August 7, 2026

On Friday, August 7, the MD program Class of 2030's White Coat Ceremony was held at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. This symbolic rite of passage for incoming medical students was first established in 1993 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and represents the beginning of a student’s journey into medicine.

When medical students don their white coats for the first time, they are making a commitment to compassion and service. “There is no greater feeling in the world than that which we get from helping others, and we get to do it every day,” said keynote speaker Brian R. Kane, MD, division chief of family medicine, Tower Health and assistant professor in the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine. “You will go through periods where you’re tired, overworked, stressed out and all of you will make mistakes. And that’s okay. Keep moving forward. Keep climbing the mountain, because every day, you’ll have a chance to help someone, an opportunity to improve someone’s life and perhaps save a life.”

Kane discussed the ample opportunities a career in medicine can bring. “Once you get that MD behind your name, you can do a lot of different things for a career. I'm a family doctor. I'm teaching medical students. I have some leadership roles. I'm publishing clinical research. And I've worked as a consultant for international businesses. Your future is bright. It's very exciting,” he said.

The tradition of the White Coat Ceremony was created to encourage a focus on compassion among future generations of physicians. On Friday, incoming students recited the Declaration of Geneva's Physician Pledge for the first time, the contemporary successor to the 2,500-year-old Hippocratic Oath, affirming their commitment to the ethical principles of the profession.

Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and Drexel Health Clinical Operations Charles B. Cairns, MD, welcomed the 305 incoming students and emphasized what the white coats symbolize. “In donning your white coats, you accept the responsibilities inherent in the study and practice of medicine: to care for all aspects of your patients’ well-being, not just the health of their bodies,” he said.

Cairns also reflected on the College of Medicine's illustrious history, rooted in the legacy of Hahnemann University and Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first degree-granting medical school in the world for women. “As we honor our past, we also remain focused on our future. The College of Medicine has continued to grow and innovate, as evidenced by our two state-of-the-art campuses, which provide unparalleled learning environments,” he said. “Both campuses have eagerly anticipated your arrival, and we remain excited about the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives you will bring to your communities.”

Leon McCrea II, MD, MPH, Deborah J. Tuttle, MD and John P. Piper, MD Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, addressed the tradition of the White Coat Ceremony in his opening remarks, noting that the event "marks the beginning of our medical students' educational journey, where the value of humanism lies at the core of what we do in healthcare. Remember to take moments to be present with patients and peers, to set aside technology, and to appreciate the profound gift of wearing the white coat.”

As the Class of 2030 embarks on their medical school career, the White Coat Ceremony continues to serve as a reminder of the road ahead. “Medical school is not easy, but never forget that you are not alone,” said Cairns. “If you struggle, feel lost or just need a supportive ear, please turn to use and to each other for guidance and support.” Through the College of Medicine’s rich history and the supportive community across both campuses, the Class of 2030 begins its journey prepared to lead and make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare.