2018 White Coat Ceremony

Washington University School of Medicine
welcomes the Entering Class of 2018.

Jump to see:  Student Oath & Video  |  Ceremony Photos  |  Plunge Videos & Photos

Who is the incoming class of MD students?

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Student Oath

Written by the entering class of 2018.

As I begin the study of medicine, I commit myself to the responsibilities of the medical profession while recognizing its challenges and privileges.

I pledge that:

I will make my patient my foremost consideration as I strive to promote health and quality of life for all through education, prevention, and care;

I will endeavor to earn, nurture, and protect the trust of my patients through compassion, honesty, and excellence;

I will seek to understand and respect each patient’s dignity, rationality, and autonomy;

I will educate and empower my patients and their families to make choices that reflect their values and beliefs;

I will acknowledge the significance of the patient-physician relationship and honor the patients from whom I will learn.

I pledge that:

I will embrace my humanity and care for myself in order to best care for others;

I will recognize my limitations, act within my capabilities, and request assistance without hesitation;

I will navigate medicine’s complexity with my best judgment, hold myself and my peers accountable for our actions, and seek forgiveness.

I pledge that:

I will devote myself to a lifetime of learning, teaching, and advancing the art and science  of medicine;

I will practice my profession with integrity and empathy;

I will care for and respect all members of the patient care team and their unique expertise;

I will acknowledge the interdependence of this team and adapt to the changing scope of medicine;

I will mentor and teach others, as others mentor and teach me.

I pledge that:

I will champion equitable, sustainable, and quality health care for all people;

I will strive to be cognizant of my overt and implicit biases and work to mitigate their effects on my patient care;

I will acknowledge historical traumas that continue to affect my community, including those perpetuated by the institution of medicine;

I will recognize my duty in a larger society, challenge injustices, and advocate for progress.

I am honored by this opportunity and am grateful
to those who support and inspire me on my journey.

May we hold fast to the ideals and passion
with which we take this pledge.

This oath I make freely and upon my honor.

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Snapshots

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