White Coat Ceremony Ushers SLP Class of 2027 into Clinical Training
Speech-Language Pathology Students Recognized as They Don Their White Coats
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Receiving their white coats for the first time, the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Class of 2027 reached an important milestone in their academic journey. The White Coat Ceremony, on April 20 in the John W. Nevins, M.D. ‘44 Auditorium, was a lively celebration of significant achievement.
The 28 students were joined by family, friends, faculty, and leaders from the SLP community, whose presence supported their dedication to the field. This moment marked the transition to the clinical phase of their education, as well as the first step of their professional journeys.
The ceremony began with remarks from Vikas Grover, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and chief of the Division of Speech-Language Pathology. He reflected on the deeper significance of the White Coat Ceremony, emphasizing that it began long before the evening and continues to be a lifelong process.
An invocation was delivered by Rabbi Baruch Fogel, M.A., campus rabbi of Touro University, followed by virtual remarks from Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer. Robert W. Amler, M.D., M.B.A., dean of SHSP and vice president for government affairs, addressed the students next, emphasizing the responsibility symbolized by the white coat. “The fact is, you’ve started, continued, and carried on this tradition of great competence and great trustworthiness in treating others,” he said.
Guest speaker Michelle DiMattia, M.A., CCC-SLP, director of Speech-Language Pathology at Weill Cornell Medicine, spoke about how human connection is the heart of the profession. “This white coat that you're wearing represents entering into clinical care, into a different type of responsibility, and a relationship with patients who will trust you with something deeply personal.” Following DiMattia was alumni speaker Nicole Scafura, M.S. ’18, CCC-SLP, who delivered an engaging address of practical advice drawn from her own experiences as a student and professional.
The highlight of the ceremony came as students donned their white coats with assistance from Kathryn Ballerini, M.S. ’03, CCC-SLP, clinical instructor in the division of speech-language pathology. Now wearing the coats that signify a new chapter, they stood together to recite the Pledge for Speech-Language Pathology, led by Wendy Georgan, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor of speech-language pathology.
As the ceremony concluded, it left a strong sense of pride and anticipation, reinforcing the promising futures ahead for the SLP Class of 2027.
Videos of the SLP White Coat Ceremony are available on the NYMC YouTube Channel.
