The white coat is a powerful symbol of both professional competence and human compassion. Florida State University College of Medicine marks this symbolic beginning of a medical student with the annual White Coat Ceremony. Each member of the first year class will be presented with the traditional white coat in the presence of family, faculty and staff.

The ceremonial presentation of white coats to medical students is a popular practice at medical schools throughout the country. The ceremony and oath of commitment to patient care, compassion and professionalism remind the incoming students of the dedication necessary to complete a medical education as well as underscore the responsibilities inherent in the practice of medicine.

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a public foundation dedicated to fostering humanism in medicine, furnishes each White Coat participant with a pin that symbolizes a shared commitment to providing compassionate and competent patient care.

In 2007, a Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) chapter was established at the Florida State University College of Medicine. This initiative of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation honors senior medical students, residents, role-model physician teachers and other exemplars recognized for “demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion and dedication to service”.

Here at the Florida State University College of Medicine we encourage the principles of humanism in all of our students. A select few have risen as true exemplars of these ideals. Only 10-15% of the graduating class is selected each year through a rigorous process that involves nominations from both peers and faculty.

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