On February 11, 2023, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC Med) hosted its Spring 2023 White Coat Ceremony, where over 140 first semester students were welcomed as the newest physicians-in-training of the class of 2027.
The white coat ceremony is a special event that welcomes incoming medical students into the study of medicine and emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, scientific aptitude, and ethical behavior in medical school and future chosen profession. The ceremony is an important rite-of-passage that marks the transformation to becoming a medical student and professional. Family, friends, and AUC Med community members joined the ceremony in person and via livestream, offering encouragement and support for the students who were invited to participate in the ceremony on campus or virtually.
White coat ceremonies for new medical students provide a celebratory atmosphere that recognizes the special bond between physicians-in-training. During the ceremony, AUC Med faculty bestows incoming students with their first white coats as they recite the Modified Oath of Geneva.
Congratulations and a warm welcome to the newest members of the class of 2027!
About Keynote Speaker Jalpa Patel
Keynote speaker, Jalpa Patel, MD ‘15, spoke to the class about realizing her dreams coming true as she established her career as a physician. Dr. Patel is a board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist with a special interest in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and preventative medicine.
“American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine opened doors for me to achieve my professional goals,” shared Dr. Patel in her address to the ceremony. “AUC Med provided me with memories and experiences that molded me into the physician I am today.”
Dr. Patel is currently an Attending Gastroenterologist at Banner Health in Glendale, AZ. Dr. Patel completed her Internal Medicine Residency and her Gastroenterology Fellowship at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Ascension Providence-Providence Park Hospital, Southfield, MI.
