Pictured: Some of the MD Class of 2021 at their White Coat Ceremony. Amanda Shell Photo.
By Tina Shelton, UH Med Now
Their future as doctors has begun for the 74 newest medical students University of Hawaiʻi (UH). The 39 women and 35 men were officially welcomed into the MD Class of 2021 at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) during a White Coat ceremony on July 14, 2017. The 74 students had earned the right to celebrate. They were selected from 2,231 applicants.
During the ceremony at the President William McKinley High School Auditorium the first-year medical students were “cloaked” with white, waist-length lab coats. The garments are what give the “White Coat Ceremony” its name. Wearing their cloaks, the future physicians become instantly recognizable on campus at JABSOM and later at hospitals around Oʻahu, where they will undergo their clinical training. This year, former Hawaiʻi First Lady Vicky Cayetano and United Laundry Services provided the crisp, clean coats as a gift to the class.
During the ceremony, the class members also heard from Keynote Speaker Dr. Kamal Masaki, Chair of the JABSOM Department of Geriatric Medicine. Pediatrics Chair and JABSOM Alumnus Dr. Kenneth Nakamura served as emcee. And Mr. Brendan Burns, grandson of former Governor John A. Burns (the medical school’s namesake) delivered the “Charge to the Class” in honor of his grandfather and his father, the Honorable James S. Burns, a staunch JABSOM supporter who traditionally performed that role, and who passed away earlier this year.
See our video featuring highlights from the White Coat Ceremony:
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Dr. Haning, Dr. Izutsu receive inaugural Hon. James S. Burns Community Awards at White Coat Ceremony
Meet the ʻImi who have earned membership in the MD Class of 2021
Mini Recap Video of JABSOM 2021