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The white coat ceremony (WCC) is a relatively new ritual in the USA that marks entrance into medical school and more recently also podiatric medical school, dental school, pharmacy school and some allied health professions. It originated in Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993Huber SJ, "The white coat ceremony: a contemporary medical ritual." J Med Ethics 2003;29:364-366. Full Text. and involves a formal "robing" or "cloaking" of incoming medical students (and now other types of students) in (laboratory) white coats, the garb physicians have traditionally worn for over 100 yearsJones VA, "The White Coat: Why not Follow Suit?" JAMA. 1999;281:478. Full Text. and other health professions have adopted.
WCCs typically address the issue of medical ethics and praise the incoming students for their success in gaining admission to medical school, the first step to entering the profession of medicine and often a significant accomplishment. Family and friends are typically invited. Over 100 medical schools in the USA now have a WCC and many students now consider it a rite of passage when entering medicine.
The ritual is thought to reflect the American tradition of pledging allegiance to the flag.Sritharan K et al., "Medical oaths and declarations." BMJ 2001;323:1440-1441. Full Text. According to some, it has taken on a quasi-religious significance, that symbolizes a "conversion" of a lay person into a member of the medical profession and is similar to a priest's oath to priesthood.
The Spread of White Coat Ceremonies
Since starting in the USA, several medical schools in countries outside of the USA (Israel, Canada, UK) have also started holding WCCs. Starting in 1995, US pharmacy schools started holding WCCs. In 2003, a survey found that the majority of US pharmacy schools hold WCCs.Brown DL, Ferrill MJ, Pankaskie MC., "White coat ceremonies in US schools of pharmacy." Ann Pharmacother. 2003 Oct;37(10):1414-9. PMID 14519030.
Criticisms of the White Coat Ceremony
Some have criticized WCCs as events of self-congratulation and self-promotion and have suggested that WCCs underline the significance and power associated with the white coat, while de-emphasizing the responsibilities and obligations of the physicians who wear them. A number of critics believe WCCs create a sense of entitlement to trust and respect that is unhealthy and in turn may foster an elitism that separates patient from care giver.Russell PC., "The White Coat Ceremony: turning trust into entitlement." Teach Learn Med. 2002 Winter;14(1):56-9. PMID 11865752.Veatch RM, "White coat ceremonies: a second opinion." J Med Ethics 2002;28:5-6. Full Text.
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"White coat ceremony"