HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine welcomed a new class of incoming medical students this week, which started with a series of orientation activities and culminated in the annual white coat ceremony, held July 25 in the grand ballroom at Marshall Health Network Arena. 

The ceremony marked the official start of the Class of 2029’s medical school journey and symbolized each student’s commitment to the profession of medicine. As part of the event, students received the traditional white coat—a powerful symbol of trust, compassion and professionalism—and took the physician’s oath, pledging to uphold the highest standards in patient care and ethics. 

This year’s class includes: 

• 82 students, representing 37 different undergraduate institutions across the U.S. 

• 57% are from West Virginia 

• 98% were science majors  

The White Coat Ceremony, sponsored by the Dr. Ali and Mrs. Corinna Oliashirazi family, was established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and first introduced at Marshall University in 1996. It marks one of the most significant milestones for medical students before beginning classes and clinical skills training. Drs. Joseph B. and Omayma T. Touma generously donated funds to provide each student with a stethoscope. An additional 100 School of Medicine alumni, family and friends sponsored the white coats as well as medical instruments received during orientation for the Class of 2029. 

Morgan Stickler, M.D., associate professor of family and community health and program director of the family medicine residency at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, delivered the keynote address and served as the honorary cloaker. Stickler was selected by the class of 2025 as the recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award. In addition, the School of Medicine presented its inaugural White Coat Emeritus Award to James B. Becker, M.D., professor of family and community health and director of the school’s addiction medicine fellowship. Becker was recognized for his passion for medicine and commitment to mentorship as a master clinician.  

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

Event photos are available at https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2025-Events/Class-of-2029-White-Coat-Ceremony.

Date Posted: Friday, July 25, 2025