Medical Students to Receive White Coats June 20

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine will hold its annual White Coat Ceremony at the USA Mitchell Center on June 20, 2015, at 10 a.m. During the ceremony, the Class of 2017 will be cloaked with their white coats, the traditional dress of physicians for more than 100 years.

Dr. Steven P. Furr ('81), chair pro tempore of the USA Board of Trustees, will be the keynote speaker.

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

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.

Select students, residents and faculty will also be inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society at the ceremony. Inductees are selected for practicing patient-centered medical care with integrity, compassion and altruism. Election to this organization is by vote of medical students.

Each year, the USA Medical Alumni Association sponsors this event. Click here to view photos from last year's ceremony.