UTEP School of Pharmacy Welcomes New Class with White Coat Ceremony
Long-standing tradition marks students’ formal entry to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program
EL PASO, Texas (Aug. 26, 2024) – The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso’s School of Pharmacy welcomed 50 new students into the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2028. Following tradition, the school welcomed the new students at its annual White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 24 at Magoffin Auditorium on the UTEP campus.
Lily Ibanez, an incoming pharmacy student, said that, to her, the event was an experience that was years in the making. “Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to study pharmacy.” Ibanez said. “Now that the White Coat Ceremony is here, it feels surreal. I have been waiting for this moment for most of my life, and it’s finally here.”
The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of the students’ journey in the healthcare field. After donning their white coats for the first time, the students recite the traditional Oath of a Pharmacist, a commitment to the responsibilities bestowed upon them as members of a medical profession.
“The White Coat Ceremony marks a pivotal moment for our Class of 2028, symbolizing their commitment to excellence in improving patient outcomes,” said José O. Rivera, Pharm.D., founding dean of the UTEP School of Pharmacy. “At the UTEP School of Pharmacy, students will develop the skills and leadership needed to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare in our community and beyond."
In preparation for this year’s White Coat ceremony, the UTEP School of Pharmacy launched a new campaign titled "Sponsor a White Coat." The initiative invites alumni and community members to contribute to the purchase of white coats for the incoming students. SOP officials said the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and solidarity that already exists among UTEP pharmacy graduates and aims to foster a culture of support for the next generation of pharmacists.
For more information about the UTEP School of Pharmacy and its programs, please visit utep.edu/pharmacy/.
About UTEP Health
The School of Pharmacy is one of the components of UTEP Health, a comprehensive initiative of The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso aimed at elevating the standard of healthcare in the Paso del Norte region. It encompasses more than 4,400 students in the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy and other health professions, programs and research. With an active research portfolio of nearly $67 million, UTEP Health is at the cutting-edge of research that focuses on the unique issues of the border region.
UTEP Health is the largest producer of graduates in healthcare professions among colleges and universities in the Paso del Norte region. UTEP Health faculty and students consistently demonstrate excellence in research, education and community engagement. Through their unwavering dedication, they foster well-being and contribute to the advancement of healthcare in our community and beyond.
Last Updated on August 26, 2024 at 12:00 AM | Originally published August 26, 2024
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
