LINCOLN, NE – Milburn native BaiLee McMillan was one of 24 Nebraska students to receive her white coat last week in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM).
Receiving the white coat symbolizes an oath of veterinary professionalism and service while marking the successful completion of studies in Nebraska and continuing to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
McMillan’s coater was Dr. Jack Smith from Broken Bow Animal Hospital. Coaters must be a veterinarian invited by the student to attend event. They are individuals who have mentored and played a significant role in the development of the student’s interest in becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). McMillan said over the years she job-shadowed many of the veterinarians in Custer County and is grateful for all she learned from her experiences.
McMillan graduated form Anselmo-Merna High School in 2019 and is on track to graduate in 2026 with her DVM degree.
More information about the White Coat Ceremony:
At the White Coat Ceremony, the veterinary medicine values of professionalism, responsibility, compassion and empathy are openly communicated and carefully considered in the company of peers, parents, partners and faculty. Acceptance of the white coat indicates personal commitment to these values and to making a positive difference in the lives of patients and clients.
This White Coat Ceremony also celebrates the Class of 2026 as they near completion of the first two years of their veterinary education as part of the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). These students will soon transition to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU CVM) for the final two years of the program.
