Office of Student Affairs

White Coat Ceremony

The annual White Coat Ceremony is an important step for first year medical students as they begin the journey towards becoming physicians at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

During the ceremony, each student is given a traditional white coat - long the symbol of the medical clinician and scientist. The presentation of coats by the School of Medicine faculty recognizes the students's entry into the profession of medicine and welcomes them as junior colleagues. The white coat is personally placed on each student's shoulders by individuals who believe in the students' ability to carry on the noble tradition of doctoring.

During the ceremony, the students vow to always maintain professional attitudes and behaviors in work and relationships with classmates, teachers patients and the community at large. The White Coat Ceremony was first held at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1997.

For more information about the White Coat Ceremony visit: The Professionalism Project of the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Contact: Sonia Beasley, Coordinator.