Vet students partake in Australia's first White Coat Ceremony
Press release
21July 2008
A group of third-year veterinary students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science made history on Sunday 20 July, as they took part in Australia’s first White Coat Ceremony, an important step in becoming a qualified veterinarian.
The ceremony, held at the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, celebrated the transition of veterinary students from detached observers of animal health and disease in the classroom to individuals actively involved in the management of the health and well-being of animals in a clinical setting.
In front of over 200 guests, including friends, family and staff members, the third-year veterinary students individually received a white coat – the symbolic representation of becoming a healer.
Professor Ken Hinchcliff, Dean at the Faculty said: “We have introduced this new ceremony, as we feel it is essential to impress upon, and celebrate the important transition that our veterinary students make in the third year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree. This pivotal juncture in the lives of our students requires a change in attitude from that of an observer to that of an active carer.
“The ceremony also emphasises the significance of the veterinary-patient-client relationship, and the increasing recognition by the student of the veterinarian’s place in the profession, and in society.”
Matt Pascall, 23, who is undertaking the final two years of the program at the state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Werribee said: “I am looking forward to applying the knowledge we have accumulated in the course so far, to actively ensure the well-being of our animal patients.
“Working in the clinic will be a fantastic opportunity to further develop our clinical skills whilst actively providing the best possible care we can for the animals.”
Guest speakers at the momentous occasion included Mr Ian Renard, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Dr Roslyn Nichol, President of the Australian Veterinary Association (Victorian division), Dr Peter Cullen, President of the Melbourne University Veterinary Society and Dr Leigh Coghlan, President of the Victorian Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria.
The crested white coats that were presented to the students were kindly sponsored by the Australian Veterinary Association.
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au