Dear Entering Class,
I am delighted you have decided to come to Penn State College of Medicine this July. Whether you have chosen to have Hershey or University Park as your home base, I think you will be very pleased with the educational programs and communities of learning you will now share. I encourage you to participate fully in the rich and diverse learning environments that encompass Penn State College of Medicine.
In 1996, Penn State College of Medicine initiated a White Coat Ceremony for entering medical students as a means to welcome you into the profession, and to acknowledge your commitment to professionalism and humanism in the practice of medicine. We invite you to join us this year as we continue this meaningful tradition for our College of Medicine.
During the ceremony, you will be presented and “cloaked” with your white coats by a distinguished Penn State College of Medicine physician and faculty member. In the days prior to the White Coat Ceremony your class will work together across the Hershey and University Park campuses to write an oath of student professionalism. At the ceremony, the students will read it together.
Lastly, your parents, family, friends and significant others are invited to join us for your White Coat Ceremony and official welcome to the medical profession. There will be a light reception afterward, which all are invited to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Terry M. Wolpaw, MD, MHPE
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
Professor of Medicine