The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine held its annual White Coat Ceremony Saturday, May 2 in Bailey Hall for the Class of 2027. This has been a rite of passage for the college since 2004, marking the transition from classroom learning in the veterinary program to clinical rotation experience in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, opened the event by welcoming the Class of 2027. He noted that this would be his final White Coat Ceremony as dean of the college, a position he’s held for over 10 years. He also offered his perspective on the evolution of tools and technology available throughout the long history of the veterinary medicine profession, citing the x-ray as an example of innovation that required evolving safety procedures.

Similarly, he noted that modern advances in artificial intelligence (AI) should thoroughly vetted. “As clinicians in the future, demand that AI tools you adopt have rigorous validation, quality control and safety systems, just as you would for a diagnostic test or piece of equipment you purchase,” Warnick said. He also warned against “de-skilling,” an over-reliance on technical tools that prevents or erodes knowledge and skills.

Warnick closed his remarks with an anecdote from his early days at Cornell, when he confidently led a dairy cow out of a barn into the farmyard, only for her to take off running toward the pastures beyond, dragging him behind her. His lesson-learned, equally applicable to opinions, habits and clinical practices, was knowing when to hold on and when to let go.

“When you’re on clinical rotations and throughout your career, you will experience setbacks, some minor like my runaway cow, others more consequential,” Warnick said. “We make mistakes, but please know that we are all growing and let yourself be defined, not by mistakes or challenges, but rather by your ability to adjust, recover and learn.”

Following Warnick’s remarks, Jai Sweet, Ph.D. ’96, assistant dean for veterinary student services and admissions, led the coating ceremony, calling students individually to the stage, where they were coated by their chosen mentors. Once all the white coats were donned, Scott Kaplan, D.V.M. ’86, president of the Alumni Association Executive Board, took the podium to administer the Veterinarian’s Oath, which affirms a veterinarian’s commitment to animal health and welfare.

Julio López, D.V.M. ’08, founder and chief medical officer of Jade Vets, delivered this year’s address to the Class of 2027.

“It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been almost 20 years since I was sitting in your place at my White Coat Ceremony,” López said. “I can tell you that I still don’t regret one bit going down the path you are about to go on. Being a veterinarian is everything I imagined it to be, and I’m confident that when you look back at your clinic memories and career, you won’t be disappointed you went down this path either.”

López took a moment to acknowledge all the family, friends and supporters in the students’ lives who helped them reach this milestone. “It is this support network, along with your classmates, that will help you get through clinics, and who will be back here again in a year to celebrate your graduation, as you transition to life as a veterinarian,” he said.

Dr. Rebecca McOnie, assistant professor in large animal surgery and member of the College Awards Committee, then presented the John F. Cummings Memorial Award to Zachary Bisconti. The award was established in 1997 in memory of John Cummings ’58, D.V.M. ’62, Ph.D. ’66, the James Law Professor of Anatomy, who taught at Cornell for 29 years. Students from all class years are invited to nominate a member of the third-year class who best exemplifies the enthusiasm, honesty, integrity and humor for which Cummings was known.

Susan Ruland, director of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, then welcomed the Class of 2027 to their time in the hospital. “To our students, today you don the white coat as a symbol of your academic achievements, but also as a sign of your growing responsibility,” Ruland said. “You’ve chosen a career grounded in service, one that asks you to show up fully, listen carefully and to care deeply for those who cannot care for themselves.” Ruland reminded them that they are not alone in their journey, with a host of people and the community at large ready to support them. “You are the future of veterinary medicine, and the future is in very good hands.”

Warnick concluded the event by thanking the speakers and congratulating the students on this milestone. “I wish all of the members of the Class of 2027 great success in the year ahead,” he said.

Written by Melanie Greaver Cordova