Freshmen pledge into biomedical sciences program

About 150 entering freshmen received their white coats and vowed to stay true to the health profession in an induction ceremony Aug. 31.

The department of Health and Biomedical Sciences hosted its Fall 2019 Induction Ceremony at the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center.

“It’s a solemn occasion where students make a pledge to honor the discipline, work diligently, participate with integrity, serve the community, the world and hold true to the profession,” said Saraswathy Nair, department chair of Health and Biomedical Sciences.

Prior to the student vow and the white coat commencement, guest speakers gave a motivational welcome to students and their families by explaining what the biomedical sciences and health professions mean.

Speakers included Michael Lehker, dean of the College of Health Professions and Lydia Aguilera, executive director of Special Projects in the College of Health Professions.

Sue Anne Chew, director of Biomedical Freshman Research Initiative, as well as her students Roman Sanchez Martinez and David Moreno, spoke to the inductees about what to expect throughout their undergraduate careers, advised them on how to get the most out of the curriculum and opportunities that the program offers.

Similar to the traditions of medical schools and other health professions, the placement of the white coat onto the student is symbolic of inducting freshmen into the biomedical sciences.

“This was first started in the 18th or 19th century by medical schools to commemorate students,” Nair said. “And now, it has spread to many health professional fields and since our program educates students to become health professionals, medical doctors or scientists, it’s an appropriate symbol to welcome them to the professional career.”

In 2012, which was the first year of the BMED program at legacy institution UT Brownsville, the department inducted only 25 students.

The ceremony is an event where the program’s faculty, administrators and staff come together with their newest students and their families to celebrate entering the field. The program encourages parents to show their love and support during the students’ long and rigorous journey in the profession.

Asked how it felt to take the pledge to the program, biomedical science freshman Victoria Rose Garza replied, “I felt a lot of pride and nothing but excitement to see what lies ahead.”

After students made the pledge, faculty helped students put on their white coats on stage.

“I felt really excited and very enthusiastic ‘cause I know that this major will help me eventually get to my goal of medical school,” Victoria said about receiving her white coat in front of her family.

Her father, Robert Garza, said he is also excited about his daughter entering the program.

“I’m hoping to go to the next white coat ceremony at medical school,” Robert said.

Nair said the induction ceremony is the climax of the freshmen’s welcoming into the BMED program.

“I would like the campus community, the community at UTRGV and the families to know that the BMED program will be there for them,” she said.