Binghamton University’s physical therapy program holds its first White Coat Ceremony

On May 4, Binghamton University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program held a White Coat Ceremony for its inaugural cohort at the University’s Health Sciences Building in Johnson City, N.Y. In front of dozens of family, friends and Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty and staff, the 35 students comprising the Class of 2026 donned their white coats for the first time as a symbol of their commitment to the field of physical therapy. Members of the DPT Graduate Student Organization (DPTGSO) planned and ran the event.

The students have focused on the theoretical aspects of their training for the past three semesters, but this summer, their clinical education begins. During clinical experiences, DPT students will work with patients to apply their knowledge under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that signifies the transition in the students’ physical therapy education from classroom (didactic) learning to clinical learning in the field. It highlights the responsibility, obligations, honor, excellence, accountability, compassion and inclusiveness required of their chosen profession.

Michael Buck, founding director of the Division of Physical Therapy and an associate professor in the program, greeted attendees and expressed his gratitude to the students’ families and friends for their support.

“The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes the students’ commitment to the noble profession of physical therapy, a profession dedicated to healing, compassion and improving the quality of life for others,” he said. Addressing the students, he added: “Always remember the core values of our profession — integrity, compassion and lifelong learning. Embrace every opportunity in your clinical experiences to grow, to learn and to make a difference in the lives of your patients.”

The future physical therapists also heard from guest speaker Tiffany Larson, a physical therapist with UHS Physical Therapy in Johnson City who also served as an acute-care instructor for some of the DPT students. Larson shared her clinical experiences as a physical therapy student and encouraged the Binghamton students to make the most of their training by remaining open-minded, curious and flexible throughout their clinical training. She urged them to “soak in the experience and learn as much as possible.”

Denise Romano, assistant professor in the DPT program, spoke next and told students, “As we gather here at this White Coat Ceremony, we celebrate not just the donning of your white coats but the leap you are about to take from classroom learning to learning in the dynamic world of clinical practice.”

Romano discussed the transformation she has witnessed in the students’ understanding and abilities in areas such as human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and patient care. She also reflected on the students’ path, highlighting their resilience, determination and growth. Romano urged future physical therapists to embrace the challenges and opportunities of clinical practice with inquisitiveness, empathy and a continuous commitment to learning.

“Your passion, compassion and commitment to providing quality patient care will truly set you apart,” Romano added. “Whether you’re working with athletes recovering from injury, helping stroke survivors regain their independence or supporting individuals managing chronic pain, remember that you have the power to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of your patients.”

It was then time for Buck and Thomas Komor, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy, to present the students with their white coats, each emblazoned with “Binghamton Physical Therapy” on the right and the student’s name on the left. The students donned their coats and posed for a photograph.

Buck congratulated the students and closed the event with some advice: “Put your patients ahead of yourselves; always strive to provide the highest quality care with empathy, compassion and respect. These clinical experiences will test your knowledge, your skills and your resilience, but they will also be your greatest teachers. Embrace every opportunity to learn from each patient.”

On behalf of the students, Abigail Terrill, president of the DPTGSO, shared what the white coats mean to them: “White coats are meant to symbolize the purity of our intentions and purpose in becoming healthcare professionals. Being in the inaugural cohort for this program, receiving this coat is even more meaningful because it’s a capstone to our first year. This ceremony is … an affirmation of all the hard work we’ve done so far in preparation to serve the community.”