White Coat Ceremony Represents New Beginnings and New Responsibilities

As University of California San Diego School of Medicine welcomed its newest class of medical students on Thursday, August 29, the excitement and anticipation was palpable. The newest class of medical students, 152 entering this year, looked eagerly into the cheering crowd for their family, friends and loved ones. The familiar faces of those who they will lean on for support, rely on for encouragement and whose collective experiences made this day possible.

“Receiving my white coat just 30 miles from the border where my family's United States story began is profoundly meaningful to me. It represents the culmination of decades of shared sacrifice and hard work, symbolizing my personal achievement and my family's collective journey. This ceremony marks the start of my commitment to addressing health care disparities and providing culturally competent care. It's a powerful reminder of the responsibility and privilege that comes with pursuing a career in medicine.”

~ First-year medical student Samuel Fuentes

Focusing on the future

The white coat not only marks the beginning of the medical education journey, it holds significance for those who don it. While the weight of the white coat may feel heavy, it also represents a profound privilege.

“Whatever your motivation, hold onto that spark, for it is the light that will guide you through the challenges and triumphs of your medical career.”

~ John Carethers, M.D., vice chancellor for Health Sciences

“Contrary to what you may believe, we did not select you for your GPA or your MCAT score. We selected you for your altruism, your compassion, your courage, your moral integrity, and most importantly, your humanity. As you enter the profession, we want you to hold tight to these virtues and never let the allure of science and technology supersede the value of virtues.”

~ Michelle Daniel, M.D., vice dean for medical education

The largest and most diverse class

This year’s entering class of medical students bring a wealth of experience and backgrounds. About one-third of the class is underrepresented in medicine (Black, Latinx, Native American and Native Hawaiian). Entering students collectively speak 38 different languages and have undergraduate degrees ranging from biology and biochemistry to music, philosophy and romance studies. Over the next several years, the students will expand their knowledge base while practicing empathy and compassion.

“You will explore, learn, and be introduced to the wonders of medicine – which are exploding, particularly at the innovative UC San Diego School of Medicine. We can only provide the lattice work which includes: basic knowledge, how to solve problems, and how to care for patients. You will do the rest, which involves a commitment to ongoing, lifelong self-learning.”

~ Steven Garfin, M.D., interim dean at School of Medicine

Entering Class Statistics

“I applied to medical school because there is literally nothing else that excites me or brings out who I am more than being a physician. Additionally, there is an aspect of continuing my dad’s legacy, who was also a physician. I lost him at 15 and it was one of the most transformative events in my life. It is comforting and feels right to be on this path. He is my guiding light.”

~ First year medical student Sausan Buran

A commitment to humanism and compassion

In addition to commemorating the beginning for the newest class of medical students, the White Coat Ceremony celebrates fourth-year medical students, trainees and faculty members for their commitment to promoting humanism in medicine. The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHSH) is a national organization which recognizes the absolute need for compassion in medicine. By recognizing health care professionals who strive for human connection in care, the GHHS is creating a network that champions and advocates for compassionate patient care.

Rebecca Rosen, M.D. clinical professor of family medicine, was presented with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award presented by the Arthur P. Gold Foundation. Awarded annually to a School of Medicine faculty member who best exemplifies humanism in medicine, the recipient of this award is nominated by medical students and faculty, and then selected by a committee of peer faculty members. 

For the student and trainee inductees, the Gold Humanism Honor Society solidifies their commitment to becoming compassionate and empathic physicians.

Gold Humanism Society Class of 2025 Inductees:

Jazmin Barcenas, Nissma Bencheikh, Lana Bridi, Annika Carlson, Emmanuel Elijah, Grace Feng, Benjamin Goldstein, Dylan Hutson, Tanya Jain, Megan King, Sarah Lagan, Carson McCann, Ryan Miller, Anna Ou, Karthik Ramesh, Camila Reyes Martinez, Gabrielle Shuman, Ryan Sindewald, Sharon Truong, and Nisha Uppuluri.

Resident inductees:

Austin Ayer, M.D., Department of Medicine; Claire Bensard, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery;  Lauren D'Andrea, M.D., Department of Psychiatry; Katrina Lambeth, M.D., Department of Pediatrics; William Ueng, M.D., Department of Neurology; Emily Yang, M.D., Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences;

Congratulations, Entering Class of 2024!