Medical Students' Induction: 110 Aspiring Physicians Commence Their Journey in Medical School
A New Chapter Begins at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry welcomed its new class of 2026 with a significant tradition - the White Coat Ceremony. Held at the Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center on August 12, the event marked the beginning of the students' journey into the healthcare profession.
The ceremony was attended by students, family members, and university leaders, emphasizing the community's support for the new class. The event was captured by University of Rochester photographer J. Adam Fenster.
Assistant Professor of Surgery Michael Nabozny '11M (M.D.), delivered the keynote address, discussing the importance of navigating change in the medical field. He shared his approach to discussing worst-case scenarios with patients and their families, using a crescendo and decrescendo method.
University of Rochester President Sarah Mangelsdorf addressed the class of 2026, highlighting the unique collaborative environment at the University of Rochester. She welcomed the students to the community and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
School of Medicine and Dentistry Dean Mark Taubman, M.D., spoke at the ceremony and emphasized the responsibilities and obligations of being a physician. He reminded the students that their role is not just to heal but also to comfort and support their patients.
Fourth year medical student Tresne Hernandez '24 offered advice to the incoming class during the student address. She encouraged them to be resilient, to ask questions, and to never stop learning.
The class of 2026 consists of 110 medical students, 49 women, 54 men, and 7 nonbinary students. The students in this class are proficient in 34 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). Remarkably, they come from 26 states and 17 were born outside the United States.
The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that symbolizes the transition of medical students from pre-clinical to clinical training. It is a public declaration of their commitment to the medical profession and its ethical standards. The white coat, worn by both physicians and medical students, represents the trust between patients and healthcare providers, and signifies the responsibility that students are about to assume as future medical professionals.
During the ceremony, students typically recite an oath, such as the Oath of Hippocrates or the Oath of Geneva, which affirms their dedication to the principles of medicine, including compassion, integrity, and respect for patients. The coat itself is a physical reminder of the professionalism and empathy expected in the profession.
At the University of Rochester, the White Coat Ceremony is an annual event, part of the welcome events for new students. This year's ceremony, the Robert L. & Lillian H. Brent White Coat Ceremony, was no exception. It was a solemn and celebratory event that emphasized the transition into a noble and challenging profession, while reinforcing the values of integrity, compassion, and service.
As the students embark on their clinical training, they carry with them the support of their community, the wisdom of their mentors, and the commitment to their profession. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry looks forward to watching them grow and succeed in their journey to becoming compassionate and skilled healthcare providers.
References: [1] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The White Coat Ceremony. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/history/white_coat_ceremony.html [2] University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. (n.d.). White Coat Ceremony. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/education/md-program/student-life/white-coat-ceremony.aspx
In the realm of health and wellness, the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry provides education and self-development, as evidenced by the annual White Coat Ceremony, which symbolizes the students' transition from pre-clinical to clinical training and their commitment to the medical profession's ethical standards.
This institution offers a holistic approach to medical education, not only equipping students with scientific knowledge but also fostering their growth in areas such as interdisciplinary collaboration, resilience, and professional integrity.
