The inaugural cohort of Auburn University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy students took a major step in their education Friday with the program’s first White Coat Ceremony, sponsored by East Alabama Health.
The event included 21 physical therapy students receiving white coats, marking their transition from classroom learning to clinical rotations that will begin this summer.
Harsimran Baweja, Ph.D., director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, told students about the history and significance of the white coat as a universal symbol of medicine and science, representing authority, expertise and a commitment to patient care.
“The white coat is not a reward, but a signal. It represents trust, responsibility and the privilege of entering people’s lives when movement, recovery and confidence matter most,” Baweja said. “With movement, we associate our independence. With independence, we associate our dignity.”
College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother echoed those remarks, encouraging students to wear their white coats with humility.
“Let the coats remind you that every patient you encounter has placed their trust in you. Let them challenge you to listen carefully, think critically and act compassionately. And let them serve as a daily reminder of why you chose this profession,” Fairbrother said.
Fairbrother also emphasized the responsibility that comes with entering the next phase of their education.
“This represents a transition from building foundational expertise to preparing for the immense responsibility of patient care,” Fairbrother said.
Speaking to the students, Fairbrother said the ceremony represents more than advancing to their second year of physical therapy school.
“For you, this ceremony marks your formal entry into a profession, one rooted in science and service—a profession built on trust and a profession that calls each of you to serve others with skill, integrity and compassion,” he said.
The Physical Therapy program, housed in the College of Education’s School of Kinesiology, welcomed its first students June 9, 2025.
“Since then, we have built a program from the ground up, welcomed a full second cohort, developed clinical partnerships, launched state-of-the-art learning spaces and begun creating a culture grounded in hard work, high standards and service,” Baweja said.
For the inaugural cohort, the students are carrying the torch for future Auburn physical therapy students.
“This white coat marks a transition into clinical practice and acknowledges a year’s worth of hard work and the beginning of a new professional identity,” said Sarah Katona, president of the Auburn Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association. “Our cohort is special in that we are the first Auburn physical therapists to step into clinics and represent our program.”
As students prepare for clinical rotations across Alabama, Georgia and Florida, Fairbrother emphasized the importance of representing Auburn well as they begin clinical practice.
“Auburn’s reach is expanding—quite literally—into clinics, hospitals and communities across the Southeast. And with that reach comes impact,” Fairbrother said. “Soon, patients and families who might never set foot on our campus will benefit from the care you provide. They will experience Auburn through you—through your professionalism, your preparation, your curiosity and your compassion.”
Baweja also had a special message for the 21 students receiving white coats.
“To our charter cohort, you will always be the first,” Baweja said. “You have helped shape this program as you have moved through it, and that matters. Remember that what you are part of is bigger than any one course, any one semester or any one role. We are building something that will last.”
Baweja also thanked East Alabama Health for its support of the program and the ceremony.
“Your partnership reflects exactly what we are all about: connecting medical education and clinical practice that will lead to better health outcomes for our communities,” Baweja said. “Building something new takes more than a plan. It takes people who believe the work is worth doing well.”
