White Coat Ceremony
The Ceremony
The traditional white coat is an outward sign of the medical profession and has been worn by physicians for more than 100 years. The formal presentation of the white coat symbolizes an osteopathic medical student’s entrance into a new academic environment and the acceptance of the obligations and high standards of compassionate care that are expected. Each year, in a ceremony held during ACOM Family Weekend, the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine marks the achievements of first-year medical students with the presentation of the white coat by each student’s faculty advisor.
Class of 2030 White Coat Ceremony
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 2 p.m. CT
Keynote Speaker: David I. Bermejo D.O., DipABLM, ACOM Class of 2020
Dr. David Bermejo, D.O., DipABLM, is a residency-trained Flight Surgeon and board-certified Family Medicine Physician serving at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. He provides comprehensive care to active-duty Airmen, Guardians, and their families while ensuring the medical readiness of pilots, aircrew, and other operational personnel. He also practices urgent care medicine at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.
A graduate of the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Bermejo completed his Family Medicine residency at Eglin Air Force Base with additional concentrations in Operational Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. His clinical interests include preventive medicine, human performance optimization, aerospace medicine, and integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions into primary care. He is the author of two books on lifestyle medicine, has published research in peer-reviewed journals, and frequently presents on practical applications of lifestyle medicine for physicians. In addition to his clinical and military service, Dr. Bermejo serves as a Member-at-Large on the ACOM Alumni Board of Directors and remains actively involved in advancing medical education and physician wellness.
Visiting Dothan?
Preview the various hotel discounts offered during ACOM Family Weekend.