On Aug. 20, the UNMC College of Medicine held its annual White Coat ceremony to welcome the incoming class of medical students.
One-hundred and thirty-two students received their white coats during the ceremony, which was held in the Orpheum Theater. Attendees were masked during the event, which was held in compliance with UNMC pandemic safety measures..
"This white coat ceremony is the first step in the transition of our newest class of students to becoming physicians," Dr. Britigan said as the ceremony began.
He noted the changes in medical education over the years but added that the college’s mission has remained constant over the past century: "To train the next generation of physicians for the state and for the country. To the class of 2025, we welcome you as you become part of that proud tradition."
Family members were excited to be able to attend the event.
Mike Keckler, father of incoming student Sydney Keckler, said he was proud to see "my one and only daughter entering med school." Keckler’s late wife and Sydney’s mother, Dena, had been a physician assistant who graduated from UNMC, he said. Sydney’s aunt, Jana Clark, also a UNMC graduate, said, "I see my sister in her every day . . . We couldn’t be more thrilled and pleased."
"Because of the COVID-19 safey efforts, the incoming class received their white coats from faculty and students and donned them themselves," said Wendy Grant, MD, associate dean for admissions and student affairs at the college. "While it changed the flow of the ceremony, the end goal was accomplished.
"It is so important to recognize the achievements of our incoming students and welcome them to the profession of medicine," Dr. Grant said. "Their enthusiasm was palpable, and we are very grateful that we were able to have this important rite of passage in person."