Preceptor Profile - Western University of Health Sciences

White Coat CeremonyWelcomes Class of 2014MEMBERS OF THE WESTERNU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE Class of2014 took their first steps toward a veterinary degree on Aug. 7 duringthe traditional White Coat ceremony. The event, at Bridges Hall of Music inClaremont, followed the Convocation the same day at Ontario ConventionCenter.CVM Dean Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhD, welcomed the assembled faculty,students, family and friends. In his greeting, Vincent J. Naimoli of Tampa,Fla., a member of the WesternU Board of Trustees and father of a CVMstudent, extolled the 105 members of the new class to “do good things”with their veterinary degrees.Keynote speaker Clinton A. Lewis Jr., president of U.S. Operations forPfizer Animal Health, praised the education the studentswere about to receive. He stressed that it takes theright faculty, aswell as therightteachingand learningapproach, forsuccess and thenew class “will join along list of veterinarians who havebenefited” from WesternU. He saidthe WesternU model of problembasedlearning and the teamapproach should be the approach forteaching everywhere.“You have a distinct advantage,” hetold the students.As for practical advice, he offered alist that included:• Place value on communicationand business skills as well asthe clinical aspects.• Learn from the faculty. Talkwith them, explore with them.• Be flexible to new and different career opportunities. Consideremerging markets such as China, Asia and Eastern Europe.• Consider all options beyond private practice, such as food security,bioterrorism, and research.“The white coats symbolize an important step in yourjourney,” Mr. Lewis said.He added that the new class is “extraordinarilyprivileged to attend this wonderful, forward-thinkinguniversity.”Dean Nelson followed up Mr. Lewis’ speech bypresenting him with a plaque honoring his longstandingcommitment and support to veterinary medicine.The students were presented by Associate Dean of Academic Affairs,Teresa Morishita, DVM, PhD, and Josep Rutllant, DVM PhD, Director ofSecond Year Curriculum. Director of First Year Curriculum, John Tegzes,MA, VMD, DABVT, administered the Pledge of Commitment, whileAssociate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Stephen Waldhalm, PhD, DVM, led thefaculty in the Veterinarian’s Oath.In closing, Dean Nelson told the class, “The white coat represents asymbol of trust. There are people who will depend on you.”4