Medical Students to Receive White Coats June 21

Students take the Medical Student Oath during last year's White Coat Ceremony.

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine will hold its annual White Coat Ceremony at the USA Mitchell Center on June 21, 2014, at 10 a.m. During the ceremony, rising third-year medical students will be cloaked with their white coats, the traditional dress of physicians for more than 100 years.

Dr. David Gremse, professor and chair of pediatrics at USA, will be the keynote speaker.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone for these students - the point where they will begin their clinical rotations and start interacting with patients on a daily basis.

"The white coat represents the mantle of the medical profession," said Dr. Susan LeDoux, associate dean of medical education and student affairs. "This ceremony creates a psychological, intellectual, and ethical contract for the profession."

For students, the White Coat ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance and responsibility they take by dedicating themselves to the care of patients. During the ceremony, the students in unison will take the Medical Student Oath, a promise to uphold the human aspects of medicine, such as sensitivity, compassion and respect for patients.

Dr. LeDoux said select students, residents and faculty will also be inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society at the ceremony.

Each year, the USA Medical Alumni Association sponsors this event. Click here to read about last year's White Coat Ceremony.