Washington University School of Medicine welcomes
a new class of future MDs.

White Coat Ceremony 2019

August 16, 2019 | 9 a.m. CT

Engaged, intellectually curious, multitalented.
Who is the Entering Class of 2019? 

101 students
49 women | 51 men

26 enrolled in the MD/PhD program

graduates of 54
different institutions

from 5 countries and
30 U.S. states

Student essay: Acting on our values »
First-year medical student Rachel Butler on
the power and positivity of the white coat


Student Oath

Written by the Entering Class of 2019

As I begin the study of medicine, I take this oath freely and upon my honor.

To my patients, I pledge that:
I will make you my priority as I support you in realizing your full health potential;
I will hold sacred our partnership by earning your trust and working to understand your story;
I will empower you and your loved ones to make choices that reflect your values and beliefs;
I will serve you with humility and be grateful for the lessons you teach me.

To my profession, I pledge that:
I will devote myself to a lifetime of learning, teaching, and mentoring;
I will advance the art and science of medicine through inquiry;
I will practice with integrity and empathy;
I will respect the unique expertise of all members of the healthcare team
and embrace our interdependence.

To society, I pledge that:
I will champion accessible, equitable, and sustainable care for all;
I will build a safe environment by holding myself and others accountable for our biases;
I will confront historical traumas and systemic injustices that continue to impact
people’s lives, especially those perpetuated by the institution of medicine;
I will fulfill my responsibility to advocate for progress.

To myself, I pledge that:
I will recognize my limitations and act within my capabilities;
I will request and provide assistance without hesitation;
I will navigate medicine’s complexity with my best judgment, learn from my mistakes, and
seek forgiveness;
I will embrace my humanity and care for myself in order to best care for others.

I celebrate this opportunity and am grateful to those
who support and inspire me.

May I hold fast to the principles and passion with which I take this oath.


Snapshots

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WUSM Plunge

Welcoming the next generation to #WashUMed

WUSM Plunge introduces incoming students to the medical school, the medical profession, the St. Louis community and each other.


More about the White Coat Ceremony
at WashU Medicine

About the tradition » | Ceremony archives »