News
White Coat Ceremony Welcomes New Students
09/20/11
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—On Monday September 5, 2011, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine welcomed its newest students during the school’s White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony symbolizes the importance of professionalism and ethical values as key elements in becoming a veterinarian and represents the beginning of the students’ journey into their veterinary education.
Guy St. Jean, DVM, associate dean for Academic Affairs welcomed the students and reminded them of the variety of things the students could do with their veterinary degree. “You have a bright future with many opportunities, keep your options open, consider all of the different industries and learn more about each of them during your studies.”
Keynote speaker, Cindy Lichty, DVM ’02, manager of Field Veterinary Services at Merial Limited Western Carolina District, echoed that sentiment. Encouraging the students to consider learning about the different species and look at the various careers such as government, education, diagnostic work and consultation. She also provided words of wisdom and urged them to take advantage of each day.
“Enjoy your experience of life on the island, take advantage of every opportunity…and enjoy the days that are easy, but don’t forget about the hard days, as that is when you learn the most,” said Lichty.
Interim dean, Gilbert Burns, DVM, 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. The ceremony closed, just after the students took the Veterinary Student Oath, during which students pledge to be responsible students and veterinarians.
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.
