Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2028 Begins Clinical Rotations Following White Coat Ceremony

The white coat is an outward sign of the commitment of future pharmacists to professionalism, respect, integrity and caring – hallmarks of the pharmacy profession.

“There is much confusion in healthcare today related to medications and vaccines. Your profession is grounded in the sciences and facts,” said George E. MacKinnon III, PharmD, DMSc (Hon.), MS, RPh, FASHP, FNAP, founding dean and professor. “People will seek you out with questions to enhance their understanding, so today and whenever you put on your white coat, remember this garment is emblematic of being a healthcare provider.”

The White Coat Ceremony, held on Oct. 8, marked the official transition from student to student pharmacist.

MCW students have the unique opportunity to begin clinical rotations early in their journey to becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy. Following the rite of passage at the start of the second session, students participate in weekly clinical rotations every Friday, translating classroom knowledge into skills they develop through experiential learning. During their third and final year of the curriculum, students are outside of the classroom, immersed in various practice settings full time.

The keynote speaker was Justin Konkol, PharmD, MHA, executive director of cancer services with Froedtert Health and clinical assistant professor with the MCW School of Pharmacy. He shared personal stories from his time as a pharmacist, including facilitating a new cancer treatment for his dad that was only available at the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network. He recounted how a patient made him a custom white coat with colorful artwork to thank him for being an important member of his cancer care team. The coat depicted moments in Dr. Konkol’s life – from dancing with family to polka music to a Bucky Badger drawing representing his time in pharmacy school at UW-Madison.

“These are the little stories and vignettes that you have to remember because not every day is glorious – there are tough days and challenges,” said Dr. Konkol. “These small tokens of appreciation and connection to purpose will be important to continue to fuel your passion and desire to contribute to this profession each day.”

Tyler Selenske, 2027 PharmD candidate and president of the Pharmacy Student Alliance, recommended first-year students take advantage of available opportunities, including joining student organizations, volunteering and exploring research. As students put on their white coats for the first time, he emphasized the importance of professionalism.

“Every interaction matters – whether you are on a rotation, in a community pharmacy or talking with a classmate, professionalism will define your reputation,” advised Selenske. “Patients will trust you not just because of what you know but because of how you show up for them.”

Marcus Radz, PharmD, BCACP, pharmacist at Ascension and MCW alumnus of the Class of 2020, led the Oath of a Pharmacist. Pharmacists and future pharmacists recite their promise to devote themselves to a lifetime of service, to advance health equity, to hold themselves to a high moral and ethical standard and more.

The day following the ceremony, first-year students administered flu vaccines to members of the Froedtert & MCW community. They provided 205 vaccinations, accommodating approximately 80 walk-in patients.

“This event not only served our community but also provided an invaluable learning opportunity for our students,” said Karen MacKinnon, BPharm, RPh, director of outreach and assistant professor at the MCW School of Pharmacy. “Through their active involvement, students were able to strengthen their confidence and proficiency in vaccine administration just in time for the start of their clinical rotations.”