White Coat Ceremony

Dear Entering Class,

The medical education leadership team and faculty are delighted you have chosen to come to Penn State College of Medicine this July. Whether you have chosen to have Hershey or University Park as your home base, we know you will be very pleased with our educational programs, unique curriculum and numerous opportunities for additional personal and professional growth through our tracks and additional master’s programs. We hope you 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.

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.

We’re excited to welcome you to our school and community and look forward to learning from each other and together advancing our mission of health equity, community engagement and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and welcome.

Erica S. Friedman, M.D. FACP
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
Professor of Medicine