125 UVM medical students earn their first “white coats”

125 fresh-faced medical students took an oath Friday, to fulfill their duties as future physicians.

UVM’s White Coat Ceremony is part of a long-standing national ritual that welcomes students into the medical world. The white coats represent the responsibility students now carry as scientists, researchers and caregivers.

Kate Williams, who plans to study rural emergency medicine, says she was honored to walk the stage.

“I didn’t expect to go into medicine when I first went to college here in UVM, so getting to this point has required a lot of their support and love, and a lot of hard work on my part, so I’m really grateful to be here today.”

For Mackenzie Lim, the white coat made things finally seem real.

“When I went up there I was like, oh it’s my turn!” he said.

His fellow student, Savan Goli, described the experience as being, “kind of wild!”

Opening remarks were offered by the Dean of the Larner College of Medicine, Dr. Richard Page, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Isabel Desjardins from the UVM Medical Center. Both spoke to the core tenants of medicine in their speeches— rigor, compassion, integrity, and respect.

Dr. Page says this is the 7th ceremony he has led.

“It’s an amazing day. To see these young people as they reach this point in their career and take this next step is an honor for me.”

So, what is next for the students? They say celebrations with family, and according to the student Goli, lots of studying for a test on Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.