May 6, 2025 — As 139 medical students in the University of Florida Class of 2027 slipped on freshly pressed, personalized physician white coats for the first time May 4, they were reminded that it was not a symbol of the completion of the first two years of their medical studies, but rather a new beginning.

“The question is, what kind of a beginner will you be?” asked Jennifer Hunt, M.D., M.Ed., interim dean of the UF College of Medicine.

During the 27th annual Mark S. Gold, M.D. ’75, Distinguished Professor and Alumnus White Coat Ceremony at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, second-year medical students received white coats — a rite of passage as they move onto the clinical years of their training — joined by loved ones and cheered on by faculty and staff.

Hunt acknowledged the hard work ahead for the students as they begin the next, challenging steps of their training. She encouraged the group to remain curious and view mistakes as an opportunity to experiment and grow every day.

“When you put this white coat on, it’s going to feel too big,” she said. “It’s the right size, I promise. It’s going to feel stiff and uncomfortable. Just know that’s the way it’s supposed to feel. When you feel that feeling of being a beginner, just take a deep breath and feel the joy of watching how it fits better every time you wash it and wear it.”

Class of 2027 President Austin Edwards shared a few thoughts about what the momentous occasion meant for him, remarking that it felt like yesterday the group met for the first time during orientation.

“We’ve laughed, cried and everything in between, but above all, we stood by each other for every challenge,” he said. “Each of you reflects the part of why I chose UF for this journey. Walking alongside such brilliant and compassionate souls, I am reminded daily of the privilege it is to lead and learn with you all.”

After receiving their white coats, Ben Meyer, the Class of 2027 vice president, led the group in reciting the college’s medical student code of ethics. This aspirational pledge encourages the physicians-in-training to maintain a commitment to lifelong learning, be attentive to the needs and privacy of patients and foster a supportive community.

Photos by Brianne Lehan and Javier Mariscal