Posted on Sept. 25: White coat ceremony recognizes medical student commitment

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/white_coat_crop.jpg” caption=”White Coat Ceremony”]The 139 medical students in the class of 2006 got a taste last night of what it means to take responsibility for patient health, in a ceremony designed to formally present them with their white clerk's coats, typically worn by second-year medical students in teaching hospitals.

The white coat ceremony is a popular occasion in other medical schools, and students at McMaster were so enthusiastic that many opted to bring more guests than the original venue, Convocation Hall, could accommodate. The event was moved to the Hamilton Convention Centre, with more than 600 people in attendance.

First-year medical student Amanda Jerome brought five guests, including her grandmother, aunt, parents, and fiancie. After graduating from McMaster's new Bachelor of Health Sciences program, she's eager to move forward with her dream of becoming a doctor, and she's happy to share the experience with her family.

“I'm thrilled about the ceremony because for me it signifies that first official step,” says Jerome. “Becoming a doctor is a lifelong journey and it's really nice to formally appreciate that in the company of my family.”

James Beecroft, another first-year student attending the ceremony with family members, says for him the ceremony marks a transition. He's a veterinarian who's been practicing in rural Ontario for seven years, but now he wants to turn his medical attention toward people. He says while he's already earned the title of “doctor,” there's still a thrill about what the ceremony represents.

“There's a social connection to the white coat, just like there would be with scrubs, or a stethoscope, and it makes what we're doing here feel more official,” says Beecroft. “For me the white coat signifies our responsibility to society. It makes particular sense at McMaster because here we're able to jump right in and work with the patients right away. It's important to instill that commitment and appreciation immediately.”

As the third largest medical school in Canada, McMaster receives more applications than any other medical school in Ontario, with 28 applications to each accepted student. The class of 2006 is the largest class since the medical school's inception in 1966.

“Each of our new medical students already have so much to be proud of, and this is just the beginning,” said John Kelton, dean and vice-president of health sciences. “Between now and the time they take the Hippocratic oath, they have a wonderful opportunity to develop the empathy and compassion that will allow them to uphold the values inherent in medical practice. Being able to help people will be the most important and rewarding aspect of their medical career.”

Each student received white coats with McMaster's crest on the pocket as a symbol of the undertaking of clinical learning, a time in which medical students interact with patients.

Photo caption: medical student Avram Denburg gets help putting on a white coat from Alan Neville, assistant dean, Undergraduate MD Program at Wednesday's ceremony. Photo credit: Robert Tatlock