The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy welcomed the class of Rx2029 to the profession of pharmacy at the annual White Coat Ceremony on May 11, 2026.
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.
Hallman Director Andrea Edginton emceed the event and invited speakers from the Waterloo Pharmacy community and wider organizations to the stage.
“The white coat represents more than just knowledge. It symbolizes trust, responsibility, and the privilege of caring for patients during some of the most important moments of their lives. Looking at the next generation of pharmacists, I’m optimistic about the future of our profession and excited to see the impact these students will have on healthcare and their communities,” says Mike Collins, Rx2011 and 2025 Alumni Achievement Award recipient.
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:
- Jay O’Neill, Registrar & CEO, Ontario College of Pharmacists
- Hitesh Pandya, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Pharmacists Association
- Anthony Amadio, President, CSHP –Ontario Branch, Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacists
- Judy Moussa, President, Society of Pharmacy Students
- Michael Collins, Alumni Achievement Award Recipient, Rx2011
Students were inducted by members of the Waterloo Pharmacy community. This year pharmacists, Waterloo Pharmacy alumni and staff volunteered as robers:
- Cathy Schill, Clinical Pharmacist, Centre for Family Medicine
- Kaitlin Bynkoski, Rx2014, Director of Admissions & Undergraduate Affairs, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
- Michael Collins, Rx2011, Clinical Oncology Pharmacist, WRHN
- Bethany Sundstrom, Rx2025, Clinical Pharmacist, WRHN
- Allen Cheuk-Ho Tam, Rx2021, Clinical Pharmacist, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
- Madeleine Rivard, Rx2023, Pharmacy Practice Research Assistant, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
- Ken Manson, Experiential Co-ordinator, Patient Care Rotations, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
- Melaine Gillison, Clinical Pharmacist, WRHN
The event closed after the students read their pledge of professionalism to the audience as they become the newest members of the Pharmacy profession. Light refreshments followed after the ceremony.
Thank you to all the speakers, alumni, faculty and staff. 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.