On June 6, 2025, students from the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2026 gathered at the iconic Duke Chapel for their White Coat Ceremony—a milestone that marks the transition from classroom learning to hands-on clinical training. The event celebrated the students’ dedication and growth as they prepare to apply their academic knowledge in real-world healthcare settings.
Dr. Todd Cade, PT, PhD, FAPTA, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and chief of the DPT Division, welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of the moment: “Taking the oath in Duke Chapel carries a new resonance when doing it inside this historic space."
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Moyo B. Tillery, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, a 2011 Duke DPT alumna and current Director of Admissions at Tufts DPT Boston. Dr. Tillery shared a powerful and deeply personal message about resilience, growth, and purpose in the face of adversity.
“I failed my first anatomy exam,” she recalled. “That failure led to a difficult conversation with my advisor, who questioned whether this program was right for me. I almost quit. But my father flew overnight to be with me, opened the Bible, and reminded me that quitting is not an option.”
She went on to share the three guiding truths that helped her persevere: Heart, Progress, and Purpose.
- Heart: “Let others believe in you when you can’t. Lean on the people who know your heart—they are the bridge that carries you forward.”
- Progress: “Failure invites growth. Be thoughtful and self-compassionate. When you extend compassion inward, it becomes easier to extend it outward.”
- Purpose: “Remember why you chose this path. Keep your ‘why’ close—it will ground you.”
Dr. Tillery concluded with a charge to the students: “You are stepping into your story today. Now it’s time to grow—into the clinician and human you want to become. Let your white coats be a symbol of heart, progress, and purpose. Welcome to the profession.”
Each student received their white coat, symbolizing their readiness to begin clinical rotations and their commitment to compassionate, evidence-based patient care. The ceremony was attended by faculty, family, and peers, offering a moment of reflection, pride, and encouragement.