A Rite of Passage for Next Generation of Physicians

TTUHSC School of Medicine Students Receive First White Coat in Ceremony

• By Kay Williams
• July 26, 2024

Students in Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s (TTUHSC) School of Medicine Class of 2028 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony Friday (July 26) at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.

The white coat is one of the most visible symbols of the health care profession. At the ceremony, TTUHSC academic medical community members cloaked each of the 182 students with their first white coat. Students also recited a class-composed version of the ancient Oath of Hippocrates in which they pledged to lead lives of compassion, uprightness and honor. 

John DeToledo, M.D., dean of the TTUHSC School of Medicine, said the ceremony is a significant milestone for first-year future doctors.

“The White Coat Ceremony is a special day for our new Class of 2028 medical students and a tradition celebrated by most medical schools across the nation,” DeToledo said. “This is the first step of their journey in the medical profession. When students put on their white coats, they are committing to their calling, the responsibilities and the professionalism of medicine that is expected of every future physician. It is a proud moment for these students, families, friends and the TTUHSC School of Medicine.” 

This is the largest class ever for the TTUHSC School of Medicine. Felix G. Morales, M.D., associate dean of admissions, said the cohort also has further distinctions.

“We had one of the largest applicant pools ever, with nearly 5,000 applicants this past year,” Morales said. “Not only is it one of the academically strongest classes, but many of the students have a strong desire to help underserved communities. I am also excited that 87 students have deep West Texas ties, and many of them want to serve the region after they complete their training.”

This cohort includes 56 students who are alumni of Texas Tech University. The Class of 2028 includes graduates from 50 schools, including Yale University, Emory University, Brown University, the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University.

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

The average undergraduate grade point average for class members is 3.85.

Twenty-one students are pursuing dual degrees. Nine will earn a joint medical and business degree with the M.D./MBA program. Seven are working toward a joint medical and public health degree with the M.D./MPH program. Three are completing a dual M.D./Ph.D. and two are earning a joint M.D. and engineering degree.

In U.S. News & World Report’s recent annual medical school rankings and ratings, TTUHSC was recognized for having the third lowest average yearly out-of-state tuition cost among Tier 1 medical schools for primary care. 

DeToledo emphasized that the TTUHSC School of Medicine’s affordability and high-quality education continue to attract national attention and interest from many of the best and brightest prospective medical students.

“For more than a decade, the TTUHSC School of Medicine’s enviable reputation was a well-kept secret in Texas,” DeToledo said. “The increasing national visibility of our school, along with some of the highest percentages of students passing USMLE steps 1 and 2 on their first try and having 100% of our graduates matching in a residency of their choice, makes the TTUHSC School of Medicine an attractive choice for many talented students from all over the country.”

Since 1997, the TTUHSC School of Medicine has held a White Coat Ceremony for its new medical students. The ceremony has become an integral part of orientation activities at most medical schools nationwide since it was initiated for the entering class of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York City in August 1993.