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The University of South Alabama College of Medicine on Saturday held its annual White Coat Ceremony at the USA Mitchell Center. During the ceremony, members of the Class of 2017 were cloaked with their white coats, the traditional dress of physicians for more than 100 years.

Dr. Steven P. Furr ('81), chair pro tempore of the USA Board of Trustees, was the keynote speaker.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone for rising third-year students - the point where they begin their clinical rotations and start interacting with patients on a daily basis.  On Monday, the students begin their rotations with the guidance of clinical faculty in the USA hospitals and clinics affiliated with USA Physicians Group.

For students, the White Coat ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance and responsibility they take by dedicating themselves to the care of patients. During the ceremony, the students in unison took the Medical Student Oath, a promise to uphold the human aspects of medicine, such as sensitivity, compassion and respect for patients.

Also during the ceremony, select students, residents and faculty were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Inductees are selected for practicing patient-centered medical care with integrity, compassion and altruism. Election to this organization is by vote of medical students.

Each year, the USA Medical Alumni Association sponsors this event.