White Coat Ceremony

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation White Coat Ceremony welcomes entering medical students and helps establish a psychological contract for the practice of medicine.

The event, emphasizing compassionate patient care and scientific proficiency, includes:

• Recitation of an Oath of Service and Responsibility representing public acknowledgment of the responsibilities of the profession and students’ willingness to assume such obligations in the presence of family, friends and faculty
• Cloaking of students in their first white coats
• An address by a eminent physician role model
• A reception with students’ invited guests

At the ceremony, students are welcomed by their deans and other institutional leadership who represent the value system of the school and the new profession the students are about to enter.

The cloaking with the white coat—the mantle of the medical profession—is a hands-on experience that underscores the bonding process. The coat is placed on each student’s shoulders by individuals who believe in the students’ ability to carry on the noble tradition of doctoring. It is a personally delivered gift of faith, confidence and compassion.

Raft Debate

A surgeon, an internist and an obstetrician are aboard a simulated sinking ship. Their only escape is a oneperson raft. Who should be the sole survivor?

MCG faculty members play their roles and make their case for survival based on their contributions to society.

This insight reaches sophomore and junior medical students the pros and cons of different medical specialties.

Students leave the debate not only with a better understanding of the specialties, but with a keener sense of direction.

The evening includes a low-country boil and time for students to mingle with faculty and alumni. This ceremony is sponsored by the School of Medicine Alumni Association.

 

Match Day

This annual event pairs fourthyear medical students nationwide with hospitals where they will train in their chosen specialties.

A large percentage of MCG students traditionally are matched with one of their top choices of training sites, setting the stage for a festive celebration with administrators, faculty and loved ones as envelopes are opened and the cheering begins.