WesternU HCOM Welcomes 108 New Medical Students with Historic Ceremony

A New Chapter in Medical Education at WesternU HCOM

On August 3, 2026, Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) celebrated an important milestone by welcoming 108 new medical students into the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine (HCOM). This event marks a pivotal moment not just for the students but also for the WesternU community as they embark on their journey toward becoming compassionate and skilled osteopathic physicians.

The first week of classes, known as Welcome Week, offered students an opportunity to connect with their peers, the faculty, and the Lebanon community. The festivities culminated in a momentous white coat ceremony held on July 31, 2026. This annual event serves as a rite of passage for students entering the health professions, but this year it took on special significance as it marked the inaugural ceremony for those entering under the newly named Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine.

President Robin Farias-Eisner heralded the name change from COMP-Northwest to WesternU HCOM, honoring the transformative contributions of Jeff Heatherington and the Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care. The foundation has significantly impacted WesternU, contributing over $50 million and facilitating the donation of 150 acres of property for a new campus. During his welcoming remarks, Farias-Eisner expressed deep gratitude for Heatherington's support, emphasizing that it reflects a commitment to advancing medical education and equipping future physicians to serve their communities.

The white coat ceremony is not merely a formal event but a deeply emotional initiation that underscores the values of the medical profession. WesternU Provost Paula M. Crone shared her experiences with patients, illustrating that while they may forget specific decisions made during care, they will always remember how they were treated—emphasizing the importance of compassion and respect. She reminded the new students that the white coat is not a symbol of status but one of responsibility.

Dean Lisa Warren also spoke passionately about the strength of the incoming class, recognizing that nearly half of them are from the Pacific Northwest, including a third who call Oregon home. She encouraged the students to trust their motives for pursuing medicine, reminding them of their selection from a pool of nearly 3,600 applicants based on their exceptional qualities. Dean Warren assured them of their rightful place within the WesternU community, emphasizing the support system they will have.

As part of the ceremony, attendees witnessed the exchange of black medical bags through the Tools of the Trade program. These bags, gifted by Lebanon community members, are filled with notes of encouragement and resources to assist the students in their future careers. It's a meaningful gesture that embodies community support for the medical students.

After receiving their white coats, students took part in a Pledge of Commitment, further solidifying their dedication to humanistic care within the osteopathic medicine framework. Site Dean Heather Phipps highlighted the significance of this pledge in shaping their journey as future physicians.

New student Hannah Pon shared insights regarding her choice to attend WesternU, noting how the university’s commitment to community engagement and opportunity for professional growth aligns with her career aspirations. Fellow student Ian DeMott echoed similar sentiments, expressing enthusiasm about the collaborative atmosphere and sense of camaraderie among students, particularly through the Intensive Summer Anatomy Course program that provides early exposure to the medical curriculum.

Seth Gershfeld, another first-year student, expressed gratitude for the support he’s received on his path to becoming a physician. He emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in health care and noted how the osteopathic philosophy resonates with his interests in psychiatry. For Gershfeld, donning the white coat symbolizes not just personal achievement but also collective support from family, friends, and mentors.

Overall, the white coat ceremony at WesternU HCOM is not merely a formal introduction to medical school; it represents the beginning of a life-changing journey for the Class of 2030. With the support of their faculty, peers, and community, these new students are poised to embrace the challenges and rewards that lie ahead in their medical education and future careers. As they step into this new phase, they carry not only their academic ambitions but also a shared commitment to serving with excellence and compassion in the field of osteopathic medicine.