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On Aug. 15, the School of Medicine welcomed the Class of 2029 medical students at its annual White Coat Ceremony — an exciting day that commemorates the beginning of their medical education to become doctors.

“White Coat Ceremonies are held at medical schools nationwide to welcome those embarking on their medical careers to the community of physicians by giving them a symbol of compassion and honor,” stated Barry J. Collins, Executive Director of the UVA Medical Alumni Association. The UVA School of Medicine Class of 1965 generously endows this ceremony each year.

During the ceremony held in Old Cabell Hall with family and friends in attendance, 157 new MD students received white coats embroidered with their names and a medical tool kit — complete with stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, tuning fork, and reflex hammer. The students also recited a covenant for the entering class and faculty.

The incoming class of 157 students were selected from a pool of 7,148 applicants. Their mean GPA is 3.85, and mean MCAT score 518 (95th percentile). They represent 28 states plus the District of Columbia and 58 undergraduate institutions. Students from the state of Virginia make up 52% of the entering class.

In addition to welcome remarks from Barry Collins, students were addressed by Roberta DeBiasi, MD, president of the UVA Medical Alumni Association; Meg Keeley, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Education; and Kavindya Wickramasinghe, SMD26, President of the student-led Mulholland Society.

Congratulations to the Class of 2029! Enjoy the photos below from the event. Watch a recording of the livestream.