White Coat Ceremony Marks Early Milestone for New PharmD Students

UMSOP welcomes the Class of 2029 with a ceremony highlighting compassion, professionalism, and the essential role of pharmacists in modern health care.

Chyna Smith, first year student pharmacist, wearing a white coat at the ceremony, with Kathryn Walker and Jace Jones behind her

By Pam Carder
September 19, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) formally welcomed its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Class of 2029 during the annual White Coat Ceremony, held Sept. 12 in Baltimore.

The ceremony, a pivotal rite of passage for aspiring pharmacists, marks the beginning of their professional journey and affirms their commitment to patient care, ethics, and lifelong learning. Students were joined by faculty, alumni, preceptors, and family members to witness the milestone.

In opening remarks, Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences (PSC), emphasized the pharmacist’s critical role in today’s health care landscape.

“Your PharmD degree will allow you to practice in one of the most important and rewarding health care professions,” said Michel. “Pharmacists are medication experts, educators, immunizers, and trusted caregivers – often the most accessible member of the health care team.”

She highlighted the value of professionalism, urging students to carry it with them each time they wear their white coat.

“Professionalism is the cornerstone of the pharmacy profession. When you put on your white coat, you are a pharmacist in training. Think carefully about how you will treat your patients, their families, and your colleagues,” said Michel.

White Coat as Symbol of Trust, Advocacy, and Responsibility

Jasmine M. Ebron, PharmD ’16, BCACP, a clinical pharmacy specialist in pain management at Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, delivered the keynote address. Ebron works as part of an interdisciplinary team specializing in chronic pain patients who also live with opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders.

She shared reflections from her own journey and encouraged students to think deeply about the meaning behind their white coats. “You’ve already accomplished something extraordinary,” Ebron said. “But every time you put on your white coat, I want you to understand the responsibility that comes with this great honor.”

She walked students through a preview of the Oath of a Pharmacist, recited at graduation, asking them to picture real-world patients they will one day serve – those living with chronic disease, those marginalized by the health care system, and those looking to their pharmacist for empathy, expertise, and hope.

“That white coat is more than fabric,” said Ebron. “It is a symbol of trust, of compassion, and a lifelong commitment to the welfare of others.”

Presentation of Coats and Pledge

Students received their white coats from Michel, assisted by Danya Qato, PhD, PharmD, MPH, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR) and Class of 2029 adviser. Additional presenters included:

Arthur J. Pasqualini, Class of 2027 and president of the Student Government Association
Jace Jones, PhD, associate professor of PSC
Kathryn Walker, PharmD, BCPS, CPE, associate professor of P-SHOR

Kristine Parbuoni, PharmD, BCPPS, assistant dean for PharmD student life and student success and associate professor of P-SHOR, led students in reciting the Pledge of Professionalism, a commitment to ethical behavior and patient-centered care.

First-year student pharmacist Dev Mali reflected on what the day meant to him and his family:

“As a first-gen student entering pharmacy school, this means so much to me,” he said. “I was born in India and came to the U.S. to pursue my education. I completed my undergraduate degree in biology in just three years. Being accepted into pharmacy school is a major accomplishment – not just for me, but for my parents as well.”

Michel offered a forward-looking message, encouraging students to see themselves as part of a greater legacy. “Our Maryland alumni are leaders — in community practice, research, advocacy, the pharmaceutical industry, and beyond,” she said. “Today marks your first step toward joining them.”

View the full album on Flickr.