White Coat Ceremony

When you enter medical school, there is a ritual or ceremony called the "white coat ceremony." Today was mine. The class of 2011 filed into the Annex (where all my classes are held) and for today, the Annex was call a "hall." We carried our coats over our forearms, shoulders, hands and in our bags until it was time to have an M.D. put the coats on us and a PhD faculty member add a pin to the lapel that symbolizes our commitment to providing compassionate and excellent patient care.

We had many, many speakers at this event. The Ross School of Medicine Dean, Dr. Mary Coleman addressed our class. She is a fellow Buckeye who taught at Ohio State Medical School. Before the ceremony began, Dean Coleman shook everyone's hands and asked them their name and introduced herself to us.

The President of the University, Vice President, etc. all said a word or two. This is a picture of the the Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica. He addresed our class, welcomed us to the best medical school in the world and wish us all luck. Afterwards, during the reception, he went around and shook everybody's hands.

After the keynote speaker, Dr. Joseph O'Donnell from Boston, we finally got to put our white coats on. So, here are a few pictures of me with my lovely farmers tan and white coat. The white coat is short for all medical students. Once we graduate and are M.D.'s, we get to put on the long coat. Enjoy!