For the culmination of the first week of classes, and in preparation of seeing patients in clinic this year, we had a white coat ceremony. The ceremony is a time to celebrate the hard work that has gotten us to this point, and also to discuss the symbolism of the white coat and the responsibilities we will bear as student physicians.

Ted and my parents were all able to come and join me, and I'm glad I was able to share this with them.

It was a really neat experience to get my first white coat in such a ceremonial way, I think it makes it more meaningful. It still hasn't totally sunk in that I'm in medical school, but I'm sure that will change with late nights of studying. Right now, I'm just happy to be here and I am impressed with how welcoming and supportive the faculty and staff are. It's going to be an amazing four years!

Hippocratic Oath (updated USC version)
"I swear by Apollo the Physician, and all the gods and goddesses, and by whatsoever I hold most sacred, that I will be loyal to the profession of Medicine and just and generous to its members; that I will lead my life and practice my art in uprightness and honour; that into whatsoever house I shall enter, it shall be for the good of the sick to the utmost of my power, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from corruption, from the tempting of others to vice; that I will exercise my art solely for the cure of my patients and will give no drug, perform no operation for a criminal purpose, even if solicited, far less suggest it; that whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of men and women which is not fitting to be spoken, I will keep inviolably secret. Now if I keep this oath and break it not, may I enjoy honour, in my life and art, for all time."