Future doctors receive white coats from KCU medical school

Saturday was a big day for the KCU medical school in Joplin.

A special program took place at Joplin High School during which 162 student doctors received their white coats, a rite de passage in their journey to becoming osteopathic physicians.

The white coat symbolizes the integrity and the maintenance of our heritage,” said Dr. Laura Rosch, Dean of the KCU Medical School in Joplin.

“[The future doctors] are to be guardians of the profession and care providers for the patient,” Dean Rosch added.

Adam Fahrenholtz, DO, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Dr. Fahrenholtz graduated from the KCU College of Medicine in 2010; he serves as a hospitalist and internal medicine physician at Freeman Health System.

The ceremony culminated with the student doctors reciting the words of the Osteopathic Oath.

Dr. Rosch says the students will begin classes next week.