The Wayne State University School of Medicine’s 318 matriculants who make up the Class of 2028 are officially in their medical school era, ceremonially donning their white coats at the White Coat Ceremony held July 12 at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.
Sleeve by sleeve, faculty members helped the students into their short white coats at the event, signifying they are now physicians-in-training.
Before crossing the stage, David Abdelnour reflected on how he came to be a medical student, sitting in the audience of one of the city’s historic theaters, his crisp white coat draped perpendicular to his legs. His entire family are artists, he said, and he attended art camp as a child. But he loved science. In third grade, a supportive teacher took to calling him Dr. David, encouraging him to care for his fellow classmates if they needed a tissue or bandage. In eighth grade, he wrote a letter to himself for a class assignment, declaring he would attend the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
He also reflected on the necessary qualities of a physician, from learning to talk to people to working in a team to caring for others. “To me, I would be most happy to continue to develop those over a lifetime,” he said.
The White Coat Ceremony is an international tradition started by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and Gold Humanism Honor Society in 1993 to remind incoming medical students to practice humanistic patient-centered medical care. At least 97% percent of medical schools accredited by the Association of American Medical Colleges now hold White Coat ceremonies for first-year medical students. Students wear the coats during their four years of training. In addition to WSU faculty, they may select a mentor, family member or partner who is a doctor to coat them on stage.
Indiana resident Faith Scott was coated by her sister Alexis West, M.D., an anesthesiologist and 2013 graduate of Emory University School of Medicine who traveled from Memphis for the occasion.
“Its tickling my spirit to do this for her,” West said.
Leah Abdallah also brought sibling support on stage. Her brother, Andrew Abdallah, M.D., graduated from the WSU School of Medicine last month. He continues to give her advice about maneuvering the next four years.
“It is going to be a lot of hard work,” she said. “But it is going to be worth it.”
Event emcee and Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Career Development Margit Chadwell, M.D., provided detail on the coat’s components and symbolism, from the pocket over the heart to the top button located closest to the students’ ears, a reminder to listen to their patients.
“Button up and listen,” she said. “We will expect the very best from you, and we will promise the same.”
The students launched their medical school journey July 1 with three days of orientation. Classes started the following Monday.
School of Medicine Dean Wael Sakr, M.D., welcomed the students and nearly 2,000 beaming family members and friends, who cheered and hollered words of love and encouragement throughout the coating portion of the event.
“All of you are welcome. All of you belong here,” Dr. Sakr said. “I salute every one of you, and welcome you to the Wayne State University School of Medicine.”
Each coat given to students was sponsored by either an individual donor or the School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association. The association started the sponsorship program to ease the financial burden of incoming students. After being coated, each student received the Declaration of Commitment, commemorative pins and a card from Medical Alumni Association with coat sponsorship details for the students.
As the event’s keynote speaker, Associate Dean of Clinical Medical Education Christoper Steffes, M.D., Res. ’93, delivered a fast-paced, humorous and heartfelt message focused on the commitment it takes to become a doctor.
“It is an affirmation of responsibility that you have chosen to take,” he said. “You are no longer students. You are physicians-in-training.”
The honor, selected by students, was given to Dr. Steffes as winner of the 2024 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates both clinical excellence and outstanding compassion in the delivery of care and who show respect for patients, their families and health care colleagues.
The ceremony concluded with Vice Dean of Medical Education Richard Baker, M.D., leading the Class of 2028 in the recitation of the Declaration of Commitment.
