Kerrville, TX – Schreiner University Nursing program hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage to emphasize the importance of compassionate patient care at the very start of training. The ceremony was where new Schreiner University Nursing students recited an oath to patient care.

“This was an amazing event and a wonderful way to start the new semester,” said Dr. Wanda Sparks, Nursing Program Director for Schreiner University. Students came forward during the ceremony to be “cloaked” by faculty members before family and friends in the iconic white coat that signifies their status as healthcare professionals.

Schreiner University Nursing students participating in the ceremony were: Sydney Aguilar (San Antonio, TX), Aleyah Barbour (Kingsville, TX), Lauren Burge (Kerrville, TX), Stephanie Coker (Fair Oaks, CA), Meagan Collazo (Kerrville, TX), Bryana De Aguiar (Kealakekua, HI), Monica Fields (Ingram, TX), Rebecca Gownley (Houston, TX), Alex Guerrero (Magnolia, TX), Andrew Hartig (Comfort, TX), Catherine Henriquez (San Antonio, TX), Carlee Igau (Leander, TX), Madison Morgan (Liberty Hill, TX), Haley Nerios (San Antonio, TX), Harley Norton (San Antonio, TX), Gianni Oyadomari (Kapolei, HI), Christopher Pacheco (Robstown, TX), Kayla Pacheco (Alice, TX), Morgan Penticoff (Rancho Viejo, TX), Jolee Perkins (Canyon Lake, TX), Emma Petri (Corpus Christi, TX), Jessica Simon (Laramie, WY), Mirando Spires (Kerrville, TX) and Cassandra Townsend (League City, TX).

The White Coat Ceremony was initiated in 1993 at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons by Arnold P. Gold, MD, who was a professor and pediatric neurologist. Dr. Gold, a passionate advocate for humanistic healthcare, believed that the oath taken by new physicians at the end of medical school came too late. Through the nonprofit organization that he and his wife, Dr. Sandra Gold, started, The Arnold P. Gold Foundation has expanded the White Coat Ceremony around the globe.