Eighty future Coug Docs walked across the stage Friday to don their white coats, the first step in their journey to fill a critical need for more physicians in Washington and beyond.
The WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine welcomed incoming medical students in a ceremony at Spokane’s historic Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. A cherished tradition across the country, the white coat ceremony marks learners’ transition into the medical profession. Students receive a short coat, to be exchanged with a long coat when they graduate.
College of Medicine Dean Jim Record, MD, JD, FACP, noted in an opening speech that this is one of his favorite moments of the year.
“This is when I see a group of passionate learners excited to learn together, grow together, and go on to change the world of healthcare together,” he said. “This is when I see you accept the white coat placed on your shoulders, and the commitment that comes with it: to prioritize compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent care from this day forward.”
This year’s class brings together future doctors from all walks of life: 38.8% are nontraditional students (25 years old and older), more than 10 times the national average of 3.4% for all medical schools last year. Additionally, 16.3% are first-generation college students, well above the national average of 10.7%.
Under the theater’s famous etched glass ceiling, Clinical Professor and longtime Spokane physician Henry Mroch, MD, FACP, FASN, delivered a keynote address and shared stories from his 28-year career that taught him the true weight of the white coat.
“Do not let this coat become a barrier between you and those trusting in your care,” Dr. Mroch said. “Let it be a reminder of your commitment to grow, to remain present, and to see the whole person in front of you.”
After receiving their coats, students raised their right hands to recite the student declaration, pledging to uphold the profession’s core values. Each student also wrote a personalized physician’s pledge to guide their work.
“I promise to see every patient as a person before a diagnosis, to listen with empathy, learn with humility, and serve with integrity,” medical student Czarina Kate Igama wrote. “I will strive to relieve suffering, advocate for others, and never lose sight of the privilege of caring for human life.”
The white coat is not the only tool students will take with them as they train in community hospitals and clinics across Washington. Earlier in the week, the class received their crimson stethoscopes and iPads, which house the MD program’s entirely digital curriculum. The iPad initiative was made possible by donors Mike and Kathy Hambelton, and the stethoscopes are sponsored by retired Spokane cardiovascular surgeon Sam Selinger, MD, and other supporters of the college.
WSU’s newest class of medical students also received the support of university leadership. System Provost and Executive Vice President T. Chris Riley-Tillman, PhD, and Senior Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs Jeff Haney, MD, attended the ceremony, joining families from across the state to celebrate the next generation of Washington physicians.
WSU’s MD program recruits applicants with ties to Washington who are committed to serving the state once they complete their training. This year’s class represents 19 Washington counties, including 18.8% who hail from rural counties.
With their deep ties to local communities and wealth of personal and professional experience, the Class of 2030 is poised to have a transformative impact on the health and well-being of communities across the state.
Media Contact
Stephanie Engle, WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Communications and Marketing, 509-368-6937, stephanie.engle@wsu.edu