County medical students earn degrees

Sussex County - More than 100 men and women, including Melanie Howell of Lafayette and Garrett Tomasino of Branchville, recently took their first steps toward becoming physicians during a tradition-filled White Coat Ceremony held by the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine, in Stratford. “The White Coat ceremony marks the beginning of your career in osteopathic medicine and the beginning of your becoming part of our family,” Dr. Thomas A. Cavalieri, interim dean at the medical school said as he officially welcomed the 29th class in the school’s history. “You have chosen a great profession. At the heart of what you do is service to your patient and to humanity,” he said. The White Coat ceremony is a highly symbolic event that culminates with each student receiving a new white lab coat that symbolizes entry into the medical profession. During the ceremony, the new students stand together to recite the “Pledge of Commitment” in which they promise to “show compassion and respect” throughout their careers and to “set worthy examples in the application of humanistic principles.”