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A group of students in white coats pose for a photo outdoors in front of a backdrop with university logos and trees.
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine welcomed 26 new students during its white coat ceremony Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Podiatric Medicine held its white coat ceremony Aug. 7, 2026, in Claremont, California.  

CPM faculty cloaked students in white coats for the first time to welcome them into the profession and to remind them of their responsibilities as healers.  

A woman in a white coat speaks at a podium with a microphone; a man in a suit stands in the background against a blue curtain.
WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Acting Dean Jacqueline Truong, DPM, MPH, addresses incoming students at the CPM white coat ceremony. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey, said CPM Acting Dean Jacqueline Truong, DPM, MPH. This ceremony signifies you entering into a profession, dedicated to improving the lives of others.  

“As you receive your white coat, you join WesternU in a commitment to enhancing and extending the quality of life in our community,” Truong said. “It is a reminder that becoming a podiatric physician involves not only acquiring knowledge and skill but also embracing the responsibility to serve patients with excellence and humanity. It represents the values that will guide you throughout your education and career: passion, humility, integrity, truth, quality and service.”  

A man in a suit speaks at a podium with a microphone. An American flag and a blue curtain are in the background.
Jon A. Hultman, DPM, MBA, CVA (Emeritus), provided a greeting from the California Podiatric Medical Association. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Jon A. Hultman, DPM, MBA, CVA (Emeritus), provided a greeting from the California Podiatric Medical Association. He served as CPMA president in 1993-94.  

“To the parents that are here, your kids are entering an incredible profession at the right time,” Hultman said. “The opportunities and the advantages they’re going to have with the shortage of doctors and the increasing demand, their careers are set.”  

CPM alumna Kayla Song, DPM ’16, served as the keynote speaker. She is Residency Director and Staff Podiatrist at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  

Woman in a white blazer speaks at a podium labeled “DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont” with an American flag and a seated man in the background.
CPM alumna Kayla Song, DPM ’16, served as the keynote speaker for the CPM white coat ceremony Aug. 7, 2026. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

“Today is a celebration for everyone here. I do want to recognize the people who made this thing possible. First, to the faculty and staff. I can honestly say these are some of the brightest leaders in our profession. They are physicians, surgeons and educators that I still look up to today. And they will show you how to treat and care for patients. They will challenge you to be the best version of yourself,” Song said. “And now to the families, friends, and loved ones here today. Thank you for your sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering support. This milestone also belongs to you. And finally, to the WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2030. Congratulations to you! You are the future of our profession. Take a moment and enjoy this. You’ve earned it.”  

The white coat ceremony topped off Welcome Week, held Aug. 3-7, where students met faculty and staff, familiarized themselves with campus, and began to form bonds with their classmates. First-year CPM student Karen Huynh said everyone was welcoming and nice, starting when she interviewed as a prospective student. WesternU provides mentoring, tutoring and other support, she said.  

“Out of all the places I interviewed, WesternU has a huge support system for their students,” Huynh said. “Going into a rigorous program, I think that’s something I value in a university.”  

A group of people wearing white coats stand in a row, reading from papers during a ceremony in a carpeted room with chairs.
First-year College of Podiatric Medicine students recite the Podiatric Physician’s Oath at their white coat ceremony Aug. 7, 2026. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Huynh said she worked at a clinic where she interacted with a lot of podiatric patients.  

“I saw that podiatric physicians really have this one-on-one relationship with their patients. They’re able to provide long-term care for them,” she said. “As a provider, I also like the variety podiatric medicine has to offer. You can do surgery, in-clinic procedures and you can subspecialize. That really attracted me to podiatric medicine.”  

First-year CPM student Josiah Gultom said he chose WesternU because its emphasis of humanism aligns with his vision for how he wants to practice medicine. He wants to give back to his community and also provide medical assistance globally.  

“That is where my heart is. Empathy is real medicine,” Gultom said.  

He appreciates the support provided by CPM.   

“The mentorship they provide here is really helpful,” Gultom said. “It gives me the confidence to start the year on the right path. I’m really excited to start.”