Students to begin journey to medicine in Marshall White Coat Ceremony Friday

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.— Friday evening, aspiring doctors will participate in the annual  White Coat Ceremony of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.   

Marshall’s first such ceremony was in August, 1996.  It is considered a rite of passage for first year students and is designed to instill the values of professionalism, humanism and compassionate care.

Among this year’s class of students is a 19-year-old with an undergraduate degree in biology, a 42-year-old former software developer, a student who grew up in Dubai and two students who are entering the MD/Ph.D. combined educational track.

   Some interesting statistics about the Class of 2018 include the following:

• 77% of the class are West Virginia residents
• 42% are female
• 78% were science majors
• Average age is 24.2 years
• 20% are first generation college graduates   

Dr. Joseph B. Touma of River Cities Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and former chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors and his wife, Dr. Omayma T. Touma have generously donated funds to provide each student with a stethoscope and will be presenting the gifts.  School of Medicine alumni and friends are giving students their first white coats and medical instruments.

The ceremony is by invitation only, but is being streamed at https://new.livestream.com/marshallu

Photos from this week's orientation activities are available for viewing at 

http://jcesom.marshall.edu/photos/2014-student-orientation/

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Date Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2014