Eastern Virginia Medical School held its annual White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2014 Friday, Aug. 20, as part of a week-long orientation and welcome for new student-physicians.

The H. Lee Kanter lecture was given by Margaret E. Mohrmann, MD, PhD, professor of biomedical ethics, pediatrics, medical education, and religious studies and director for the biomedical ethics program at University of Virginia. Dr. Mohrmann addressed the 118 students and urged them to leave their new white coats unbuttoned as a reminder to open their hearts and let the patients in.

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At the white coat ceremony, EVMS department chairmen helped each new student into his or her white coat — symbolizing the student’s entry into the field of medicine. Medical students retain these short coats until they graduate and earn the right to wear the full-length physician coat.

“All around the world, no matter where you go, people of all nations recognize the white coat as a universal symbol of healing and help for the ill or the injured.
So the white coat is a badge you should wear with pride, “ said Gerald J. Pepe, PhD, dean and provost.