Student Milestones

White Coat Ceremony Tradition

The White Coat Ceremony was initiated in 1993 at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supports the widespread adoption of this celebratory and solemn event, which has been adopted by roughly 97% of medical schools. Beginning in 2007, the College of Medicine – Phoenix began holding the ceremony at the conclusion of the first academic block, Introduction to Medicine, as a rite of passage to engage in patient and clinical experiences.

Match Day

Match Day is the culmination of a complex year-long process that matches the nation’s graduating medical students with residency programs. Match results are released nationally at Match Day ceremonies coordinated to occur on the same date – the third Friday in March – at the same time (1 p.m. Eastern time) each year.

Commencement

Commencement marks a student's journey to the final phase of their medical study. Though theoretically their studies are not yet complete, this day signifies their transition from the classroom to their desired medical field.