White Coat Ceremony

Donald Brady, MD, left, helps helps Godwin Emeka put on his white coat. (all photos by Susan Urmy)
July 28, 2023

White Coat Ceremony welcomes new School of Medicine students

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine recently welcomed 96 first-year students during its annual White Coat Ceremony, marking the students’ journeys to becoming physicians and physician-scientists.

By Kathy Whitney
First-year School of Medicine student Aamina Dandy puts on her white coat at last week’s ceremony as Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, and Amy Fleming, MD, look on.
July 28, 2022

White Coat Ceremony marks start of medical school journey

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine welcomed 96 first-year students on Friday, July 22, during its annual White Coat Ceremony.

By Kathy Whitney
Incoming medical student Olivia Prosak receives her white coat from Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, while Amy Fleming, MD, looks on.
July 28, 2021

Educational journey begins for incoming VUSM students

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine officially welcomed 96 first-year students to its ranks with its annual White Coat ceremony, held July 23.

By Kathy Whitney
Sarah Capostagno shows off her new coat during last week’s White Coat Ceremony for first-year School of Medicine students.
August 12, 2020

Ceremony launches medical students’ education journey

In keeping with tradition, the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine first-year class held its White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 5. Despite a few aspects of the ceremony being altered due to physical distancing measures put in place with COVID-19, the students enjoyed the right of passage marking the beginning of their medical education journey.

By Kathy Whitney
Thomas Li receives his white coat from Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, at last Friday’s event in 208 Light Hall.
August 1, 2019

Ceremony welcomes new School of Medicine students

A new year means a new white coat for first-year Vanderbilt University School of Medicine students.

By Kathy Whitney
August 2, 2018

White Coat Ceremony ushers in newest medical students

As the 96 members of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s first-year class took their seats at the front of 208 Light Hall, Bonnie Miller, MD, MMHC, welcomed them and their family members to the school’s annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony.

By Kathy Whitney
August 3, 2017

Educational journey begins for new medical students

As family members, friends and faculty gathered in 208 Light Hall, many with cell phones positioned to capture the moment, Bonnie Miller, M.D., MMHC, welcomed them to the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s (VUSM) annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony, and then turned to the first-year students and asked a simple question.
By Kathy Whitney
August 4, 2016

White Coat Ceremony marks start of medical school journey

Family members, friends and faculty gathered in Light Hall on July 29 to support the new Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) class during the school’s annual Convocation and White Coat Ceremony.
By Kathy Whitney
July 30, 2015

Educational journey begins for new medical students

For the 91 members of the 140th class at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM), the first day of medical school began on July 15.
By Jessica Pasley
July 30, 2014

White coats a fine fit for incoming medical students

The White Coat Ceremony held at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine that recognizes first-year medical students’ transition from college to professional school serves as a rite of passage and carries a powerful symbolism.
By Jessica Pasley
August 1, 2013

Ceremony marks beginning of medical students’ journey

First-year Vanderbilt University School of Medicine students were asked to feel the weight of responsibility as they donned their white coats in a ceremony July 26 in 208 Light Hall.
By VUMC News and Communications