White Coat Ceremony welcomes new class to the practice of medicine

This past Friday, more than 200 first-year medical students received their white coats at The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s 2026 White Coat ceremony, marking their entrance into training to become physicians. Carefully selected from more than 10,000 applicants, the chosen group is beginning their entrance into innovative programs and curricula at the college – the traditional four-year medical degree (MD) program, the accelerated Three-year Primary Care Track, the Community Medicine MD Track and dual degree programs like the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program.

Held on campus at Mershon Auditorium, the ceremony included:

• Sound advice and reassurance from faculty that the curriculum and training will prepare them to think critically, and to remain curious as they explore different specialties.
• Insight into the skills they’ll develop to practice medicine in the ever-evolving and complex world of healthcare.
• The presentation of white coats to the unique group of students who come from 28 states and speak 29 languages, 17% of whom are first-generation college students.
• Recitation of the Medical Student Oath, signaling the beginning of their lifelong pledge to the ambitious standards of the profession.

The ceremony honoring the hard work it took for them to earn a place in the college also recognized the continued support from families and friends that helped them get here. And it acknowledged the faculty, staff, researchers, clinicians, advisors and mentors who’ll help them grow into the doctors they’re meant to be.

Congratulations to the 224 medical students who’ve entered a profession grounded in compassion, respect and honesty – traits needed to provide excellent care to patients and communities.