For immediate release: Aug. 15, 2007
GALVESTON, Texas - Ceremonies are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20, to honor the academic achievements of students at the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and to welcome the newest class of medical students.
Awards to be presented will recognize students for outstanding work in anatomy, clinical practice, research, community service and academic excellence. Other awards include the best courses as voted upon by last year's freshman and sophomore classes.
School of Medicine faculty members also will be honored. Awards to be presented include the Golden Apple Award to recognize an outstanding teacher in the School of Medicine and the American Medical Women's Association award to honor women for excellence in teaching and mentoring.
The ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and will be in William C. Levin Hall.
Another part of the program that day will be to welcome the class of 2011. The new students will be welcomed into the medical profession with the symbolic donning of their white medical coats.
Dr. Lauree Thomas, associate dean for student affairs and admissions, said the white coat ceremony is a rite of passage.
"To me, it's kind of a sacred moment," Thomas said. "It means that, from this day forward, you'll be somewhat a different person."
The white coat ceremony is a relatively new tradition that started in 1993 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City.
The School of Medicine at UTMB has provided medical school or residency training to one in six Texas physicians.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Public Affairs Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu