WHITE COAT CEREMONY: A Transition From Lay Men and Women to Studentship in Pharmacy

On 9^th November 2020, the newly admitted 1^st year students began their 5-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPham) journey with the White Coat Ceremony. White coats have been worn since the late 1880’s by scientists used them for protection against chemicals that they were working with. The White Coat Ceremony originated in University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine in 1989 and spread rapidly to schools of pharmacy, dentistry, and nursing worldwide. The ceremony symbolizes professionalism, caring and trust, which students must earn from patients and serves as a reminder of students’ new purpose to serve humanity through diligence and excellence.

The ceremony held at Business and Student Service Center (BSSC) was chaired by the Dean- Dr. Gladys Mwangi and Chairmen of Departments- Dr. Maurice Kodhiambo, Dr. Samuel Chege and Dr. Stephen Thuita; School Examinations Coordinator- Dr. Everlyne Wanzala; School Administration Assistant-Ms. Eunice Macharia, Technician-Edward Kariuki and Student Leaders Bernard Karanja-KUSA Chairman, Maurice Omurwa- School Congressperson and Brian Omondi- KUPhSA Secretary General were in attendance.

The Dean officially received and welcomed the new students and advised them on how to connect with academics and life at the University. Students were commissioned to realign their thoughts, behaviour and actions to the profession they have been called and consequently admitted to train and symbolism and honor of wearing a white coat reiterated.

Newly admitted Bachelor of Pharmacy Students at BSSC during the Induction Meeting and White Coat Ceremony

Student leaders, Bernard Karanja-middle (KUSA Chairman) Maurice Omurwa-right (School of Pharmacy Congressperson and Brian Omondi (KUPhSA Secretary General)

Ag. Dean, Dr. Gladys Mwangi, Conducting the White Coat Ceremony