M.S. in Nutrition Program Hosts Inaugural RDN White Coat Ceremony

The Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Master of Science in Nutrition program held its inaugural white coat ceremony for graduate student dietitians (RDNs) on November 13. Family members, faculty and staff members, and senior leadership enjoyed a touching ceremony to honor the students as they entered practicum training.

Lucille Beseler, M.S., RDN, LDN, CDE, former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, inspired everyone with a keynote address, challenging the students to champion excellence. Students were then welcomed into the profession of nutrition and dietetics as they proudly donned their new coats after taking a pledge to the academy’s code of ethics. The white coats displayed a new patch design, closely resembling that of the D.O. program, with a fun twist to showcase nutrition with an apple.

“The evening provided warm and fulfilling moments that captured why we do this,” said Stephanie Petrosky, M.S., RDN, LDN, FAND, program director and department chair. “We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty members to this new program.”

The inaugural cohort of students in the RDN program are Sara Brobeck, Jessie Brownstein, Yasmin Chauan, Katie Emerson, Cassandra Evans, Angelica Green, Cara Milman, Christina Perez, and Luciana Perasso.