HPU’s First Biomedical Science Students Presented with Laboratory White Coats
On Jan. 5, the graduate students took part in the Celebration of Distinction ceremony, which recognized them as future members of the scientific or medical training community. Pictured from left are Gabrielle Ryan, Shelby McCook, Blair Cloutier, Faith Wheeler and Jessie Nouman.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 2, 2023 – High Point University’s inaugural cohort of biomedical science students are leading the way for the new program in the Congdon School of Health Sciences. On Jan. 5, the five graduate students took part in the Celebration of Distinction ceremony, which recognized them as future members of the scientific or medical training community.
“Being a student in the first cohort of the biomedical sciences program is a blessing and honor,” said Gabrielle Ryan, a member of the inaugural cohort from Durham, North Carolina. “I am applying to nursing school, and this program at HPU has helped solidify my next steps through the different medicine-based courses I’ve taken and clinical skills I’ve developed.”
Family members and friends of the students were invited to be part of the ceremony by helping them put on the white coat, which was a meaningful way to show support for their student as they take the next steps in their education.
“Donning the inaugural cohort with their white coat outwardly recognizes student readiness to move forward in their next career steps, but also symbolizes our internal biomedical sciences culture of grit, resilience, advocacy, mentorship and vision,” said Dr. Kristin Ackerman, founding director for the Master of Biomedical Sciences program. “I am proud of the cultural foundation, hard work, sacrifices and dedication this group has displayed in laying the groundwork for all future cohorts. We have cultivated a group of young women with bright futures in health care.”
This event marked a new chapter for the students as they are now entering the experiential learning components of their training, either in a clinical setting as a health care provider or in research. Part of the program is also completing a capstone project.
Jessie Nouman, a member of the inaugural class from Coventry, Rhode Island, will work with the Piedmont Triad Ambulance & Rescue (PTAR) as a third rider for her clinical training this semester. Ryan will focus her capstone on the mental well-being of emergency medical services and trauma nurses and their coping mechanisms.
“My goal is to spread awareness to the next generation of health care workers about positive ways to cope with the stressors of work,” added Ryan. “Having the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing program has built my confidence in the classroom on a graduate level and has exposed me to various health care professions as well. Dr. Ackerman has truly impacted my personal and academic life in a positive way, and I hope to someday do the same for others.”
About the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program:
The innovative program provides advancement to students in the research and biomedical fields. While at HPU, students are learning the basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology, and statistics. Students are navigating an increasingly collaborative and integrated science environment to ultimately address the changing needs in scientific discovery, research and patient-centered care.
Nouman says the Master of Biomedical Sciences program is preparing her for the next steps in her career by providing the resources and opportunities at HPU. She also has a small part in shaping the education for future students who enter this program.
“Being a member of the inaugural class for this program has truly been such an honor,” said Nouman. “Dr. Ackerman selected us all because she could see the potential for our futures, and this program has shown me that I can accomplish my goals and lifelong dreams. The upcoming clinical experience also requires a capstone assignment, which will require me to create case studies for members of future cohorts to utilize in their studies.”
About the White Coat Ceremony:
The white coat, worn by medical professionals, is often seen as a symbol of authority, purity, professionalism, caring and trust. Since its inception in 1993, the White Coat Ceremony has become a national and international phenomenon among medical schools. The ceremony was designed to welcome new medical students into the medical profession and alert beginning students to the need to balance excellence in science with compassionate patient care. It has since been adopted by hundreds of colleges and universities involved in the education and training of a variety of health and medical professions, including the physician assistant.