Medical school students' journey commences with White Coat Ceremony celebration
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony
The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Class of 2027 received their white coats during a ceremony on August 18, marking a significant milestone in their medical journey. The event took place at the Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center.
Mark B. Taubman, M.D., who is stepping down as Dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, and CEO of the medical center, addressed the class. Taubman emphasized the importance of the Rochester-based biopsychosocial model that treats patients as more than their medical issues.
Joel Pasternack, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, delivered the keynote address. Pasternack, a member of the SMD Class of 1980, shared experiences that shaped his career. Fourth-year medical student Malayna Hocker also spoke, offering insights about the first three years of medical school and advising the Class of 2027. Hocker stated that students will make mistakes and struggle at times, but they can still be great healers.
The Class of 2027 consists of 105 students, with 15 of them born outside the U.S. Students hail from 26 states, with New York, Massachusetts, and California together accounting for the top 3 spots. The students in the Class of 2027 know 23 languages, including ASL.
David R. Lambert, M.D., senior associate dean for Medical Student Education, Flavia Nobay, M.D., associate dean of Student Affairs, and Christine Hay, M.D., associate dean of Admissions were present at the ceremony.
The ceremony, known as the Robert L. & Lillian H. Brent White Coat Ceremony, was captured on video and photos by the University of Rochester photographer J. Adam Fenster and University of Rochester Medical Center video producer Douglas Buckley. More photos and videos of the ceremony can be found on the University's Facebook and Instagram pages. A link to the video of the ceremony is provided here.
The Class of 2027 is diverse and promising, ready to embark on their medical journey under the guidance of experienced faculty and mentors. As they don their white coats, they are stepping into a world where they will make a difference in the lives of their patients.
Science plays a vital role in the comprehensive approach to medical conditions, as demonstrated by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry's commitment to health and wellness through education and self-development. The diverse Class of 2027, equipped with the biopsychosocial model and various languages, is set to make significant contributions to the medical field, positively impacting the lives of their patients and the broader community.
