On July 31, 2026, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of 215 future doctors by hosting three White Coat Ceremonies across the state. These ceremonies symbolize the formal entrance of these students into the medical profession, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

The first ceremony took place on July 30 at the Bowling Green Campus, where 32 students received their white coats. The following day, 143 more students were coated at the Lexington Campus, including 12 who will participate in the Rural Physician Leadership Program in Morehead. Additionally, 40 students were coated at the Northern Kentucky Campus. This diverse group of students hails from Kentucky and various parts of the United States, united by a shared commitment to practicing medicine in underserved communities.

During the ceremonies, the new medical students recited the Pledge of Professionalism, promising to act with honesty, respect, and compassion towards every patient, regardless of their circumstances. Dean Charles “Chipper” Griffith III, M.D., emphasized the significance of the White Coat Ceremony, stating, “The White Coat Ceremony is a powerful reminder that every physician’s journey begins with a commitment to caring for others. These students have chosen a profession centered on service, compassion, and lifelong learning. We are proud to welcome them to the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and support them as they learn to care for patients, families, and communities across the Commonwealth.”

The college expressed its gratitude to alumnus J.K. Phillips, Jr., M.D. ’74, and Faye Phillips, whose contributions helped provide white coats to incoming students. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which introduced the White Coat Ceremony in 1993, also supplied each incoming student with a Humanism in Medicine pin.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is dedicated to educating the next generation of compassionate physicians, pioneering researchers, and healthcare leaders. Founded in 1960, the college has a rich history of advancing medical education, transformative research, and high-quality clinical care to improve health outcomes for people across Kentucky and beyond. The college operates across four campuses in Bowling Green, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Morehead. Each campus follows the same rigorous medical school curriculum, combining live-streamed lectures, simulation training, and local clinical experiences to provide a consistent, comprehensive education. While students receive the same high-quality training regardless of location, they also build meaningful connections within the communities they will one day serve.

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