New pharmacy students receive white coats, take the Oath of a Pharmacist

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Class of 2028 was officially welcomed into the profession on Sept. 27 as students donned their white coats for the first time, ceremonially beginning their professional years as pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in training.

Pharmacy Dean Kerry LaPlante welcomed the students and their families in a packed Edwards Auditorium Friday afternoon, welcoming them into their first professional year of pharmacy education. She was joined by URI Provost Barbara Wolfe, former dean of the URI College of Nursing, and URI President Marc Parlange, who greeted the students after receiving a white coat of his own.

URI alumna Stacey Ranucci, who serves on the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, led the students in their first recitation of the Oath of a Pharmacy, which reads:

“I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow:

“I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.

“I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity.

“I will apply my knowledge, experience and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for all patients.

“I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.

“I will accept the responsibility to improve my professional knowledge, expertise and self-awareness.

“I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct.

“I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.

“I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

“I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.”