Historic White Coat Ceremony at UMD Medical School

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota Medical School held their annual White Coat Ceremony for the class of 20-29 August 22nd.

The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that welcomes new medical students to the profession

65 Students received their first white coat in front of family and friends, medical school administration and their peers.

It’s also making history as this is the first batch of students to complete all four years of medical school in Duluth.

“What research shows will have the biggest impact on rural communities is that you stay where you train. And so if you’re able to provide the training for individuals both in medical school and in residency, and we’re working on the residency pieces as well, down the road, the greater likelihood that you’re going to be able to convince the students that this is the place that they can really see themselves as a future physician” said Kevin Diebel, Regional Campus Dean for UMD Medical School.

Classes begin next week.

Students will be learning a mix of science and early clinic skills, including 3 weeks in rural medicine, a critical skill here in the northland.

“Well, I really want to stay rural. That’s kind of my main focus is to live in a rural community and practice. Not sure if the Duluth area in particular, but I’m definitely open to it.” said Jarred, Student and White Coat Recipient.

Congratulations to all the students on their journey.