2025 White Coat Ceremony
More than 150 new MD students received an official welcome to the School of Medicine, along with special gifts from alumni
On August 15, the UVA Medical Alumni Association welcomed 157 new students to the UVA School of Medicine at the 2025 White Coat Ceremony, endowed by the Class of 1965. The ceremony was also attended by faculty, family, and friends.
In 2015, on the occasion of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1965 established a gift to fund UVA’s white coat ceremony for incoming medical students each year. This endowment provides personally embroidered white coats for students, rental of the historic Old Cabell Hall, and a reception after the ceremony for students and their guests. Thanks to alumni support of the MAA’s Annual Fund, students also received a medical tool kit from MAA Board President Roberta DeBiasi, MD ’92. The kit—complete with stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, tuning fork, and reflex hammer—is a tangible sign of the MAA’s commitment to supporting them from day one.
The White Coat Ceremony is more than just an annual event or solely a UVA tradition. White Coat Ceremonies are held at medical schools nationwide to welcome those embarking on their medical careers to the community of physicians by giving them a symbol of compassion and honor. The white coat reminds current and future physicians of their professional duties, as prescribed by Hippocrates, to lead their lives and practice their art in respectability and honor. The white coat is a symbol of professionalism, integrity, and the highest commitment to caring for the patient.
In addition to their white coat and tool kit, UVA students also found a letter of encouragement in the pocket of their new coat from a current medical student, welcoming them to the School of Medicine. It’s a special touch that lets students know they are not alone in their journey.
MAA Executive Director Barry Collins says, “After 22 years with the MAA, I can honestly say that it continues to be an honor to welcome students to UVA each year, knowing that years later, I will have the honor of welcoming them back for their milestone reunions.”
Welcome, SMD’29!
