WHITE COAT CEREMONIES

A Tradition Returns

The treasured tradition of the annual white coat ceremony—marking the beginning of Doctor of Pharmacy students’ journey to joining the profession—returned to campus with a dual celebration for the classes of 2024 and 2025 in August.

The event was particularly poignant for the 181 members of the Class of 2024, who are entering their second year of the program but their first on campus. Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos thanked the students for their leadership and vision during a time of uncertainty and hardship.

Looking to the Future

The prominent role of pharmacists in the city and across the nation inspired many of the 192 members of the Class of 2025 to enter pharmacy school. Papadopoulos told the incoming class, “You have made a wise decision to study at a leading research university and at a school that is redefining the role of the pharmacist.”

At the morning ceremony for the Class of 2025, clinical pharmacist Komal Patel, PharmD ’04—who leads clinical product development at health technology company Catalia Health—served as alumni keynote speaker.

“Your career and your future are not bound by traditional norms,” Patel said. “Explore ideas on how to innovate pharmacy practice.”

Michael Pazirandeh, PharmD ’11, senior clinical value and outcomes liaison at Seattle Genetics, provided the afternoon’s alumni keynote address to the Class of 2024.

“During the city’s darkest COVID hour, you answered the call,” Pazirandeh said. “You volunteered at vaccine clinics in record numbers. You literally saved lives.”

A Family Affair—In Person

“I’m a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a doctorate,” said second-year student Gilberto Peña. “Having my family out in the stands, them being able to see my accomplishments, it just means a lot to me.”

Kathryn Perkins, whose parents traveled from Washington state for the ceremony while her grandparents watched from Southern Oregon via livestream, said she was thrilled to spend time with her classmates in person, after initially meeting online and then volunteering at vaccine clinics last semester. “Now it’s like a reunion,” she said.

Second-year student Ieeshia Otarola said the in-person rite of passage was all the more meaningful after missing college graduation in spring 2020. “My grandmother and my sister flew in from Costa Rica just for this moment, so it really means a lot to me,” Otarola said.

“Today means a clean slate, a new start,” second-year student Jason Jang said. “I have this fire in my heart. Now is the moment we’re starting our journey of becoming a pharmacist.”

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

Congratulations on your White Coat Ceremony!

You have chosen a great profession. As you start your first step, remember it is a privilege to help people. Wear your coat proudly and with humility. You will do good things for many people.

Enjoy the journey, and best of luck!

Lauren Kim, PharmD 1996

University of Southern California

Students each received a note from an alumnus encouraging them on their journey to becoming a pharmacist.