News
White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Students and Professionalism
05/18/11
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—On Monday May 9, 2011 the class of 2014 was officially welcomed to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine during the school’s White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony marks the beginning of the student experience as they begin their journey in veterinary medicine. The ceremony symbolizes the importance of professionalism and ethical values as key elements in becoming a veterinarian.
Interim dean, Gilbert Burns, DVM, welcomed the class of 2014 to Ross University and explained the significance of the white coat, indicating it is a symbol of integrity. Students were presented with a white lab coat with the RUSVM logo on the lapel during the event.
Guy St. Jean, DVM, associate dean for academic affairs proudly introduced a former student, keynote speaker, Dana Dobbs, DVM ’06. Dobbs recalled fondly of her time both at RUSVM and living in St. Kitts. Dobbs spoke of life balance and the importance of taking care of your self physically, spiritually and mentally, not just as a student, but also in life.
“You have to remember to take care of yourself, because if you don’t take care of yourself how are you going to take care of your patients? Remember to spend time with loved ones and get to know St. Kitts,” said Dobbs
Dobbs always strived to be three things in her life—a veterinarian, a police office and a Soldier—and she has been able to do just that. From her experience in Law Enforcement and her time as an officer in the military, she has gained an overall general knowledge base. She ultimately realized her calling was in veterinary medicine at the advice of a friend she applied to RUSVM. Ross University provided her with an opportunity, which changed her life. She has been able to couple her career goals in life and her military experience with her love for animals by caring for military dogs. This year marks her 23rd year of service with the Army National Guard and Reserves. Currently, Dobbs works for the Washington State Department of Agriculture as a field veterinarian.
Reflecting on her current career she closed with a slideshow of some memorable moments at RUSVM. She contacted members of e RUSVM alumni community to contribute photos which journal their unique perspectives and current careers. She ended with a quote by Warren Buffett “Do something that if you had all the money in the world, you'd still be doing it. You've got to have a reason to jump out of bed in the morning."
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, West Indies, the School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program (AVMA COE, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-925-8070). The School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu.
