William G. Anderson I, former president of the American Osteopathic Association, will deliver the keynote address.

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PIKEVILLE – University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine will formally welcome members of the Class of 2016 during a traditional White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.

White coat ceremonies are rites of passage for beginning medical students. White represents purity, healing and the professional ideals of the medical profession that focus on compassionate caregiving. The long white coat is the quintessential symbol of a physician and conveys to patients and the public the wearer’s identity as a physician. The short white coat indicates the wearer’s status as medical student or student-doctor.

The white coat ceremony tradition was begun by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993 to promote humanism in medicine. The Gold Foundation provides a gold pin to KYCOM student-doctors to wear on their white coats to symbolize commitment to providing compassionate and competent patient care.

In the presence of family members, friends and the campus community, students from the Class of 2016 will be “coated” by the students from the Class of 2015.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be William G. Anderson I, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Anderson is past president of the American Osteopathic Association, senior advisor to the dean at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and vice president of Academic Affairs, Osteopathic Medical Education, responsible for the development of osteopathic medical education programs for students, interns and residents at hospitals within the Detroit Medical Center.

Anderson began his professional career in medicine and surgery in Albany, Ga., where he practiced for six years. During that time, he was a founder and first president of the Albany Movement, which spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement in Southwest Georgia. He completed his training in general surgery in Detroit where he conducted a successful group surgical practice until 1984. He also served as executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Michigan Health Corporation, as director of governmental affairs for the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital and as associate director of medical education at Detroit Riverview Hospital until assuming his current position.

Anderson is a graduate of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is board certified in general surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Recognized for his distinguished service and leadership, Anderson has received Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees from Ohio University, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also received a Doctorate of Science Degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and a Doctorate of Public Service from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Along with his late wife Norma, Anderson is the proud parent of five children, three of whom have followed him into careers in osteopathic medicine.

Following the White Coat Ceremony, a formal ribbon cutting and dedication of “The Coal Building,” the medical school’s new $40 million instructional facility, will be held on Hambley Blvd. in front of the University at 4 p.m.

The community is cordially invited to attend the White Coat Ceremony and the ribbon cutting and dedication of “The Coal Building.” For more information, contact the University of Pikeville Public Affairs office at (606) 218-5270.