Momentum

Words of wisdom for the class of 2018

Members of the class of 2018 participated in a Baylor College of Medicine tradition, the White Coat Ceremony.

 On Aug. 15, 185 students received their white coats in the 15th Annual White Coat Ceremony at the College. The event ended with the first-years taking the Baylor College of Medicine Medical Student Oath. Joined by family and friends-it was a proud and emotional moment for their families.

In addition, Dr. George Noon, professor of surgery and member of Baylor’s class of 1960, received the Bobby Alford Award for Academic Clinical Professionalism from the Ben and Margaret Love Foundation.

The event was followed the Saturday by Family Day, where students showed their families around the Baylor College of Medicine campus and gave them an idea of what they’ve been up to in medical school so far.

See more photos in our Facebook album.

Words of Wisdom

Alumni shared the following words of wisdom our alumni shared with our newest class of students:

“The white coat initiates you to the world of medicine, four years of medical school gives the medical degree and you are a DOCTOR when you begin to care for patients.”
– Milton H. Nirken, M.D., Class of 1966

“Wear your white coat with pride and professionalism in the true spirit of a Baylor College of Medicine physician.”
– Bill H. Warren, M.D., Class of 1968

“40+ years of practice has been incredibly rewarding in all aspects. Practice primary care in a small town and you will never regret it!”
– Richard G. Sugden, M.D., BCM Class of 1969

“Patients still give respect and even deference to those of us who wear the coat. Always act and look worthy of that respect.”
– James E. Key II, M.D., Class of 1970

“The white coat gives you visible credibility. You have to earn intellectual and personal credibility. Study hard, have fun and realize you are on the road to be in the greatest profession in the world. Enjoy the ride.”
– Alton L. Thomson, Jr., M.D., Class of 1971

“Cherish your patients. They are your ultimate teachers.”
– Robert K. Clifford, Jr., M.D., Class of 1982

“What a great profession you have chosen!”
– Ellen E. Wilson, M.D., 1984

“I still love what I do every day. Follow your passion.”
– Igor M. Cherches, M.D., Class of 1990

“Wear your coats with pride, always show your patients respect.”
– Bo S. Thordarson, M.D., Class of 1991

“Best of luck in your medical careers. Always listen to your patients and you will not go wrong.”
– Aaron K. Joseph, M.D., Class of 1993

“Persevere!”
– Greg R. Zarelli, M.D., Class of 1996

“When in doubt, stay curious and be open to the possibility that there is no answer.”
– Eric J. Goepfert, M.D., Class of 2006

Baylor’s White Coat Ceremony is generously sponsored by our alumni through the White Coat Fund.

Additional Resources

Defining the white coat.

White coat advice from the MS4

White coat lessons, advice.

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