The physician’s white coat symbolizes the trust, responsibility and service that define the medical profession. Kansas City University (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) welcomed new student doctors into the Class of 2030 during white coat ceremonies held July 20 and July 23 in Kansas City and Joplin, respectively.
KCU-Kansas City hosted its ceremony at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Osteopathic medical student Joshua Budd, Kansas City campus executive president of the Student Government Association (SGA), delivered remarks on behalf of the student body. He encouraged students to approach the years ahead with humility and a commitment to lifelong learning, reminding them that great physicians are defined not by perfect test scores, but by their willingness to listen, learn and care for others.
In Joplin, the new student doctors received their white coats at the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center. Fellow SGA executive president Angelina Prakash reflected on her first year of medical school and spoke about the importance of resilience, continuous learning and compassion in becoming a physician.
In her keynote address, Karen F. Evans, DO, a KCU-COM alumna from the Class of 2000 and member of the KCU Board of Trustees, challenged students to embrace the principles of osteopathic medicine while making the most of their time at KCU. Drawing on her experiences as both a physician and alumna, she emphasized the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning and remaining open to the many possibilities their medical careers may hold.
“You are entering an exciting time, that at times may not feel so exciting, but nonetheless is the pinnacle of your hard work. You are joining a family here at Kansas City University who will be here every step of the way to assist you in becoming excellent physicians,” remarked Evans.
Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty and staff, the new student doctors crossed the stage to introduce themselves and receive the long-awaited white coats they will wear throughout medical school. The ceremony concluded with students reciting the Osteopathic Oath, affirming their commitment to the principles of osteopathic medicine and their responsibility to care for patients and serve their communities.
As they put on their white coats for the first time, the members of the KCU-COM Class of 2030 took an important step toward becoming the next generation of osteopathic physicians.
Since its inception by the Gold Foundation in 1993, the white coat ceremony has served as a symbolic introduction to the medical profession, highlighting the importance of humanism in patient care. Over the past three decades, it has become a defining rite of passage for medical students across the nation.
About Kansas City University
Founded in 1916, Kansas City University (KCU) is a fully accredited, private not-for-private health sciences university with Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences and Dental Medicine and Health Professions. The University has campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Mo. The College of Osteopathic Medicine is the fourth-largest medical school in the U.S. and the leading producer of physicians in Missouri. It ranks #1 for producing physicians who practice in primary care, rural areas and underserved regions in the state. KCU’s Center for Population Health and Equity addresses the variables that affect a population’s health and contribute to health in health outcomes. KCU offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine and clinical psychology and a master’s degree in public health. A new Master of Health Sciences – Anesthesiologist Assistant program is scheduled to launch in January 2026.
Reference:
Haley Reardon, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Kansas City University
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