COM-P White Coat Ceremony Introduces the Class of 2026
Paul R. Standley, PhD, associate dean of curricular affairs and program evaluation at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, presents Javon Maceo Freeman with his white coat.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix welcomed the Class of 2026 in a white coat ceremony Friday, July 15. The ceremony signaled more than just the start of the students’ journey to a medical degree. Donning their white coats for the first time was a symbol of each student’s commitment and lifelong dedication to advocacy, professionalism and patient-centered care.
In front of family, friends and faculty, the Class of 2026 became the 16th class to enter the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. During the ceremony, the students recited their class oath and received a personalized white coat, stethoscope and “The Patient History: Evidence-Based Approach to Differential Diagnosis” textbook.
“Class of 2026, this is a joyous occasion that will hold a special place in your memory for years to come,” said Guy L. Reed, MD, MS, dean of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Wearing this coat marks your commitment to serving communities and individuals with a combination of wisdom and genuine compassion.”
A version of this story was originally published on the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix website.
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix students pose for a photo before the start of the Class of 2026 white coat ceremony at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.
(From left) Lena Elias and Benjamin Tanner Ellsworth exchange high-fives with Kelly Lynch, alumni and student relations manager at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, before the start of the white coat ceremony.
Santiago Robledo Logan-Baca waves to his family from the stage after receiving his white coat during the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Marvin Alfredo Hernandez receives his white coat from UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Associate Dean of Student Affairs Stephanie Briney, DO, during the Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Bre’annca Charell Sanders is presented with her white coat by Francisco Lucio, JD, associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion for the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Dean Guy L. Reed, MD, MS, congratulates Santana Solomon after she received her white coat at the college’s Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Owais Ahmed Salahudeen makes a heart symbol with his hands after donning his white coat at the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Associate Dean of Student Affairs Stephanie Briney, DO, applauds after giving Maya Khalil her white coat at the college’s Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Members of the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 recite the class oath, which they wrote together, near the end of the white coat ceremony. The class will recite the same oath at their graduation.
(From right) Muhammed Amir Jaafar, Divya Jeyasingh and Michael Mazarei leave Symphony Hall in a procession after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
A very happy Emrie Tomaiko-Clark walks out of Symphony Hall in a procession after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony in downtown Phoenix.
Erika Shiho Yasuda waves to her family as she walks out of Symphony Hall after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony in downtown Phoenix.
(From left) Class of 2026 students Michael Ruta, Wyatt Koolmees, Michael Mazarei, Tony Gaidici, Jackson Woodrow, Trevin Reyes and Santiago Robledo Logan-Baca pose for a photo in the lobby of Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix after the white coat ceremony.
Class of 2026 students Blessing Ozioma Atanmo and Patrick Quarles pose after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Nina Gautam poses for a photo with her father, Madhur Gautam, after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.
Michael Mazarei (center) poses with his father, Ali Mazarei, and mother, Minoo Ashouri, after the UArizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Class of 2026 white coat ceremony.