Incoming medical students are formally inducted into the school during the ceremony in which they receive their white coats—the traditional lab jackets worn by physicians and medical scientists—as a way to symbolize that the new students are joining their peers and predecessors in the profession. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry has held the ceremony each year since 1994. It’s named in honor of Robert Brent ’48, ’53M (MD), ’55M (PhD) and Lillian Brent ’50, longtime benefactors to the school.

We congratulate and celebrate our students. Share some words of wisdom with them below.

White Coat Ceremony, Class of 2026

Watch this white coat ceremony video from 2022 to learn more about our incredible medical students and experience this exciting tradition once again.