It was an honour to recently welcome the new class of medical students (who will graduate in 2021) at the Max Rady College of Medicine Inaugural Day and White Coat Ceremony held at the University of Manitoba downtown Campus.
The White Coat Ceremony is held annually to welcome and introduce first year students to the profession of medicine, and marks the beginning of the students first day of medical school. It is where the students first recite the Hippocratic Oath and are cloaked in a white coat, the mantle of the medical profession. The coat is placed on each student’s shoulders by individuals who believe in their ability to carry on the noble traditions of doctoring.
It is extraordinary to see the diversity present in the U of M’s medical school class of 2021. Of the 110 students; 105 are from Manitoba, 61 are women, 11 have self-declared Indigenous ancestry, the youngest student is just 19 years old, and 26 have “rural attributes,” which the university defines as either having rural roots, rural work experience or rural volunteer or leadership experience.
To all those medical students of Class 2021, I want to wish you all the best success possible in the challenges ahead. Your parents and communities couldn’t be more proud of you and the choice you made to pursue one of the noblest professions.
