Rx2026 welcomed to profession at White Coat Ceremony

On May 15, Waterloo Pharmacy welcomed their newest cohort to the profession of pharmacy at the White Coat Ceremony.

The white coat tradition stems from the medical school’s ceremonies and has become a symbol for many medical profession programs. Our students are inducted into the pharmacy profession by receiving their white coat from practicing pharmacists and swearing a pledge of professionalism.

Rx2026 White Coat Ceremony

Hallman Director Andrea Edington emceed the event and invited speakers from the Waterloo Pharmacy community and wider organizations to the stage.

“Rx2026, this White Coat Ceremony represents the beginning of your career as a pharmacist and serves as a rite of passage that signifies your professional duty to your patients, to yourself and to your chosen profession,” says Edginton.

Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director

Accepting the white coat is a symbol of the trust patients place in the hands of medical professionals. Our students take on the responsibility that comes with this trust.

The event’s speakers included:

• Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy (MC)
• Monica Barra, Associate Dean of Science, Undergraduate Studies
• James Morrison, Chair of the Board of Directors, Ontario College of Pharmacists
• Jen Belcher, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Member Relations, Ontario Pharmacists’ Association
• David Liu, President, CSHP- Ontario Branch, Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
• Rita Dhami, Director of Professional Affairs, Canadian Pharmacists Association
• Robyn McArthur, Waterloo Pharmacy Alumni
• Kia Moazzami, President, Society of Pharmacy Students (SOPhs)
• Kaitlin Bynkoski, Director of Admissions & Undergraduate Affairs

Students were inducted by members of the Waterloo Pharmacy community. This year’s alumni, faculty and staff volunteered as robers:

• Robyn McArthur – Rx2013
• Joe Neureuther – Rx2018
• Khrystine Waked – Rx2018
• Kris Mendoza – Rx2019
• Kaitlin Bynkoski – Rx2014
• Kristina Kozlovsky – Rx2018
• Sherry Peister
• Ken Manson

Thank you to all the speakers, alumni, faculty and staff who helped bring this event to fruition. We are also thankful to the parents, friends and family members who attended and supported their students.

This event was made possible with the support of the Ontario Pharmacists Association.