Winter 2012 - College of Dental Medicine - Columbia University

Transitional and Traditional Ceremonies
Held for First and Third-Year Classes
On June 25, the Class of 2014 was welcomed into
the "practice" of oral health care at CDM's annual
Clinician Ceremony. Marking their completion of
the biomedical core curriculum and preclinical
laboratory work, the ceremony celebrates the
students' transition into the clinic, where they will
learn the responsibilities of providing comprehensive
care for their patients.
Interim Dean Ronnie Myers helps Jessica Hsu don her professional
white coat.
On August 13, members of the entering Class of
2016 were greeted at the College's annual White
Coat Ceremony where clinical faculty assisted them
in donning the white coats they will wear during
their years at CDM.The coats symbolize entry into
the profession and represent a contract of trust
between doctor and patient. The students were reminded
of Hippocrates' ancient charge to those delivering medical
services: "Primum non nocere"- "First, do no harm."
34 primus | winter 2012-13