White Coat ceremony for 65 medical students at UMD campus

The White Coat ceremony at the University of Minnesota Duluth campus welcomed the 2027 class of students in. Local physicians say its inspiring to see a generation of medical students from rural communities, but also plan on practicing medicine there too.

The White Coat ceremony is a right of passage to help welcome a new generation of medical professionals. 88% of the incoming 2027 class are Minnesota residents, and the local physicians in attendance also stressed the importance of rural medical care.

Dr. Ryan Hardin, an assistant professor at UMD and a Family Medical Doctor at Moose lake said rural community physicians play a key role with inspiring students to consider practicing medicine in communities that need it.

“Part of the mission statement of the medical school in Duluth is to train and produce physicians who are going to practice in a rural environment,” Dr. Hardin said. “As you probably are aware, there’s a significant need for physicians and medical care in rural environments.”

Medical students not just from Minnesota attended the UMD White Coat ceremony, but students also from Wisconsin and Canada. After medical school, students will apply to residency and go throughout the entire country to do different specialties in their training. Where they will finally become medical professionals and provide medical care to people in need.

For more information about the White Coat ceremony for medical students you can read more here. For other stories at UMD you can read more here.