The University of Kansas School of Medicine welcomed the incoming class of 2028 at the White Coat Ceremony, held July 19 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. At this annual tradition and celebration, first-year medical students are cloaked for the first time in white coats, a symbol of the profession, and mark the beginning of their careers in medicine.

The class of 2028 also recited, in unison, the Oath of Commitment, which affirms their commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism and patient care. Each student received a personalized white coat and a pin representing one of eight medical alumni societies, and each signed the Honor Code Book. Students from all three campuses — Kansas City, Salina and Wichita — participated in the event.

“I take great delight in the privilege of joining you today and bearing witness as you don your white coats and take the Oath of Commitment,” said Akinlolu Ojo, M.D., Ph.D., executive dean of KU School of Medicine. “The principles enshrining the oath will be important to your success.”

Many families and friends of the new KU School of Medicine students attended the happy event, while others were able to watch virtually through a livestream. Of the 211 new students, 180 come from Kansas. The remaining students come from 14 other states. The students represent 42 undergraduate majors, from biology and anthropology to nursing and finance, at 60 undergraduate colleges and universities in 23 states. Three of the incoming students have completed a doctoral degree, and 10 have attained a master’s degree.

Lyndsey Kilgore, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at KU Medical Center, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Also a KU School of Medicine alumna, Kilgore is the 2024 winner of the Rainbow Award, which honors a physician who exemplifies the attributes of professionalism in medicine and shares those qualities with the students they mentor. Kilgore reflected on her own experience and many opportunities as a medical student at KU and noted that the training benefits students personally as well as professionally.

“Beyond academic and clinical proficiency, medical school offers profound opportunities for personal growth. You will develop a deeper understanding of human health and illness, cultivate empathy for diverse patient populations and hone your ability to make informed, compassionate decisions under pressure, said Kilgore. “Foster meaningful relationships with your future classmates. Learn from their experiences and support each other's growth. Collaboration will be your key to success. Together, you will contribute to a collaborative health care environment that prioritizes patient-centered care and innovation.”