New PT students put on white coats

Brad Dexter, center, is congratulated on receiving his white coat by his wife, Stephanie Dexter, and brother-in-law, Zachary Walz.

First-year physical therapy education students stop for group picture following Friday’s white-coat ceremony.

PT student Brianne Walbrecht, second from left, with her husband Frank Walbrecht, left, and her parents, John and Deb Flor, at Friday’s PT white coat ceremony.

Gilbert “Gib” Willet, Ph.D., interim director of the UNMC PT education program, shakes hands with Anna Budziszewska after she received her white coat.

Forty-two first-year physical therapy (PT) students donned white coats on Friday, marking one of their symbolic first steps into the profession.

Before they received their coats, the students listened to Natalie Harms, director of rehabilitation at Creighton University Medical Center and a 1993 graduate of the UNMC PT program, as she described some of the responsibilities and rewards of the PT profession.

To fully enjoy their careers, Harms said, the students will need to develop a strong sense of professionalism.

Professionalism, Harms said, is a trait acquired over time and is composed of three main principles — respect, integrity and character.

“You don’t get professionalism by walking across this stage today,” Harms said. “We must choose to do the right things.”

To see examples of professionalism, Harms said, the students need only look at their professors and instructors on the UNMC PT faculty.

“They are some of the most respected and respectful faculty members in the nation,” Harms said. “Learn from them, allow them to shape who you are.”

After Harms’ speech, the students received their white coats and took the “Pledge for Physical Therapy,” during which they accepted the responsibilities that are charged to physical therapy professionals.

For the third year, the UNMC Physical Therapy Alumni Chapter sponsored the white coat ceremony.

Inside a pocket of their white coats, students found the name of a person who sponsored the coat.

Forty-seven alumni and faculty members from nine different states including South Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Wisconsin and Nebraska, contributed sponsorships, said Roxanna Jokela, interim director of the UNMC Alumni Relations office.

“I thank our alumni for participating in this program and I wholly encourage our students to contact those who sponsored their coats to thank them, too,” Jokela said. “I’m sure it will be an educational experience and an invaluable opportunity to build important professional networks.”