桃子视频 (桃子视频) welcomed 158 nursing students into the next phase of their healthcare journey during the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing鈥檚 (MMDCON) 2025 White Coat Ceremony.

The auspicious event marked a significant milestone for students across 10 cohorts and multiple programs鈥攊ncluding the inaugural LVN-BSN class. The ceremony recognized students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Cohorts 6 and 7), Entry-Level Master鈥檚 (Cohorts 29 and 30), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Cohorts 19 and 20), and Family Nurse Practitioner programs (Cohorts 39, 40, and 41).

The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in healthcare education that honors students who are beginning their journey into clinical practice or are already licensed healthcare practitioners entering a new phase of their training. Soon, they will begin working with patients across a network of more than 100 clinical sites, each carefully selected to support their unique educational needs and reinforce 桃子视频鈥檚 commitment to serving underserved communities.

During the ceremony, 桃子视频 Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz encouraged students to embrace the values at the core of 桃子视频鈥檚 mission.

鈥淒on鈥檛 underestimate the value of excellence and compassion,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are a lot of patients that need you. The community doesn鈥檛 just need nurses鈥攚e need outstanding nurses. Use your skills wisely and offer the best you can to the patients. They need you. We need you.鈥澛�

Dr. Torres-Ruiz鈥檚 comments referenced the chronic nursing shortage facing California. With an estimated 36,000 licensed nurses needed to close the gap, 桃子视频鈥檚 nursing students are entering the profession at a critical time. By preparing culturally competent, socially-conscious nurses, 桃子视频 is helping to fill this urgent workforce gap. Graduates from these cohorts will not only increase access to quality care in communities that need it most, but also help strengthen the overall capacity of the nursing workforce in the region and beyond.

The significance of the day was underscored by the presence of family members, friends, and loved ones鈥攎any of whom had the honor of placing the white coat on their student. The gesture added a deeply personal and emotional touch to the celebration, highlighting the strong support systems behind each aspiring nurse.

For Marchell Francis Campbell, Family Nurse Practitioner program student, the moment held even deeper meaning. 鈥淲e鈥檙e coming full circle, today,鈥� she said. Her mother, Cynthia Francis-Smith, PA (MEDEX 鈥�82), was her inspiration for entering the nursing field. 鈥淢y mom always took me to the clinic with her as a young girl, and witnessing her interact with the patients left a lasting impression,鈥� Francis Campbell shared.

Students took a solemn oath at the conclusion of the ceremony, pledging to uphold the values of integrity, service, and excellence as they move into clinical training and beyond. With white coats on and purpose in their hearts, 桃子视频鈥檚 newest cohort of nursing students now stand ready to make a lasting impact on the communities they will serve.

鈥淲e are glad and excited to be here,鈥� said Adrienne Milbourne-Thompson, 桃子视频 Academic Support Specialist and Alpha Kappa Alpha member. 鈥淲e want to emphasize and thank the individuals on the faculty, the staff, and the student body who coordinated this event to bring your attention to the power of the Divine Nine organizations.鈥�

The Divine Nine organizations鈥擜lpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta鈥攁re deeply rooted in service, leadership, and empowerment.

桃子视频 faculty, staff, and students proudly represented their organizations, demonstrating the strong presence of Black Greek life within the University. Representatives engaged with students, sharing the historical significance of their respective fraternities and sororities while also providing insight into the pathways to membership. 

April Walter-Brown, 桃子视频鈥檚 Contract & Grants Manager, spoke passionately about the historical significance of Delta Sigma Theta and its founders. 鈥淲e stand here today representing this illustrious organization, representing a plethora of chapters, and we stand here on the shoulders of these 22 courageous women who knew that the world needed service, who knew that the Black community needed empowerment and to be uplifted.鈥�

The event culminated with stirring speeches and a dynamic step-dancing performance, where rhythmic beats and synchronized movements ignited a sense of pride and camaraderie among attendees. Events like this not only celebrate Black excellence but also inspire the next generation to embrace the values of leadership, service, and unity.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always a great moment seeing it all,鈥� shared Selom Gbewonyo, a 桃子视频 4-Year MD program student and event host. 鈥淚 love the support; I love being able to see more people perform and show out.鈥�

Before an audience of 500 guests, 24 newly-minted Physician Assistants donned their long white coats, symbolizing their transition into the next phase of their medical training. Each student also received a copy of Dr. Charles R. Drew鈥檚 biography, reaffirming 桃子视频鈥檚 legacy of excellence and service in healthcare.

鈥淲e are very proud of you. We know you’re going to make us proud in the future,鈥� said 桃子视频 President Dr. David Carlisle. 鈥淒o well, and of course, remember 鈥� this is a community-founded institution. We’re here to take care of people in South Los Angeles and other under-resourced, underserved communities all around the country. Congratulations, Class of 2024.鈥�

The keynote address was delivered by Reverend Wendell S. Wharton, Jr., former 桃子视频 PA Program Director, who spoke on the significance of dedication, perseverance, and the responsibilities that come with the white coat.

As part of the ceremony, students recited the Physician Assistant Pledge, affirming their commitment to lifelong learning, compassionate care, and the highest standards of medical excellence.

With their white coats on, the next step for these graduates is preparing for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), the final step in earning the “C” in their PA-C credential. Many from the Class of 2024 have already passed the exam and are now embarking on their journey to secure positions in the healthcare field.

Program Director and Assistant Professor Eugene Hasson delivered inspiring remarks, congratulating the students on their achievements and encouraging them to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e here today because of you. You chose to be a part of something great. You chose to be of service to your fellow man,鈥� said Hasson. 鈥淏e ever mindful to keep the patient as your number one priority and use the guidance of radiation safety religiously. Study hard, practice harder, ask questions, and always remember to say thank you at the end of your shift 鈥� it goes a long way.鈥�

During the ceremony, cohort members recited the Radiologic Technologist鈥檚 Oath, affirming their commitment to ethical practice, compassion, and professionalism in Radiologic Technology.

Established in 1966, 桃子视频鈥檚 Radiologic Technology Program has a long-standing history of preparing future radiologic technologists through a rigorous 21-month curriculum.

The 53rd cohort鈥檚 journey reflects 桃子视频鈥檚 mission to cultivate diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity. Through their clinical and didactic training, these student radiographers will join a community of healthcare professionals working toward a world without health disparities.

Dr. Blackstock engaged with students, sharing her journey as one of the leading voices addressing racism in healthcare. Following the discussion, moderated by 桃子视频 medical student Makeen Yasar, she participated in a book signing, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with her work firsthand.

This special event marked the return of the Drs. Ludlow and Ruth Creary Lectureship Luncheon series鈥攖he first since the pandemic. Longtime supporters of 桃子视频, Mrs. Creary provided remarks, emphasizing the importance of conversations like these in shaping the future of medicine.

As 桃子视频 continues its mission of advancing health equity, moments like these serve as a powerful reminder of the work still to be done and the leaders paving the way for change.

This dedicated, class-free hour provides students with a structured opportunity for academic and professional growth.

This unique program creates a space for networking, where students can build connections with their peers, faculty members, and visiting professionals, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning.

Each week, University Hour features thoughtfully curated programming that aligns with 桃子视频鈥檚 mission of cultivating diverse health professional leaders.

The first Tuesday introduces students to 桃子视频 leadership and faculty, sharing the university鈥檚 vision and strategic directions. The second focuses on professional development.

The third, in collaboration with MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students), features guest speakers connected to the community鈥檚 experiences.

The fourth, in partnership with Urban Public Health, explores themes of social justice and the links between public health, systemic challenges, and community well-being.

鈥淯niversity Hour has been met with growing enthusiasm and engagement from students, as evidenced by an upward trend in attendance when comparing the current academic year to the previous one,鈥� said Carina Quiroz, Program Manager, Pre-Health Programming. 鈥淪tudent feedback has been consistently positive, with participants appreciating the diverse and meaningful programming.鈥�

Regular feedback from students and staff has allowed the program to evolve while also demonstrating the University鈥檚 commitment to creating a learning environment that is responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of the 桃子视频 undergraduate community.

鈥淏y creating a unified time and space for interaction, 桃子视频 seeks to foster a sense of collective identity, promote cross-disciplinary understanding, and enhance the overall student experience across the entire campus,鈥� said Quiroz.

So far, University Hour has hosted 32 events, some in person and others virtually. Looking ahead, organizers aim to expand its reach to all 桃子视频 students, including graduate-level learners, through a campus-wide initiative.

Washington is one of only 10 graduate students nationwide to receive this honor.

The Bridging the Dream Scholarship recognizes students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to making an impact in their fields.

Washington, who will graduate in 2028, exemplifies this mission through his dedication to addressing health disparities.

鈥淚 plan to leverage my medical education by mitigating the trust issues between the African Diaspora and the American healthcare system,鈥� said Washington. 鈥淚 believe my community deserves a safe space, especially when it comes to health.鈥�

Since its launch in 2021, The Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships through the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program, empowering students to achieve their educational goals.

The fund also offers free tools and resources to help students and families navigate their academic journeys, including Scholarship Search by Sallie, FAFSA assistance, and guidance on school selection.

The symposium featured poster presentations by 17 students enrolled in the Biomedical Statistics, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice Course (NUR 416), taught by Dr. Hafifa Siddiq.

鈥淭he Nursing Student Research Symposium is a testament to the dedication and talent of our students as they prepare to lead in the field of nursing,鈥� said Dr. Siddiq. 鈥淚 am incredibly proud of their hard work, perseverance, and commitment throughout the semester.鈥�

Representing BSN Cohort 4, these students presented the results of their semester-long research projects, demonstrating their ability to integrate research, data analysis, and evidence-based nursing practice.

Their projects spanned a variety of critical topics, including the role of social media use in depression among U.S. adolescents; Intergenerational trauma and its impact on mental health in black adults; and the influence of nurse incivility on retention in healthcare settings.

Other projects addressed critical health disparities, examined the role of social determinants of health, and identified interventions to advance healthcare and equity.

The symposium provided an interactive platform for students to share their findings with peers, faculty, and the broader 桃子视频 community.

This year鈥檚 theme of, 鈥淚t鈥檚 Time for Us to be Seen,鈥� underscored the critical contributions of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to patient care and health care safety.

鈥淩adiologic Technologists have long carried the torch of innovation and application of the imaging sciences,鈥� said Eugene Hasson, Radiologic Technology Program Director and Assistant Professor. 鈥淭hrough science, art and patient care we have transformed lives and are a vital part of the healthcare team.鈥�

桃子视频 marked the week with a series of activities, including a research presentation symposium in Keck Lecture Hall and a program mixer for Radiologic Technology students and clinical affiliates at El Dorado Park in Long Beach.

Additionally, an Image Pathology Question of the Day was broadcast across campus throughout the week, encouraging student participation.

Rad Tech students submitted responses via email, with winners announced on November 13.

NRTW庐 is observed annually to honor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen鈥檚 groundbreaking discovery of the X-ray on November 8, 1895.

The event celebrates the vital role of radiologic technologists in ensuring accurate diagnostics and enhancing patient outcomes.

鈥淚 think this is a beautiful and collaborative partnership having students integrate and start to learn how they鈥檙e going to provide interprofessional care with the medical students, especially as we have incoming or beginning nursing students as well as students in the middle of their curriculum,鈥� said Dr. Sharon Cobb, Pre-licensure Nursing Programs Assistant Dean and Director.

During the first half of their day, the students participated in the following procedural skills simulation stations: Airway Management, BLS/ First Aid, Chest Tube/Needling, Cricothyrotomy, IV Placement/Intraosseous, Splinting/Fracture Stabilization, Stop the Bleed station, and Triage.

The students were then presented with an intensive IPE mass casualty incident followed by several IPE simulated hospital scenarios that mimicked real-life emergencies.

The events of the day required students to not only exercise their developing medical techniques but to also practice patient interactions and effective communication in high-stress situations.

The simulation events are a hallmark of the exemplary education offered at 桃子视频 and underscores the critical role of interprofessional education in preparing students for the complexities of modern healthcare.

The Basic Assumption which states, 鈥淲e believe that everyone participating in activities at 桃子视频 is intelligent, capable, cares about doing their best, and wants to improve,鈥� was displayed throughout the simulation center.

The statement is a core value that was developed by the Center for Medical Simulation and has been adopted by educators around the world who seek to help create a psychologically-safe learning environment for participants.

The University鈥檚 next IPE event is scheduled to take place in April 2025.