I recently had the privilege to offer comments at the High Point University School of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony.

It was a pleasure to speak to such a great group of students as they begin their pharmacy journey. I’m sure years from now they won’t remember my words, but my hope is that they will remember feeling like they made the right decision to join our profession.

As of this very moment, this group of student pharmacists are now are part of a great profession. And being a professional comes with responsibility beyond ourselves. I told the students that their “experiences, values, and choices will shape the practitioner and leader you become. Patients are counting on you!”

As members of the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists, you are an APhA member. If you show up, your involvement with APhA will allow you to develop new skills while establishing a lifelong network of colleagues and mentors.”

To all of the incoming students at the High Point University School of Pharmacy and at schools of pharmacy across the country, welcome to our profession! APhA is here for you! Wear your white coat proudly and always strive for exemplary practice. 

Thank you to President Qubein, Provost Carroll, the Fred Wilson family, Dean Ragan, faculty, administration, students, family, and friends for giving me such a warm reception!