CHSU Class of 2029 Medical Students Honored at White Coat Ceremony

In the presence of family and friends, the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic (CHSU-COM) Medicine honored 169 new medical students in the class of 2029 at its White Coat Ceremony held on October 24, 2025.

John Graneto, DO, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, shared the history of the white coat during his address and emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and humanism in health care careers.

“Patients respect the connection that comes with seeing a doctor and placing their trust in you. That deep respect and vulnerability is unlike any other profession,” remarked John Graneto, DO, Dean of the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Alan Shatzel, Jr., DO, President of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California, delivered an inspiring welcome address. He reminded students to serve patients with compassion and in a few years, they will graduate and transition to the “long” white coat.

Andrea Torres Perez, DO, CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine alum from the inaugural class of 2024, and Dr. Shatzel coated the first and second students in the ceremony, respectively.

The “short” white coats for medical students were generously sponsored by the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California, an organization focused on advancing and supporting osteopathic physicians in California by serving its mission to engage, educate, and advocate for DOs, so doctors can focus on being doctors. Founded in 1961, the association serves over 16,000 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) throughout California.