The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) held its annual White Coat Ceremony for the doctor of pharmacy Class of 2028 Sept. 28 in the Athletic/Recreation Center (ARC) at the University City campus.

Eighty students received their white coats and pins from PCP faculty, after which they recited the Oath of a Pharmacist.

Chichi Ilonzo Momah, PharmD, founder and CEO of Springfield Pharmacy & Medical Supply and keynote speaker at the event, said the white coat symbolizes students’ resolve to become pharmacists. Momah opened Springfield Pharmacy, which provides personalized services, medications and vaccinations, in 2012.

“The white coat, for me, is a symbol of dedication, discipline and determination,” Momah said. “You’re making a commitment to be part of this profession.”

Momah, who graduated from Temple University in 2006, said her advice to the Class of 2028 is  for them “to stay the course, hard work, be open to learn.”

Among those staying the course is Maya Ahmed ’26, PharmD ’28, who said the white coat reminds her of why she is in the program and lets her know that her efforts have been worth it.

“At the end of the day, if I work hard for my goals, that’s what really matters,” Ahmed said. “Even if I struggle now, it’ll all be worth it in the end.”

Rehab Abouseada, Ahmed’s mother, said Ahmed wanted to be a pharmacist since she was in the fifth grade.

“She loves this career, and she wanted to be a pharmacist to help people,” Abouseada said. “Since she was a child, she wanted to create something to cure cancer.”

Similarly, Andrew Mizgerd ’26, PharmD ’28, said he chose pharmacy because it allowed him to help people without being in the spotlight.

“I like pharmacy because it’s a very low-key, background field,” Mizgerd said. “Not many people realize how much work a pharmacist puts in. I like that aspect of getting to help people, but not getting as much recognition, because it’s not about the recognition.”

Danea Ellison ’26, PharmD ’28, said the ceremony felt like everything coming together after a difficult two years.

“The white coat just screams ‘doctor,’” Ellison said. “Walking into the ceremony, I was tearing up a little because I didn’t even think I’d make it here today.”

Dean of PCP Edward Foote, PharmD, said the white coat ceremony sets students up for the next phase of their education.

“This event allows students to know that they are special, they’re different as they enter this new phase,” Foote said. “Prior to the white coats, they’re students, and now they’re student pharmacists. It’s really to get them excited and passionate about all the training and the work that’s in front of them.”