The white coat ceremony is a special event that welcomes incoming medical students into the study of medicine and emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, scientific aptitude, and ethical behavior in medical school and future chosen profession. The ceremony is an important rite-of-passage that marks the transformation to becoming a medical student and professional. Family, friends, and Ross Med community members joined the ceremony in person and via livestream, offering encouragement and support for over 150 first semester students who were invited to participate in the ceremony on campus or virtually.
About Keynote Speaker Greg Gilmour
Keynote speaker, Greg Gilmour, MD ’15, DC, FAAPMR, spoke to the class about realizing his dreams coming true as he established his career as a physician. “The strength of this profession is rooted in its history and its future, and all of you get to help write the next chapter. You get to choose your own adventure, and you are not alone. Those of us who came before you are here to guide you along the way.”
White coat ceremonies for new medical students provide a celebratory atmosphere that recognizes the special bond between physicians-in-training. During the ceremony, Ross Med faculty bestows incoming students with their first white coats as they recite the Modified Oath of Geneva.
“As you go on to future careers in medicine, the persistence and grit you have demonstrated in preparation for this moment is truly commendable,” said Rhonda McIntyre, MBBS, FAAP, FRCP(C), senior associate dean of external affairs and professor of pediatrics, in her opening statement to the physicians-in-training. “You come from diverse backgrounds, bring your own life experiences, values, and talent, all the things which make you uniquely you. All these attributes will enrich our Ross Med community, and we look forward to you fully immersing yourselves into our community.”
Congratulations and a warm welcome to the newest members of the class of 2027!
Read Dr. Gilmour’s full story here.
Watch the Spring 2023 White Coat Ceremony on our Ross Med YouTube channel.
Learn more about the history and significance of the white coat ceremony here.
