Incoming students receive white coats

Shikhar Saxena signs a pledge at the College of Medicine White Coat ceremony.

At the College of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 20, students beginning their pharmacy studies were told that integrity and making the right choices should be atop their lists as they embark on becoming a health-care professional.

A similar message was given Aug. 22 to 119 College of Medicine students and 45 new dental students and 24 dental hygiene students in the College of Dentistry during their respective White Coat ceremonies.

During each ceremony, the incoming students received their white coats, a symbol of the students’ entry into their respective health profession, and took a Pledge of Professionalism.

Cassandra Engel of Kearney is among the first-year pharmacy students. She is pictured with her husband, Tanner.

Integrity in actions

Donna Soflin, a 1975 graduate of the College of Pharmacy, told the 64 students in the Class of 2007 that integrity is developed via their actions, over time, in all aspects of their lives. That development, she said, involves listening to “that little voice inside that has the halo, not the one that carries the pitchfork.”

“Integrity is what you do that makes people respect and trust you,” said Soflin, a hospital pharmacist in Lexington. “It should be first on your list.”

Dental students

As an undergraduate, Will Dabbert turned down an offer from an Ivy League school to walk-on as a football player at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Today, the 6-foot-4, former tight end is anxious for a new challenge: dental school.

Monique Dana receives her white coat from College of Dentistry Dean John Reinhardt, D.D.S.

“I’m kind of overwhelmed and excited at the same time,” he said last week. “I’m staring down at a lot of work, but I’m really excited after meeting everyone. I look forward to starting a new adventure here.”

This year, it was Monique Dana’s turn to enter the UNMC College of Dentistry. Dana is the youngest of six children, four of whom are in the dental profession — a father, brother, sister who’s a hygienist and another who’s a third-year dental student at UNMC.

“I kind of know what to expect,” she said. “I have a lot of support.”

Medical student Gene Hauck with his wife, Valorie, and newborn daughter, Ella Grace.

Medical students

Only five days old, Gene Hauck’s daughter Ella Grace watched Aug. 22 as her daddy donned his white coat to embark on a medical career. The tiny bundle, weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces, arrived Aug. 18, forcing the first-year medical student to miss part of new student orientation. “I was a little late,” he said.

Samantha Hohensee studied French at the Sorbonne and worked at IBM for 1 1/2 years before deciding to study medicine at UNMC, where her father, Allen, graduated in 1970. The 25-year-old doesn’t shy away from challenges. She completed three triathlons this summer and an Ironman competition last year.

College of Dentistry student Al Burns receives his white coat.

Incoming College of Pharmacy student Carrie McGinness of Fremont was joined at the White Coat Ceremony by her parents, Joy and Bill.

Four College of Medicine faculty members — James Armitage, M.D., Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D., Jean Saigh, M.D., and Steven Black, M.D. — watched as their children began their medical school careers.

Editor’s Note: UNMC’s physician assistant program will conduct its White Coat ceremony on Sept. 3. Watch UNMC Today for details.