Inaugural White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2028

Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine Welcomes Inaugural Class with Historic White Coat Ceremony 

Friday Aug. 2 marked the inaugural class of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine receiving their white coats and beginning their journey as Nashville’s newest medical students. The event, held in McAfee Concert Hall, served as the culmination of an intensive orientation week for the aspiring physicians. 

The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for first-year medical students, where they receive the white coat — a symbol of the medical profession for more than 100 years — signifying their entrance into the field, their commitment to patient care and medical ethics and the sacred patient-physician relationship. 

“I'm just very excited for today,” said Angelina Fomina, incoming medical student from New Jersey. “It's been so long in the making, taking so many exams and having so much support throughout this long journey from my family and friends. This is a celebration of my success, but also of their support and hard work. I'm just so very excited for this next chapter." 

The ceremony saw each of the 50 incoming students don their white coats for the first time, symbolizing their entry into the medical profession and their commitment to patient care. Dr. Karen Lewis, associate dean of student affairs & diversity, presided over the event, welcoming students, faculty and families to this historic occasion. 

Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones addressed the gathering and said: “We've been planning, praying over, working toward this week, your arrival the beginning of classes. The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine builds on a long history at Belmont with concern and focus on health care. Health care is changing rapidly, and we want to be at the forefront of preparing you and all of our students for the world that is taking shape.” 

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Anderson Spickard, dean of the college, who shared insights on the opportunity of this inaugural class to shape the college. 

“We’re all standing together on the threshold of a remarkable journey – the first class of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine,” he said. He said the students are “pioneers,” adding, "You bring your different experiences and unique perspectives and all of it together in this tapestry will help shape the spirit and culture of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. As we go, we are inspired by the divine mission and activity of restoring and renewing the world, and we are amazed by the privilege and responsibility in participating in this work.” 

In his address, Dr. Spickard emphasized the importance of the seal. The seal demonstrates three core principles of the Frist College of Medicine:  

• Inclusivity. We extend hospitality to all, symbolized by the ancient emblem of medicine, to aid those in need.
• Resolve. Medicine’s fierceness and unwavering determination to combat the debilitating effects of illness and diminished wellbeing
• Christ-centeredness. Christ is lifted-up, the Vanquisher of evil, who offers forgiveness and life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:19). He empowers us as His agents to bring healing and well-being to all nations.  

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of an oath adapted from their Student Honor Code, led by Dr. Spickard, symbolizing the students' dedication to the ethical practice of medicine.  

As the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine joins this tradition with its inaugural class, it connects these new medical students to a broader community of health care professionals and to the core values of the medical profession: compassion, excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning and service.