Hundreds of elated family and friends packed the Tobin Center in downtown San Antonio on Saturday, July 27 for the 3rd Annual University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Osteopathic Medicine White Coat Ceremony.

The traditional rite of passage is considered a student’s official beginning in medical school as they are presented with their first white coat. There are 160 students in the incoming class who hail from 20 different states (click here for a fun photo highlighting one student’s journey from Carroll College to UIW!). UIW President, Dr. Thomas Evans joined the faculty from the School of Osteopathic Medicine to present the white coats, and Dr. Humayun Javaid Chaudhry, president and CEO of The Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States delivered the keynote address. Among the topics Dr. Chaudhry addressed was the importance of self-care and self-awareness among medical students as they navigate the sometimes difficult journey of reaching their life-long goals. Thank you to all who helped welcome these students to the UIW family!