The Maddux Grand Atrium was abuzz Sunday evening, Jan. 18, as the Belmont University School of Pharmacy hosted approximately 400 family and friends at its inaugural White Coat Ceremony. The 73 members of the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2012 participated in this rite of passage ceremony at which they received their white coat symbolizing their entry into professional practice. The students also took the “Oath of the Pharmacist” as a public commitment to patient-centered care.
Dr. J. Richard Brown, professor at the University of Tennessee Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, delivered the keynote address. Belmont School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Phil Johnston recognized Clayton McWhorter and Chris Coates as inaugural recipients of the Friend of the School Award. Dr. Cathy Turner recognized Rodney Deal (Nashville) and Bob Phillips (Lewisburg), pharmacists from middle Tennessee, as the inaugural recipients of the Professional Stewardship Award.
The program was supported by a gift from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Student white coats were sponsored by 21 members of the Belmont and Nashville communities.
