Third Time’s a Charm: COM-T Class of ’24 Get Their White Coats
Even gravity can’t hold back the excitement David Ahmadian feels as he and his fellow class of 2024 College of Medicine – Tucson students emerge from their twice-postponed white coat ceremony in late February.
After their white coat ceremony was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson class of 2024 students received their white coats on Feb. 25 in the Grand Ballroom at the UArizona Student Union.
The white coat ceremony recognizes medical students’ entry into medicine with their first physician’s white coat, the frock of their future profession. The class of 2024 is 55% female and 45% male, with ages ranging from 22 to 37. Eighty-nine students are from Arizona, 29 are from Tucson and 18% are first-generation college students.
“We were reminded how impactful this ceremony is to students and faculty when we were forced to delay them due to the pandemic,” said Kevin Moynahan, MD, the college’s vice dean for education and a professor of medicine. “The class of 2024 demonstrated their resilience as they began their journey as a physician online during the start of a global pandemic.”
A version of this story was originally published by the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Serena Scott, MD, (left) and students Julia Alvarenga Fagundes Couto and Mark Bigbey wait in line before the class of 2024 white coat ceremony begins at UArizona Student Union Main Ballroom.
Class of 2024 students Oluwatobi Odeneye and Hannah Korah get their white coats neatly folded and draped over their arms prior to their white coat ceremony.
Members of the College of Medicine – Tucson Tortolita House show their excitement prior to the start of their twice-postponed white coat ceremony.
Brenda Valencia Gonzales is presented her white coat by Kevin Moynahan, MD, FACP, vice dean of education at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Abhimanyu Chadha (left) pauses for a photo after receiving his white coat from Ahmad Al-Khashman, MD, clinical assistant professor at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Erika Yee receives a fist bump from Carlos Gonzales, MD, FAAFP, assistant dean of curricular affairs at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Meghana Partha puts her white coat on after it was presented to her by Paul Gordon, MD, MPH, co-director, Bachelor of Science in Medicine, at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Mihir Shah celebrates as he walks onto the stage during the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s class of 2024 white coat ceremony.
Lawrence Sun gives a “woot, woot” after the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s class of 2024 white coat ceremony.
Lupita Molina poses in her new white coat with Blaze Rose as family members take photos after the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s class of 2024 white coat ceremony.
UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson students from the Santa Rita House have some fun with Paul Gordon, MD, MPH, during their twice-postponed white coat ceremony. From left are Samantha Nemivant, Kendra Coleman, Dr. Gordon, Meghana Partha, Daniel Sadoway, Colin Fields and Elly Hitt.
Both faculty and students couldn’t help but do a little dance after UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson class of 2024 finally had their white coat ceremony. The ceremony had been postponed twice over the past two years due to the pandemic.
Benjamin Nichols receives flowers and a hug from his partner after his UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson class of 2024 white coat ceremony.
Keynote speaker, Bert B. Vargas, MD, (lower right) takes a picture of the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson class of 2024 after their white coat ceremony.
Program for the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson class of 2024 white coat ceremony