos/2020-2023-intouch-photos/DPTWhiteCoat2026.png)
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Class of 2028 celebrated their transition to clinical education with friends, family, and faculty, during the D.P.T. White Coat Ceremony in the John W. Nevins, M.D. '44 Auditorium on April 16. Students donned their white coats, affirming their commitment to the field of physical therapy.
Walter Jenkins, D.H.S, PT, M.S., AT-RET, division chief and program director of physical therapy, began the program by introducing virtual remarks from Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer, and Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice and vice president for government affairs. The ceremony continued with an address from Vikas Grover, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and chief and professor in the Division of Speech-Language Pathology. “You stepped out of your comfort zone when you decided to choose physical therapy as your career,” he said, reminding students of the courage it took to begin this journey. His remarks were followed by Nicholas R. Sheehan, D.P.T. ’16, PT, OCS, assistant professor of physical therapy, who offered words of wisdom. “Strive for excellence, pursue your fullest potential, and remember the responsibility and privilege that comes with the white coat you receive today,” he said.
Guest speaker and alumnus Peter Calicchia, D.P.T. ’25, came back to campus and offered thoughtful reflections on his time as a student and shared real-world insights from his private practice. “Don't underestimate the significance of this moment. Take it in, appreciate it,” he stated. “You've worked hard to get here, and this milestone represents your readiness to begin the clinical phase of your education.”
With assistance from D.P.T. faculty members, students donned their white coats for the first time, stepping into a pivotal chapter in their careers. They honored this symbol of their clinical readiness through the recitation of the Pledge for Physical Therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association Education Section 2004, led by Kristina M. Welsome, D.P.T., M.S., PT, OCS, CFMT, MTC, NBC-HWC, assistant professor of physical therapy.
With white coats proudly worn, students celebrated this meaningful occasion with friends and family following the ceremony.
Videos of the D.P.T. White Coat Ceremony are available on the NYMC YouTube Channel.
