School of Dental Medicine Class of 2019
White Coat Ceremony 2016
April 2016- On April 14, 2016 the School of Dental Medicine celebrated the tradition of the White Coat Ceremony by honoring the Class of 2019. This ceremony marks the student's transition from the study of preclinical to clinical health sciences. Symbolizing a major step in the student's journey to becoming a doctor and of taking care of others, this ceremony has become a right of passage for medical students. After this ceremony student's will take on the responsibility of accepting trust from patients. It also symbolizes their commitment to provide compassionate, respectful, empathetic, and ethical dental care for their patients and the community. With the acceptance of the white coat, the Class of 2019 has made a professional commitment and acknowledges the responsibility to the importance of compassionate care for the patient as well as the pursuit of scientific proficiency and understanding for a lifetime.
Dr. Dolores Cannella welcomed the crowd that filled the audtiorium of the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics.
During her remarks Dr. Mary R. Truhlar, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, explained the signifigance of receiving the white coat to the students and audience, "This ceremony was first established in 1993 at Columbia University by the Gold Foundation. This foundation, established by Dr's. Arnold and Sandra Gold, was created in response to a growing concern, 'that in a era of so many scientific and technological advances, practitioners were losing their focus on humanism in medicine and dentistry,' that is, they were losing the personal touch and their ethical base. These doctors came to the conclusion that the best time to influence standards of ethics and professionalism along with caring values was during a students' medical or dental education, when he or she first encounters clinical experiences."
Dr. Truhlar continued to instill in the Class of 2019 this important step in their chosen professional development, "With the acceptance of your white coat you are making a professional commitment, acknowledging a responsibility to the importance of compassionate care for the patient as well as the pursuit of scientific proficiency and understanding for a lifetime."
Dr. Steven Zove, Acting Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, gave the ceremonial address and welcomed the Class of 2019 into clinical practice. He encouraged the student's to explore and be curious. To ask questinos and to never lose sight of why they chose to study Dental Medicine. Dr. Zove shared stories of his experience during his distinguished career and of working side by side with previous classes. He shared with the Class of 2019 what they can expect to encounter in clinic and how they are prepared to take this next step in their education.
Dr. Dolores Cannella then presented the Class of 2019 to Dr's. Truhlar and Zove for the placement of the white coat on each student's shoulders.
After the placement of the white coats, Dr. Anthony Fazio, '96, was honored with the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. John Rose, President, Alumni Board of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, presented the award to Dr. Fazio. The Distinguished Alumni Award is an honor bestowed on a select few who have contributed to the profession, school and alumni in an exemplary manner. The audience rose to their feet as cheers and applause erupted during Dr. Fazio's presentation. Students, faculty, staff and guests could be seen wiping tears from their eyes as Dr. Fazio graciously and humbly accepted this honor.
Dr. Fazio led the Class of 2019 in reciting the Hippocratic Oath and cheers again filled the auditorium upon completion.
