The 50 students representing the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) class of 2027 at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) received their first white coats and took their Oath to the Profession during the Commitment to the Profession Ceremony March 14 at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center.
The annual event marks a formal welcoming of students into the physical therapy profession, as they are coated by faculty advisors and recite a special oath created by their class. This year, the school made history by raising more than $22,000 to cover the cost of the white coats and awarding more than $59,000 in student scholarships.
Among the students taking their oath was Frank Tirado, who has wanted to become a physical therapist since high school and whose path to the profession crystallized while earning his undergraduate degree in health sciences at USF. He said receiving his white coat was the first crucial step in his journey.
“I’m excited about this big step I’ve made into this profession. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Tirado.
The class of 2027 represents the most academically competitive cohort of DPT students in SPTRS history with an average GPA of 3.7, surpassing the national average GPA of 3.4.
Douglas Haladay, DPT, PhD, professor and director of SPTRS, served as master of ceremonies of the event. In his remarks, he highlighted the group’s commitment to excellence inside and outside of the classroom.
“This class has already impressed our faculty and established a reputation for their enthusiasm, professional behavior and commitment, raising the bar for future classes,” said Dr. Haladay.
Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, encouraged students to reflect on the symbolism of the white coat and live up the values it represents.
“The white coat confers unique privileges but carries special burdens: the requirement that you always display integrity, honesty and humility, and that you put the needs of your patients at the center of everything you do,” said Dr. Lockwood. “These are grave responsibilities, but if you remain devoted to continually perfecting your craft through lifelong learning, displaying compassion to every person you care for and making a difference in your community, I have no doubt your careers will be overwhelmingly successful.”
During ceremony, school leaders also presented two awards recognizing community and interprofessional partners at USF Health. The Spirit of Interprofessionalism Award, which is presented to individuals who have promoted the role of physical therapists in collaborative health care teams, was presented to Ryan Alderman, an anatomy lab manager with the Morsani College of Medicine. The Un-BULL-ieveable Clinical Partner Award, given to clinical and community partners who have provided steadfast support of the school, was presented to BayCare St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The event also provides an opportunity to announce the recipients of DPT student scholarship. This year, a new scholarship was endowed in honor Betty Castor, USF’s fifth president and a steadfast supporter of SPTRS. The Betty Castor Endowed Scholarship was created to provide a need-based aid for a full-time physical therapy student and was awarded to Tessa Pignataro as the inaugural recipient.
Tessa Pignataro, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) class of 2026, and Betty Castor, fifth president of the University of South Florida (both center) with Douglas Haladay, DPT, PHD, professor and director of SPTRS, and Melissa Lazinski, DPT, DHSc, associate professor and DPT program director.
Scholarship recipients and award winners announced during the ceremony:
· Gregory R. Nicolosi Commitment to Professionalism Award: Alexie Alcantara, class of 2026
· Vorholy Memorial Scholarship: Lauren Hawk, class of 2026
· Future Professional Scholarship: Karrisa Olsen, class of 2025
· CORA Health Services Inc. Scholarship: Natalie Morlock, class of 2027
· Laura Lee “Dolly” Swisher Scholarship: Adin Husovic, class of 2027
· Betty Castor Endowed Scholarship in Physical Therapy: Tessa Pignataro, class of 2026
· Tiedemann Circle of Motion Scholarship recipients: Emily Gober, Maria Guidabaldi, Nick Krasovec, Tara Clark, Jacob Dudek, Hamidah Figuero, Gavin Genter, Mackenzie Millett, Gianna Rios, Dylan Schumacker
More images from the event:
