Being a Doctor is the Best Job on the Planet

Gray skies sprinkled with raindrops did not deter the parade of 173 first-year students as they wound their way along the paths of the Talbot green, ducking into the large white tent. They were enthusiastically greeted by applause and shouts of encouragement from several hundred friends and family. The annual White Coat Ceremony, held on August 8 for the Class of 2015, signified the formal induction of medical students into their chosen profession.

The program began with greetings from BUSM Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Phyllis Carr, MD, who explained that the white coat ceremony is a wise and valuable ritual that connected the class of 2015 with those who have come before and those who are yet to come into the profession.

Dr. Carr’s comments were followed by the formal presentation of the class by Robert Witzburg, MD, associate dean for admissions. He explained that the white coat ceremony was a remarkable moment and that students will remember and treasure it. “In cultural, social economic, racial, ethnic, educational and linguistic terms, and in life experiences, your class defines the pluralism that is valued in society. You hail from 32 states and 19 different countries of birth. Together as a class, you speak 26 languages.”

“Academically you are among the most accomplished classes BUSM has matriculated, and are also among the most diverse groups. We received more than 11,400 applications for the173 seats in your class, the class of 2015,” shared Dr. Witzburg.

Boston University School of Medicine Dean and Provost of Boston University Medical Campus Karen Antman said, “You have embarked on a great adventure, with a steep learning curve. You will be strongly supported by more than 2000 faculty, upper class students, residents and dedicated staff.”

“When you see your first patients in a week or so, they will not be able to differentiate between you and their doctors. You both wear white coats. You are now are part of the profession. Thus you must behave as a physician from the start of your education,” Dr Antman concluded.

Before donning their white coats and reciting the Hippocratic Oath, guest speaker BUSM Professor of Radiology Kitt Shaffer, MD, PhD, who also serves as Vice Chair for Education, BMC Radiology Department, said, “Being a doctor is the best job on the planet … If you’re not having fun, you don’t have the right attitude.”