{"id":145910,"date":"2026-08-04T09:29:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T13:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/camed\/?post_type=bu-article&p=145910"},"modified":"2026-08-04T09:47:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T13:47:02","slug":"first-year-medical-students-welcomed-on-white-coat-day","status":"publish","type":"bu-article","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/camed\/news-events\/articles\/2026\/first-year-medical-students-welcomed-on-white-coat-day\/","title":{"rendered":"First-year Medical Students Welcomed on White Coat Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhite Coat Ceremony<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Students told they are entering a profession built on purpose, passion and trust<\/em>. <\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n
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August 4, 2026<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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White Coat Ceremony keynote speaker David McAneny<\/a>, MD, professor of surgery and associate dean for clinical affairs, welcomed 138 first-year medical students to the medical profession with a few words on \u201cthe 3 Ps\u201d: purpose, passion and precious trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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David McAneny, MD, addresses incoming medical students during the white coat ceremony.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven if you remember only one of those Ps, my job will be done,\u201d said McAneny, who also serves as vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou will not find joy every day, but remain centered on your purpose \u2013 that which gives you direction and meaning \u2013 and you will find that so fulfilling,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passion, he said, is what energizes you, what makes you look forward to every day. Precious trust is a bond between doctor and patient, built on listening, discussion and touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cModern wonders cannot replicate the human element of what we do,\u201d said McAneny. \u201cNever underestimate the power and sanctity of that trust, and never, ever abandon or abuse it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aug. 3 ceremony on Talbot Green, organized by the MD student affairs, development and events offices, culminates with the symbolic act of faculty helping the new medical students put on the white coat of a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When you don the white coat you step into the responsibilities, expectations and privilege of the profession. You accept the physical symbol of trust.<\/div>