“You are now part of an exceptional community of world-class physicians and scientists, student peers and support personnel,” Susan Murin, interim dean of the School of Medicine, shared with the students seated on stage. “All of whom are deeply committed to health equity, service, excellence and most importantly, your education.”
The ceremony began as students entered the auditorium while being serenaded by mariachi music. Each member of the incoming class was dressed in their new, white lab coat and was officially welcomed to the School of Medicine.
The keynote speaker was Melody Le Tran-Reina, assistant health sciences clinical professor. She reminded the incoming class why they were accepted to UC Davis and the importance of their role as future doctors.
“As you sit here today in your new white coat, you may wonder if you were truly meant to be here,” Tran-Reina said. “You were chosen because of your grit, resiliency, your record of service, your compassion and your integrity. You have the right ingredients to be the doctors that our world needs right now. You belong here.”
You were chosen because of your grit, resiliency, your record of service, your compassion and your integrity. You have the right ingredients to be the doctors that our world needs right now. You belong here.” —Melody Le Tran-Reina
Another speaker, fourth-year student Cameron Clerkley, shared some of the challenges that awaited the students during medical school, but also pointed out how they could find the beauty in it.
“Never forget to find the beauty in the struggle,” said Clerkley. “If you feel like you can never find it, just look in the mirror.”
The class of 137 was selected from a pool of more than 8,000 applicants and stood out for their diverse life experience and academic excellence. Over 42% of the students are the first in their family to graduate from college.
Each student had a stethoscope placed around their shoulders as they were welcomed to the School of Medicine.
For many students, the most meaningful part of the ceremony was hearing their names called out loud, signifying it was time to march across the stage so a dean could place a stethoscope around their shoulders.
Once everyone received a stethoscope, selected students read the medical student pledge of ethics in the language represented by their cultural heritage — with 20 languages represented. The entire class then recited the oath in English.
