The Journey Begins: The Class of 2027 Receives Their First White Coats

“With humility, I vow to uphold the core principles of healing and champion holistic, patient-centered care. I commit to nurture relationships grounded in mutual trust. I will approach my future patients with curiosity and respect their unique needs and values.”

Those words were written collectively by the class in their first days of medical school as part of the oath that will serve as a guiding mantra throughout their education. In keeping with the college’s tradition, the Class of 2027 recited their oath to conclude their White Coat Ceremony. The oath is emblematic of the journey the 120 new medical students are about to undertake.

The values they expressed in it exemplify each student’s personal ethos. Nearly 100 percent of the class enters medical school having gained volunteer, leadership, clinical or research experience. With an average MCAT of 516, these future physicians rank in the 92^nd percentile of all incoming medical students in the country.

The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage; it marks the beginning of their studies for a career dedicated to healing through medicine, advocacy, professionalism and service.

---

---

As the students’ friends and families gathered in the West Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday, July 14, to celebrate this important milestone, Dean Guy Reed, MD, MS, noted the significance of the moment and what lies ahead.

“I know that for many of you, putting on this white coat is the realization of a promise that you made when you first witnessed suffering, illness and/or death in someone very close to you,” Dean Reed said. “A promise you made, that even if you could not help or save them, you would dedicate your life to learning how to help and save others.”

Dean Reed’s remarks were also symbolic of the diverse makeup of the class. The 120 students come from heterogeneous backgrounds — with unique experiences that drove them to pursue medicine as a profession. Their experiences will help guide them through the years of training ahead.

Wayne J. Franklin, MD, FACC, co-director, Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care, served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Franklin is also a professor of Internal Medicine, Child Health, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the college.

Dr. Franklin offered the students these words of encouragement, “As of today, you are on the threshold of one of the noblest professions. Remember that you have been chosen to be the custodians of life and the champions of hope. You have earned the incredible opportunity to become a physician.”

Dr. Franklin also stressed that, though this was the beginning of their story, medicine is a career defined by lifelong learning. “Each one of you has embarked upon this arduous path with a goal to alleviate suffering and to heal the sick. This sacred calling demands unwavering dedication, relentless pursuit of excellence and boundless empathy,” he said. “Let this medical school be not just a stage in your education, but a transformative chapter that shapes your character, hones your skills and ignites the flame of your purpose.”

The Class of 2027 is the 17^th class to enter the college since it opened its doors in 2007. In that time, the college has graduated more than 800 physicians, helping to alleviate the dire physician shortage facing the state.

Videos, Photos and More

• Videos:
  • Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony.
  • Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony Highlights.
• Photos from the event.

Class of 2027 Student Profiles

The College of Medicine – Phoenix would like to thank individuals from across the campus and partners from the community for your generosity in donating to the White Coat & Stethoscope campaign.