UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2016 honored with White Coat Ceremony

The Department of Physical Therapy in the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions conducted its White Coat Ceremony for program participants entering their third and final year on December 1, 2015.  Members of the Class of 2016 gathered with faculty, friends and family to celebrate their many academic, scholarship and service accomplishments.

The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a lifelong professional and educational journey. A traditional symbol of compassion and professional training, the white coat represents clinical excellence and serves to remind us of the privileges and duties of physical therapists and the responsibilities they have in service to the public. 

The event featured remarks by Michael Sheldon, P.T., Ph.D., associate professor and program director, as well as Bethanny Araujo ’16, student physical therapist.  Following the remarks, Sheldon and Erin Hartigan, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., O.C.S., A.T.C., assistant professor, presented white coats to the students. The ceremony closed with the Class of 2016 reciting the Professional Oath for Physical Therapists.