Every year, first-year pharmacy students, accompanied by their family members, fellow students, faculty and staff, members of the pharmacy community and government participate in the School of Pharmacy’s White Coat Ceremony. Our next White Coat Ceremony will be on Thursday, January 15, 2026, when we will induct the Class of 2030 into the pharmacy profession.

The purpose of the White Coat Ceremony is to formally welcome pharmacy students to the School and indoctrinate them into the pursuit of the pharmacy profession. During the ceremony, we will review the traditions and goals of the profession, and the significance of the pharmacy profession in providing for a healthy society.

Above is a photo of our Class of 2030 from our 20th annual White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The event culminates each year with the recitation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board (NLPB)'s Code of Ethics, and the School of Pharmacy's Pledge of Professionalism. 

Honorary White Coat

The presentation of donning an honorary white coat began in 2016 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the White Coat Ceremony.

The pharmacy profession has evolved exponentially in recent years. But pharmacy would not be where it is today without history—the foundation of the present and future. Recipients of the Honorary White Coat have been practicing for decades and exhibit the qualities and dedication to the profession that we hope our students will display. Each year, a pharmacist presents the honour to the new recipient.

Leaders. Mentors. Inspirations. 

Honorary White Coat recipients have significantly advanced the profession, the health-care system, and improved patients' and the population's quality of life.

They are the trailblazers.

Our Honorary White Coat recipient in January 2025 was Robert Doyle. As per tradition, Robert Doyle will be presenting our 2026 recipient, Dr. Kathleen King, with her Honorary White Coat.

A Little Bit About Dr. Kathleen King

Background and Education

Kathleen Mary King was raised in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her pharmacy education at the College of Trades and Technology in St. John’s, NL, graduating in June 1976 with a qualification as a Pharmaceutical Chemist at the age of 20. That same year, she started her professional journey at Shoppers Drug Mart Stephenville, where she continues to practise today. In October 2021, Kathleen expanded her academic achievements by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland at the age of 65. This year Kathleen will celebrate fifty years as a practising pharmacist.

Preceptorship and Student Mentorship

Throughout her years as a pharmacist, Kathleen has served as a preceptor for pharmacy students, offering mentorship and facilitating substantive practical experiences that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. She has consistently accompanied students on patient home visits, allowing them to acquire practical, hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.

Awards and Recognition

Kathleen was the recipient of the Preceptor of the Year – Community Pharmacy Award in 2018, conferred by the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL. This distinction recognized her dedication to mentoring pharmacy students and her significant contributions to pharmacy education.

Past Honorary White Coat Recipients

2016 recipient: Dwight Ball
2017 recipient: Don Rowe
2018 recipient: David Collins
2019 recipient: Arlene Crane
2020 recipient: Dr. Linda Hensman
2022 recipient: Christina Tulk
2023 recipient: Margot Priddle
2024 recipient: Brenda Bursey
2025 recipient: Robert Doyle
2026 recipient: Dr. Kathleen King