White Coat Ceremony Class of 2026

The Association of American Medical Colleges published data in 2020 that we could see a shortage of 55,100 to 139,00 physicians by 2033. However the future is bright as a new generation of Doctor’s crossed the stage for the White Coat Ceremony for the University of Minnesota Duluth today.

“I’m the first of my family or anyone I know to become a doctor. And as many of us, I’ve been dreaming and working towards this moment for over ten years,” says new medical student April Feist.

This year’s class has a total of 240 students, with stats boasting: 19% first generation students, 54% women, and 41% BIPOC students.

During this ceremony, students recited their oath. The oath is a sacred pledge that affirms each student to abide by a strong set of ethical standards, commitment to their patients and the highest quality of care. Students took their oath in front of family, friends, medical school administration, and their peers.

“This is just a culmination of a lot of hard work that would not have been possible without many people supporting me. And I think that’s really what this is a testament too,” says Kai Akimoto a medical student.

Doctor’s save lives and their importance goes far beyond that, their efforts are vital and needed greatly during this time.