MOULTRIE – First-year medical students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at PCOM South Georgia received their white coats Oct. 11, in a ceremony, on the campus in Moultrie, that marked their transition to student physicians.

Blessed Jordan, one of the first-year DO students who received her white coat at the ceremony, said, “For me, my white coat means that I am finally living my dream, and my reality is just that. I’m just super excited to be here!”

The white coat ceremony signifies a rite of passage for first-year medical students in their transition toward patient care. The ceremony establishes a commitment to the osteopathic profession and patient care. The white coat itself symbolizes the trust between doctor and patient and reminds physicians of their duty to practice medicine with professionalism and integrity. The coat represents compassion, humanism, scientific proficiency and responsibility when diagnosing and treating patients.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Daryl O. Crenshaw, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine-nephrology at PCOM South Georgia, and a practicing nephrologist in both Thomasville and Moultrie. He currently serves as chair of the trustees for Archbold Medical Center.

“This white coat that you will receive today is more than just a symbol,” Crenshaw told the students. “It is a reminder that you have answered the calling to serve others, especially to serve the communities of South Georgia, a region that is high in disease burden, with economic challenges, but with a profound resilience that deserves your compassion, dedication and care. Here in South Georgia, the need is great, but the opportunity is immense.”

Dr. Crenshaw went on to provide inspiration for the challenges ahead.

“The key to becoming the best doctor you can be is to stay in a place of love for your patients, for your craft, and for the reasons that brought you here in the first place,” he said. “It is easy to lose sight of that initial spark when challenges feel overwhelming. Always remember why you wanted to be a physician. Hold on to that passion tightly because it will guide you through the toughest of times. Let me be honest with you. There will be setbacks and challenges. You’ll have days where you’ll feel like you failed, where the learning curve is insurmountable. Understand this – these moments of difficulty are not just obstacles; they are the foundation of your growth.”

Before presenting the white coats to the members of the class of 2028, Marla Golden, DO ’88, dean of the osteopathic medicine program at PCOM South Georgia, explained that the student physicians would receive short coats, indicative of their role as medical students. After graduating from medical school and beginning their residency, they would then receive a longer white coat. Attending physicians wear the longest white coats.

“Today these coats represent the medical profession, but they’re much more than a symbol of our profession,” Golden said. “They really do signify and recognize the transformation occurring in you and in your professional identity. As a member of the osteopathic profession, you’re accepting the fundamental principles of medical professionalism and medical ethics. These include the primacy of your patients’ welfare, the autonomy of your patients and a commitment to social justice.”

Dr. Golden continued by emphasizing the importance of patient-doctor confidentiality, commitment to excellence, improving patient care, and advancing scientific knowledge.

“With the donning of your white coat, we as faculty and staff of PCOM South Georgia are welcoming you to the osteopathic profession,” Dr. Golden said.

Xandria Parker, another white coat recipient, said, “My white coat to me means service and commitment. My family is from South Georgia, so it means everything to me to be able to wear this jacket and be able to help the community and everyone here. It’s a very exciting day!”

Each group of students officially received their white coats on stage from PCOM South Georgia faculty members during the ceremony.