A Rite of Passage

TTUHSC Medical Students to Receive First White Coat

• By Kay Williams
• July 28, 2023
• Education

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s (TTUHSC) School of Medicine Class of 2027 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony 2:30 p.m. Friday (July 28) at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The white coat is one of the most visible symbols of the health care profession. John DeToledo, M.D., TTUHSC interim dean of the School of Medicine, said this ceremony is a rite of passage for first-year future doctors at most medical schools across the country.

“The White Coat Ceremony serves as a welcome to the profession and the symbolic start of the student’s journey of servanthood,” DeTodelo said. “It’s also a ceremony of dedication — a reminder of their commitment and responsibilities to patients and lifelong learning that come with being a physician.”

The 181 students in this cohort are graduates from 52 different schools including Emory University, Clemson University, Brown University, Princeton University, The University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University. Ninety-five students are from West Texas with 45 alumni from Texas Tech University.

Not all of the students are recent college graduates. Some students come from other jobs such as emergency medical technicians, registered nurses, veterinary techs, teaching assistants and tutors.

The average grade point average for class members is 3.85. Twenty-one students are pursuing dual degrees. Nine are earning a joint medical and business degree with the M.D./MBA program. Nine are working toward a joint medical and public health degree with the  M.D./MPH program. Two are completing a dual M.D./Ph.D. degree, and one student is earning a joint M.D. and engineering degree.

“This is a strong and competitive class of students,” DeToledo said. “They have earned the privilege of entering the medical profession. We had more applicants than ever. We know we’ve been able to attract and select the best of the best.”