Save the Date

Saturday, August 15, 2009

2:00 p.m.

The Convocation/White Coat Ceremony is held each year to welcome the OU-COM entering class. This program is by invitation only and is limited to members of the class and their guests, and to OU-COM faculty, staff, alumni and their guests. During Convocation, members of the new class are introduced and presented with a white coat. Also at this event, the college awards its highest honor, the Phillips Medals of Public Service, to individuals who embody excellence in osteopathic family practice, osteopathic hospital administration and public policy leadership.

The 2009 Convocation of Welcome is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2009. The Convocation begins at 2:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following the ceremony.

As part of the rich history and tradition of OU-COM, you will be introduced and presented with the traditional “white coat” by an OU-COM faculty member. The coat is a symbol of your entrance into the osteopathic medical profession. The  faculty member will assist you as you don your white coat, symbolizing the commitment of the college and the osteopathic profession to your medical education and career. Most students wish to be a part of this program. Attendance is not mandatory; however, your name will be called whether or not you are present.

Invitations are sent to the entering class, their parents and their honored guests.

You will receive a formal postcard invitation to this event in July.

The white coat is a gift from the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation. It is a token of appreciation and encouragement from members of the osteopathic profession – your mentors and future colleagues. The coat represents your entrance into this community of osteopathic healers. You will be required to wear your coat during your clinical assignments, which will begin almost immediately.

If you have not had a white coat fitting, you stop by Carol Blue's office in Grosvenor Hall 209 to try on a sample coat.  Additionally, you can purchase an extra white coat at Follett’s University Bookstore (740-593-5547) for $21.00, which do not include patches.                         

For white coat or Convocation assistance, you may contact Carol Blue in the Dean's Office at 740-593-2178 or by e-mail: blue@ohio.edu.

More information regarding PreCOM can be found here, or call the Admissions Office at 1-800-345-1560.