Largest Class of Med Students Welcomed

(COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS)—The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) College of Medicine welcomed 198 new medical students of the Class of 2015 at the 14th annual White Coat Ceremony on Monday, July 25, 2011 at Rudder Auditorium on the Texas A&M University campus.

This, the college’s 35th class of medical students, is also its largest to date.

Sam Shomaker, M.D., J.D., the Jean and Thomas McMullin Dean of the College of Medicine and Vice President for Clinical Affairs for the TAMHSC, served as emcee to more than 700 attendees.

Richard Box, D.D.S., Chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, brought greetings and congratulations from the regents and thanked the class for embracing a journey of service.

“The white coat is a tangible expression of the life of selfless service expected of physicians,” Dr. Shomaker said.  “By wearing it, our students commit themselves to improving the health of their patients in communities across Texas, and we are excited to welcome them to the College of Medicine to begin their life long journey in medicine.”

William Coleman, M.D., Ph.D., past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, served as keynote speaker.  Dr. Coleman encouraged the students to use their potential to become compassionate servant-leaders in medicine.

Following Dr. Coleman’s address, the students received their white coats and took an Oath of Commitment.  A reception in Rudder Exhibit Hall followed.