White Coat Ceremony Class of 2026
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The Association of American Medical Colleges published data in 2020 that we could see a shortage of 55,100 to 139,00 physicians by 2033. However the future is bright as a new generation of Doctor’s crossed the stage for the White Coat Ceremony for the University of Minnesota Duluth today.
“I’m the first of my family or anyone I know to become a doctor. And as many of us, I’ve been dreaming and working towards this moment for over ten years,” says new medical student April Feist.
This year’s class has a total of 240 students, with stats boasting: 19% first generation students, 54% women, and 41% BIPOC students.
During this ceremony, students recited their oath. The oath is a sacred pledge that affirms each student to abide by a strong set of ethical standards, commitment to their patients and the highest quality of care. Students took their oath in front of family, friends, medical school administration, and their peers.
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“This is just a culmination of a lot of hard work that would not have been possible without many people supporting me. And I think that’s really what this is a testament too,” says Kai Akimoto a medical student.
Doctor’s save lives and their importance goes far beyond that, their efforts are vital and needed greatly during this time.