College of Medicine welcomes Class of 2029 during White Coat Ceremony

The Ohio State University College of Medicine recently held its 2025 White Coat Ceremony to mark the entrance of the Class of 2029 into the medical profession. More than 224 white coats were presented to these students, who are entering innovative programs and curricula — the traditional, four-year medical degree (MD) program, the accelerated three-year Primary Care Track, the Community Medicine MD Track (CMT), dual degree programs like the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), and MEDPATH, a one-year program aimed at developing and enriching academic knowledge and skills to set undergraduate students up for success prior to entering medical school. 

The incoming class was selected from more than 8,700 applications, an Ohio State College of Medicine record. They have majored in everything from biomathematics, engineering, and pharmacy to political science, genetics and music, and 13% of them are the first in their family to attend college.  

Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine, welcomed everyone and shared sound advice with the newest class of future physicians. She also acknowledged the depth of their commitment and dedicated scholarship that prepared them to partake in the tradition to become the next generation of health care leaders. 

“The different perspectives and passions you bring will enrich this profession in powerful ways and transform the health of our communities,” Dr. Bradford said. “As you learn to uphold the ideals of the Hippocratic Oath, you will become compassionate caregivers and fierce advocates for your patients.” 

Dr. Bradford assured the incoming class of the guidance and support that will surround them as they determine which avenues and specialties to pursue — whether it be research and discovery, entering our renowned MSTP or becoming specialists or surgeons. 

“We are proud to offer an accelerated Primary Care MD Track to help address the shortage of primary care physicians in Ohio and beyond,” Dr. Bradford said. “And 13 learners are entering the second year of the Community Medicine MD Track to train to care for patients in rural and smaller communities.” 

The incoming class comes from 29 different states, speaks more than 33 languages and holds a varied mix of disciplines and experiences, including one student who is serving as a senator-at-large. Fifty-eight percent of the class are Ohio residents.  

The event included other inspirational messages from leaders, including Jennifer McCallister, MD, the associate dean for Medical Education; and Demicha Rankin, MD, the associate dean for Admissions at the Ohio State College of Medicine, who both likened the white coat to a representation of personal and professional commitments to advancing science and beginning the journey from learner to physician.  

“You are entering a community that symbolizes service and being part of an interprofessional team,” Dr. McCallister said. “These coats will be there with you through it all, even the good days and the challenging ones.” 

Dr. Rankin described the incoming class as having a rich tapestry of varied backgrounds and experiences that played a huge role in earning them places as medical students in the college. 

“This place will challenge you and stretch you,” Dr. Rankins said. “But it will inspire you and shape you.” 

Each learner came onstage for the Presentation of White Coats, donned their crisp coat and joined a group of individuals who have sworn to be caring, empathetic, devoted and selfless.