It was a busy week on the WSU Spokane campus last week as the College of Medicine welcomed new students in its Doctor of Medicine, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, and Speech and Hearing Sciences programs. These students are now prepped for the upcoming academic year and ready to train as the health care leaders of tomorrow.
For the MD program, orientation started on Monday. The new medical students received the iPads and stethoscopes that will be important tools in their training for the next four years. Both are generously gifted from donors who are passionate about supporting the college’s mission to train more doctors to serve in Washington and beyond.
“Receiving my stethoscope was like receiving my glasses; except it allowed me to see within,” Dr. Samuel Selinger, MD, told the Class of 2028. The students then wrote thank you cards to each donor who supports the future of health care by helping WSU medical students succeed.
The Week of Welcome, which was sponsored by BECU, was also a time for the students in all programs to get to know one another and the faculty and staff who will support them along their journey. A few meals and photo shoots gave the students time to connect over their shared passions.
Finally, for the incoming medical students, the week ended with the White Coat Ceremony at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. The ceremony signifies the beginning of a student doctor’s journey as a medical professional. When the white coat is placed on their shoulders, they are committing to prioritize compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent care from the first first day. Family and friends packed the Fox to celebrate this important milestone.