Today the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine celebrated an important rite of passage, as its seventh incoming class received their first doctor’s white coats. More than 100 medical schools across the country host White Coat Ceremonies to mark the beginning of a student’s journey into medicine.

Each incoming student is assigned a mentor – a second-year medical student who provides the guidance and support that is critical during the first year of medical school. During the ceremony, the students are pinned with a “Humanism in Medicine” lapel pin by their mentor, which emphasizes the importance of caring as well as curing in the practice of medicine.

The 64 members of the class were selected from more than 3,600 applicants and are the most diverse in the school's history. Class members range in age from 19 to 30 and 15 percent are FAU alumni.

Welcome, Schmidt College of Medicine Class of 2021!