White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Class of 2028 to the Medical Profession
The ceremony marks the start of a transformative journey and a commitment to healing, discovery and the pursuit of medical excellence for the 235 incoming students.
The newest class of future physicians at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine slipped into their white coats for the very first time on Aug. 23 at the annual John G. Clarkson Freshman White Coat and Pinning Ceremony. This momentous occasion marked a rite of passage for the Class of 2028 — the start of a transformative journey and a commitment to healing, discovery and the pursuit of medical excellence.
The Start of a Journey
Faculty, alumni, family members, friends and other guests flocked to the Watsco Center to support the new cohort. The ceremony instills in students the profound responsibility of their chosen profession.
“The white coat is a symbol of authority but, above all, it is a beacon of hope for patients,” said Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “It signifies the trust that patients will place in you, the compassion you must show in every interaction and the excellence you must strive for in all aspects of your practice. So, starting today, let this white coat be a constant reminder to uphold these attributes throughout your career.”
Christopher Chen, M.D. ‘00, chief operating offer and executive chair of the board of ChenMed, delivered an inspiring keynote address, reflecting on the profound significance of pursuing a medical career. He urged the students to never forget their inspiration for choosing medicine and to define themselves not just by their future title, but by their core values.
“The struggles you face will evolve, but by grounding yourself in love and faith, and by embracing wisdom, resilience and a steadfast commitment to your values – your why – you will navigate them with grace and determination,” said Dr. Chen, who previously served on the University of Miami Board of Trustees. “Remember, it’s not just about what you achieve in your career, but who you become as a person that will truly define your impact on the world.”
Scenes from the White Coat Ceremony
A Long-Awaited Milestone
For the students, the ceremony also represents a dream realized after years of studying, test taking, excelling in extracurricular activities and completing the rigorous medical school application and interview process.
“This has been a surreal experience for me. All of us have worked so hard for this moment,” said Emilie Ung, who completed her undergraduate degree at Emory University. “I initially wanted to go into biotech research, but I kept returning to medicine because of the ability to make a direct impact in people’s lives. I’m feeling lots of emotions, but just like my classmates, I am ready for this chapter to begin.”
Diya Jayram, a University of Miami graduate who majored in biochemistry/molecular biology and global health, credited the unwavering support and encouragement of her loved ones as essential for reaching this milestone.
“It’s definitely a huge honor, and I’m just really grateful for everybody who’s helped me and their support, whether it’s from my family, friends, mentors and teachers,” she said.
The 235 students in the Class of 2028 were selected from nearly 10,000 applicants; 152 are from Florida schools and 83 from out-of-state institutions.
Benefitting from Early Clinical Experience
As part of the NextGenMD curriculum, the Class of 2028 students will receive hands-on clinical experience as early as their first year of school. Because of Miami’s diverse population, they will also encounter medical challenges not found in any other region of the U.S.
Dipen Parekh, M.D., founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute and chief operating officer of UHealth—the University of Miami Health System, reminded students that they will soon be trusted with patient care and urged them to approach this responsibility with courage and humility. He also noted that UHealth’s leadership is deeply committed to providing an optimal clinical environment where they can learn, grow and thrive.
“From this day forward, you are invaluable learners and members of our health care delivery teams,” said Dr. Parekh, who is also the executive dean for clinical affairs at the Miller School. “Our patients will rely on you and trust you with their care. This is an immense privilege.”
Looking Ahead
The crisp, new white coats were generously provided by Miller School alumni. The Miller School Medical Alumni Association, along with other benefactors, also gifted each student with a stethoscope and backpack. Additionally, students received lapel pins that symbolize the Miller School of Medicine’s mission to serve and care for all communities.
“You are continued evidence that the University of Miami has one of the finest medical programs in the country,” said Maria Pilar Gutierrez, M.D. ’90, president of the Medical Alumni Association.
As the students buttoned their white coats for the first time, Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., executive dean for education at the Miller School, welcomed them to a calling imbued with the greatest of responsibilities.
“It is a privilege to hear the innermost concerns of our patients, receive their absolute trust and, in good faith, provide the best possible care for them,” said Dr. Chandran, also founding chair of the Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Education. “From this point forward, you represent the University, the Miller School, and this noble profession.”
Class of 2028 Student Profiles
Andrea Newman-Rivera hopes to user her Miller School M.D./Ph.D. degree to return to her native Puerto Rico as a clinician and researcher. Read more
Mikayla Johnson enrolled in the Miller School’s M.D./M.P.H. program to fight the health maladies that have impacted her family. Read more
Diya Jayram completed her undergraduate career at the University of Miami and is a 2028 M.D./M.B.A. candidate in the Miller School. Read more
As a child, Vagif Kazimli considered doctors heroes. Now he hopes to bring compassionate care to his patients, coupled with a business mindset. Read more
Tags: Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Latha Chandran, John G. Clarkson White Coat and Freshman Pinning Ceremony, medical education, medical students