USF Health SPTRS held the annual Commitment to Professionalism Ceremony on Thursday, October 20th, in the USF School of Music Concert Hall. This ceremony symbolized the commitment and professionalism the DPT Class of 2019 will exhibit as they embark on their three year journey to becoming future Physical Therapists.

Dr. William S. Quillen, Director of SPTRS, stressed the importance of an interprofessional collaboration between USF Health and surrounding affiliates, stating, “Physical Therapy is everywhere across the lifespan. We are part of the team with our medicine, pharmacy, athletic training, public health, and nursing colleagues. We believe team care is the best care.” Additionally, Dr. Quillen summarized the first year class data, whose average GPA of DPT Class of 2019 is above the national average for DPT programs, indicating they are a highly talented and motivated class.

In agreement with Dr. Quillen, Dr. Bryan Bognar, Vice Dean for MCOM, spoke on the essential care provided to patients by embracing collaborative learning opportunities. Other USF Health leaders in attendance included Dr. Deborah DeWaay, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education; Dr. Amy Schwartz, Associate Dean for Academic and Clinical Affairs for College of Pharmacy; Joann Strobbe, Chief Financial Officer for USF Health; Jay Wolfson, Associate Vice President of Health Law, Policy and Safety; and keynote speaker, Dr. Nancy Kirsch, Director of the Physical Therapy Program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Following guest speeches, each first year student received his/her white coat from the academic advisor and clinical mentor. As they donned their first white coats, Dr. Kirsch reminded the students, “Aspire to make tonight the beginning of an invigorating, productive, and exciting career. There is no better than the one you have chosen.”