The White Coat Ceremony
The White Coat Ceremony for the incoming class of 2028 will take place as a symbolic end to orientation week.
Video from the 2024 Ceremony
Ceremony Background
This rite of passage for beginning medical students is a tradition at the Jacobs School and is intended to help establish a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine.
The event emphasizes the importance of both scientific excellence and compassionate care for the patient and includes several elements:
- Students are cloaked in their first white coats and recite the Hippocratic oath of medicine.
- An inspiring keynote address is given by a distinguished speaker.
This event is typically attended by family and proud guests.
As part of Orientation Registration, students will select their White Coat size.
Ceremony Background
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation White Coat Ceremony was initiated on August 20, 1993 at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. The Gold Foundation currently supports the ceremony at more than 100 schools of osteopathy and medicine throughout the U.S.
New students at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will take part in a tradition shared by medical students across the country.
White Coat Embroidery
Each year, Student National Medical Association (SNMA) has a white coat embroidery sale for students to have their first and last names embroidered on their white coat. Having one’s name on the white coat is beneficial for many reasons. For one, it helps patients and physicians the student encounters identify the student. It enhances the students’ professional appearance, and it helps students identify one another – even from different years – on clinical rotations.
The cost to have the white coat embroidered is $30.
Your white coat embroidery fee information will be provided closer to the date of our event.
FAQs
What is the recommended attire?
For students, we recommend you dress professionally. For guests, we suggest business casual.
Where do I get my white coat?
You can pick up your white coat at Orientation on day two. There will be a specific time for you to pick it up and you will bring it with you to the ceremony. Please do not wear your white coat to the ceremony.
Can I get my white coat embroidered with my name?
Student will drop off their coats for embroidery on Monday at the Jacobs School of Medicine. SNMA will communicate with students directions.
Can I have someone cloak me?
Yes, you may. The person cloaking you must be an MD and UB faculty. You must register via your registration form for Orientation. If you forgot to sign up your cloaker, please email Julie Szrama.
When should students arrive for the ceremony?
2 p.m. Doors will not open for family until 2:30 p.m.
How will students be lined up?
Students will be lined up in alphabetical order, when then arrive.
Is there a reception afterwards?
Yes, we will offer a lite reception directly following the White Coat Ceremony. We also recommend making dinner reservations downtown to celebrate to experience the wonderful culinary offering Buffalo has to offer. Here is a list of recommended restaurants. We recommend making a reservation.
How many people can I bring, where do I get tickets, and how much does it cost?
You are not limited on the number of guests and there is no cost associated with attending.
Are tickets required?
You do not need a ticket for this event and there is not a limit on guests.
Where can I park?
The Stadium Lot, Slee A Lot and Baird A Lot are recommended for guest parking. Guests are welcome to park in any faculty/staff and student parking lots. For a map with details for parking lots; please refer to the UB North Campus Map.
What time will the doors open for guests?
2:30 p.m.
How does seating work?
Seating will be first come, first serve.
May guests take photographs or video?
Guests may take pictures or videos on their phones from their seats.
Will there be professional photographs taken? If so, can we purchase these?
There will be a professional photographer to take photos for our school. These will not be offered for purchase, but will be shared.
When will the ceremony be over?
5 p.m.