Dr. Abigail “Abbey” Kroll, DPT ’26 passed along some valuable advice to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2029 at the White Coat and Pinning Ceremony at Assembly Row last Friday. 

It was advice that Kroll, now a physical therapist at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC, received from Associate Professor Jane Baldwin following a difficult experience with a client during her clinical training. 

“Jane challenged me to shift my perspective when a patient is having a difficult day,” reflected Kroll. “How lucky are we, as physical therapists, to be the person our patients feel comfortable enough to vent to on their bad days?”

She went on to share some advice with current students about their interactions with clients. 

“Learn their story. Ask questions. Listen when they tell you something isn't working,” said Kroll. “Get excited with them when they accomplish something that seemed impossible a few weeks ago."

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Laura Plummer shared the significance of receiving the white coat to the students, friends, and families in attendance. 

“It is a moment of transition," explained Dr. Plummer, herself a physical therapist. “It is the point where your plans begin to take shape as professional responsibilities. It is a moment when you officially join a community dedicated to helping others move, recover, adapt, and thrive.

After receiving their white coats and pins, students read the program’s Pledge of Professionalism

“Professionalism is vital for establishing trust between patients and physical therapists and is the cornerstone of the social contract between the profession and society,” said Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Keshrie Naidoo. “As we welcome you to the profession today, you will start the first part of fulfilling that social contract with society.”

Dean Plummer shared some thoughts on what it meant to wear the white coat and and be a part of the physical therapy profession. 

“The white coat you receive today is visible, but what it represents is far deeper. It symbolizes trust. It reflects a commitment to service. It reminds us that healthcare is not only about knowledge and skill, but also about compassion, humility, and human connection. It serves as a reminder that patients and families will invite you into some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and that privilege should never be taken lightly.”