Special to the Times Vedette
Morgan Johnk, from Panora, was one of 438 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs to receive their white coat during the university’s annual White Coat Ceremony Friday, Sept. 13.
“As you don your white coat today, you assume not only the responsibilities, but also the obligation that attend to those who choose to provide care to other human beings,” said Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of DMU. “These obligations include to be honorable in all phases of your life, to excel in your academic studies and training, to be compassionate, to be accountable, to collaborate with others as an interprofessional team member and to support a culture of inclusiveness.”
The White Coat Ceremony is the true start of a student’s medical education to becoming a compassionate and competent health care provider. Participating in DMU’s ceremony were 63 students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, 25 students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and 66 Doctor of Physical Therapy program, 51 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program, and 233 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Johnk is part of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Located in West Des Moines, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers 10 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.