White Coat Ceremony

The "White Coat Ceremony" is another milestone, a rite of passage, and a reason to celebrate.   James is a 3rd year student in optometry school now.  This means he's in clinic, with real patients, doing eye exams.  Part of being in clinic is dressing professionally, in shirt and tie and wearing his white coat.  

Getting the white coat is a big deal for us.  The school makes a whole evening of the event.  

 The white coats, awaiting their owners.

James approaching Dr. Smythe, the Dean of the College of Optometry, to receive his white coat.

 Putting his white coat on for the first time.

"The White Coat Ceremony is a 'rite of passage' for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine.  

"The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual, or random.  The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence.

"The white coat is the cloak of compassion."  

James' parents came up for the event.  The kids went to a babysitter.  I wanted to take Logan to the ceremony.  He would have loved seeing James get his white coat, but I don't think he would have enjoyed all the talking and waiting before and after his dad's 15 seconds of fame.

 Congratulations James, on earning your White Coat!!!

Some Hawaiian classmates made yarn leis for all the students, so that's what that red & black thing around his neck is.  

"Leis are symbols of love, of a spiritual meaning or connection, of healing, and of respect."  So that's a pretty neat thing to receive also. 

I made a cake for the occasion, a white cake with white frosting and white ice cream.