White coat ceremony held for Physical Therapy Class of 2017

Physical Therapy Class of 2017 receiving their white coats
Physical Therapy Class of 2017 receiving their white coats

The Department of Physical Therapy in the 51Æ·²è’s Westbrook College of Health Professions conducted its White Coat Ceremony for program participants in their second year on January 13, 2016. Members of the Class of 2017 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, Dean Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA, Dean of Westbrook College of Health Professions, as well as Matthew D’Elia ’17, student physical therapist.  Following the remarks, Amy Litterini P.T., D.P.T., assistant clinical professor and J. Adrienne McAuley P.T., D.P.T., MEd, OCS, FAAOMPT, assistant clinical professor, presented white coats to the students. The ceremony closed with the Class of 2017 reciting the Professional Oath for Physical Therapists.

51Æ·²è the 51Æ·²è

The 51Æ·²è is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.