College of Medicine Welcomes New Students with White Coats
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 4, 2015) – The University of Kentucky College of Medicine welcomed the Class of 2019 on Friday, July 31 at UK's Singletary Center for the Arts. The presentation of white coats, provided by the UK Medical Alumni Association, symbolizes the commitment to clinical service, care and professionalism.
"The white coat is an important symbol of the medical profession," said Dr. Charles H. Griffith, III, senior associate dean for Medical Education. "It was an honor to participate in this ceremony acknowledging the students' entrance into the profession. Although the future physicians in the Class of 2019 face many changes in today's health care environment, I am confident that over the next four years they will become exemplary physicians. We welcome them to the UK College of Medicine family." Dr. Griffith delivered the keynote address.
The Class of 2019 includes 137 medical student, 99 of which are Kentuckians and 54 are from rural and Appalachian counties. The class is 42 percent women. Ten students will enter the Rural Physician Leadership Program. This program works to better serve the Commonwealth by training future physicians in medically underserved rural areas through a regional medical school site Morehead, Ky.
Taking the "Pledge of Professionalism for Students of Medicine" during the ceremony, the students committed themselves to a life of compassion and respect for their patients, educators and colleagues.
Media Contact: Ann Blackford at 859-323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu