HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine welcomed its newest class of medical students to campus on July 24 with a series of orientation activities, followed by the official start of classes. 

The 82 incoming medical students embark on a four-year journey to become physicians. At Marshall, an integrated core curriculum during the first two years helps students understand the language of medicine. During years three and four, students apply the knowledge they have acquired as they learn to care for patients. 

The Class of 2028 includes students from a variety of backgrounds and represents 35 undergraduate colleges and universities across the country. Other interesting statistics about the class include: 

• 57% are from West Virginia. 

• 89% were science majors. 

• 10% entered with graduate degrees, including one Doctor of Pharmacy graduate. 

• 11% entered from Marshall’s BS/MD program, a pathway for high-performing West Virginia students to finish both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees in seven years. 

• 9% entered from Marshall’s MD Early Assurance program, which provides a clear pathway to medical school for both instate and out- of-state high-achieving undergraduate students at Marshall. 

Orientation activities introduce incoming students to the medical school experience. The week began with a picnic, sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, that offered a relaxed setting to meet peers and interact with other medical students. Orientation also included a welcome from Dean David Gozal, M.D., MBA, Ph.D. (Hon), "getting to know you" activities, assignment to a learning community and participation in a peer matching program. Additionally, students meet their peer tutors, attend a student panel Q&A session and receive an organized introduction to student organizations and interest groups, all of which ensure they are well-prepared and connected from the start.   

The traditional White Coat Ceremony, sponsored by the Dr. Ali and Mrs. Corinna Oliashirazi family, was held July 26. The White Coat Ceremony, during which incoming students receive their first white coats, was first introduced at Marshall in 1996 and is considered a rite of passage for students designed to instill the values of professionalism, humanism and compassionate care. Eva D. Patton-Tackett, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine-pediatrics and program director of the internal medicine residency at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, delivered the keynote address and served as the honorary cloaker. Patton-Tackett was selected by the class of 2024 as the recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award. 

Drs. Joseph B. and Omayma T. Touma generously donated funds to provide each student with a stethoscope. An additional 120 School of Medicine alumni, family and friends sponsored the white coats as well as medical instruments received during orientation for the Class of 2028. 

For news and information about the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, follow us on Twitter @MUSOMWV, like us on Facebook or visit jcesom.marshall.edu. 

Date Posted: Friday, July 26, 2024