The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) welcomed its largest
incoming class during the College’s ninth annual White Coat Ceremony, held on Friday, September 18.
In the presence of family, friends, faculty, and staff, 231 student physicians—ICOM’s largest class to date
and the largest medical school class in Idaho history—were ceremonially cloaked with their first white
coats.
Kevin Wilson, DO, FACOI, FACP, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of ICOM, served as the Master of
Ceremonies. He urged student physicians to serve as strong advocates for their future patients and
reflected on the deep symbolism of the white coat.
“The White Coat Ceremony marks the official beginning of our student physicians’ journey into
medicine, reinforcing their pledge to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Wilson. “This
tradition underscores the empathy, integrity, and trust that must define the doctor-patient relationship from
day one.”
Dr. Christopher Gasbarre, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the ICOM Board of Trustees,
delivered the keynote address. Dr. Gasbarre currently practices at Monument Health in Spearfish, South
Dakota, where he serves as Community Medical Director. A former Chief Resident at Cleveland Clinic
and researcher at the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Gasbarre shared insights from his extensive expertise
in cutaneous oncology, medical education, and clinical leadership.
Dr. Jessica Ziebarth led the Class of 2030 in reciting the Osteopathic Oath, a tradition repeated at the
doctoral hooding ceremony upon graduation.
Representing 31 states and including 39 Idahoans, the Class of 2030 officially begins its journey toward
expanding health care access and delivering whole-person care across the region.
