WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (September 25, 2025) — On Friday, September 19, the Grand Ballroom of the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines was buzzing with excitement as 457 clinical students from five programs at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences received their white coats during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony.
"The White Coat Ceremony reflects a symbolic entrance into medical school," DMU President and CEO Angela L Walker Franklin PhD, told the students. "You assume not only the responsibilities, but also the obligation that attend to those who choose to provide care to other human beings. To be honorable in all phases of your life, to excel in your academic studies, to be compassionate, to be accountable, to collaborate, and to support a culture of inclusiveness."
The White Coat Ceremony marks the start of a student's medical education toward becoming a compassionate and competent health-care provider. Participating in DMU's ceremony were 62 students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, 45 students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, 66 students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, 56 students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program, and 228 students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
Members from each college took to the stage to share the significance of receiving a white coat and the responsibility that comes with it. Robert Loch PhD, associate dean of clinical and student affairs in the College of Health Sciences, spoke to students about their commitment to compassion, humility and patient-centered care.
"The white coat is a promise - to listen before you speak, to serve before you lead, to care before you cure," Loch said.
Kevin Smith DPM PhD MS FACFAS, Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, told students that their white coats symbolize responsibility, but true greatness in medicine comes from compassion, integrity, and the way providers care for others.
"Your white coat is a symbol of responsibility, of trust and of service," Smith said. "Your white coat does not make you a healer — your actions do. The way you speak to a worried patient, the patience you show an elderly patient, the courage you summon in a moment of crisis — these are the true markers of greatness."
David Connett DO FACOFP (dist), Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, reminded students of the responsibility and purpose that comes with wearing a white coat.
"Your white coat is not merely a symbol; it embodies humanism, compassion, and service, values that you already exemplify and should continue to uphold."
The ceremony concluded with the three deans leading students in reciting the White Coat Ceremony Student Oath. During this oath, students pledge their efforts "will be focused on the ultimate goal of serving future patients."
The students' white coats were provided by an endowed fund established by DMU graduates Maurice Schwartz, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1933, and Elliott Schwartz, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1973, as well as by donations from other alumni and friends.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers ten graduate-level professional-degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health-care administration, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician-assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' scores on national examinations, pass-rates on board certifications, and match-rates for medical residency programs are consistently higher than national averages and rates at peer institutions.
