SLU Program in Physical Therapy Class of 2028 celebrates White Coat Ceremony

SLU Program in Physical Therapy Class of 2028 celebrates White Coat Ceremony

The Saint Louis University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2028 recently celebrated its initiation into the professional phase of the program by hosting a white coat ceremony.

The ceremony took place at Saint Francis Xavier College Church during SLU's Homecoming and Family Weekend and celebrated more than 80 students advancing to the professional phase of the program.

The white coat ceremony included an address from the nominated student speaker from the DPT Class of 2026, Melissa Pool. Additionally, the Florence Kendall Service Award was presented to alum Ryan Wood, DPT.

The students from the DPT Class of 2028 were presented their white coats by students from the DPT Class of 2026, who are in their third and final professional year of the program.

Pool, the student speaker for the ceremony and one of the DPT Class of 2026 students who presented the white coats, discussed how much of an honor it was address the DPT Class of 2028 and to help them recognize their accomplishments.

Pool also said it was meaningful it was to have an alum like Wood speak to the Class of 2028 about his advocacy with the non-profit arm of his private practice at Forefront Therapy in Evansville, Indiana.

Chris Sebelski, Ph.D., DPT, Physical Therapy and Athletic Training department chair, said the ceremony is not only intended as a celebration of student accomplishments, but also as a meaningful and symbolic event.

"There is an intentional welcoming to the profession by the DPT students who 'coat' the PY1students and through the nominated speakers," Sebelski said. "For those physical therapists in attendance, it is a moment of renewal that strengthens our passion for the profession and the patients we serve."