White Coat Ceremony
for the Larner College of Medicine Class of 2025
Ira Allen Chapel
Friday, October 8, 2021
1:00 PM
What is a White Coat Ceremony?
Initiated on August 20, at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, this annual ceremony or a similar rite now takes place for first-year medical students at about 90 percent of schools of medicine and osteopathy in the United States,
and is supported by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation
According to the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the White Coat Ceremony helps establish a psychological contract for the practice of medicine.
Physicians dressed in black until
the late 19th century, due to the association of black attire as formal. Physicians adopted the white coat as a symbol of purity at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Program
On Friday, October 8, the White Coat Ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM at the Ira Allen Chapel. The program will last for approximately 90 minutes and includes remarks by leaders from the UVM Larner College of Medicine and the UVM Medical Center, a keynote address, the white coat cloaking, and the recitation of the Larner College of Medicine-adapted modern Hippocratic Oath.
Information for Students
Arrival
Members of the Class of 2025 must arrive to assemble in the lower level of the Ira Allen Chapel no later than 11:45 am.
Student Lineup and Procession
The student lineup will begin promptly at 12:45 pm and the procession will begin immediately at 1:00 pm. Student cooperation during this process is greatly appreciated. Staff and student ambassadors will guide students into alphabetical order for the procession into Ira Allen Chapel and their seating on the main floor.
What to bring/not bring
Students should not bring backpacks, laptops or other valuables with them. While we will have a location for students to leave coats, purses, and other belongings during the ceremony, this is not an event where students want to carry their belongings with them. Note, you will not receive your white coat before the ceremony. You will be cloaked with your white coat during the ceremony.
What to wear
Please dress in professional/interview attire. Whatever you choose should be comfortable and easy to manage when your coat is put on during the ceremony. Students should avoid wearing thick sweaters or anything that would constrict them from raising their arms to put on the white coat. Students should avoid wearing high-heeled shoes as there are narrow, steep stairs on the way up to the stage. The stage is about four feet above the floor and students should take this into account when choosing footwear and skirt/dress/pant length.
How do I get cloaked with my white coat?
During the Ceremony, students will be called on stage by name to be cloaked with their white coats by College of Medicine Leadership. Getting cloaked properly with your white coat can be challenging. Watch a video of the 2019 ceremony to see how to stand and move your arms appropriately to help the cloaking go more smoothly. Cloaking starts at the 34 minute mark in the video.
Information for Guests
Tickets
Attendance at the ceremony for the Class of 2025 is limited to two guests per student. All guests must register for a ticket via a link received by their student. Tickets will be required for entry.
Arrival
Guests will enter the the Ira Allen Chapel through the main front entrance. Doors will open to the chapel at 12:30 PM.
Where to Stay/Accommodations
Please visit helloburlington.com for lodging options in the area.
Video & Photography
The event will be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend.
Link to watch the Mindfulness Lecture
Link to watch the Class of 2025 White Coat Ceremony
A professional photographer will take photos of the event and a gallery will be available a few days after the ceremony at med.uvm.edu.