ATSU-SOMA introduces 164 future doctors of osteopathic medicine with White Coat Ceremony
Posted: July 29, 2026
A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) welcomed its incoming class of osteopathic medical students on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.
White coats have been worn for more than 100 years by physicians, and this formal ceremony recognizes students for reaching a milestone in their professional education. During the ceremony, 164 students were cloaked by faculty members with their first white coats as osteopathic medical students.
Dean Sharon Obadia, DO, FNAOME, ’97, welcomed students and introduced the stage party, which included keynote speaker and alumnus Evan Morris, DO, ’16, attending physician, Mayo Clinic Hospital Internal Medicine. Melchiorra Mangiaracina, DO, assistant professor, Osteopathic Principles & Practice, led the students in the osteopathic pledge of commitment.
Watch the full ceremony and check out more photos below!
