"The White Coat Ceremony is a 'rite of passage' for students beginning the study of medicine that encourages a psychological contract for the professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine. The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient.
The white coat is a symbolic, no-verbal communication used to express and reaffirm a fundamental belief in a system that society observes. The authority of dress is serious and purposeful, not social, casual, or random. It is a guide to both the patient and clinician on how to react and relate to one another.
The dress of the healers in primitive societies was an important part of the paraphernalia of their healing. The uniform should convey to even the most anxious patient a sense of seriousness and purpose that helps provide reassurance and confidence that his/her complaints will be dealt with competently and seriously. The white coat is the cloak of compassion."

The White Coat

Most medical and dental schools have their White Coat Ceremony along with their orientation the first year of their doctorate program. However, in Pacific University's School of Optometry, they do not award the White Coat until after the successful completion of the first two years. Students are then advanced to the position of Intern and begin treating patients in Clinic. Brandon received his White Coat last night, May 10th 2010, and is now an official 3rd year Intern in Pacific University's School of Optometry.

Brandon receiving his White Coat.

The Class of 2012!!! (Brandon is in the back row...1 of 91 students in his class.)

Brandon with parents, Ben and Tina.

Brandon with grandparents/Pop & Gram, and parents.

We are SO GLAD you guys could come and celebrate this HUGE achievement with us. We loved having you!

Brandon with Gram and Pop.

The "OPTOMETRIC INTERN"

Brandon is one of 9 LDS students in his class. Here are the nine...these guys spend LOTS of time together studying (and playing) together.

The nine guys and their wives...(these girls have been my sanity during the last two years! Thank heaven for so many good friends!)

Brandon and the kiddos after the ceremony. We left them with some friends (THANKS MOLLY AND SHANNON!) during the ceremony, but they got to go to dinner with us afterwards to CeLeBrAtE some more. :)

Our Family

...my bum is stickin' out a. lot. because my 9 month belly keeps me from tucking my legs in any further...

I cannot even put into words how proud I am of Brandon. He is such a dedicated, hard working student. He has done a wonderful job of balancing school and family over the last two GRUELING years and has truly earned this 'rite of passage' or significant achievement of the

WHITE COAT!