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School of Medicine Holds White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2021

08/01/2017

The White Coat Ceremony marks the entrée of a class of students into the medical profession. During the ceremony, incoming Saint Louis University School of Medicine students are cloaked in their first white coat as a symbol of the trust being bestowed upon them to carry on the honorable tradition of doctoring.

First year medical students at Saint Louis University School of Medicine following their white coat ceremony. Photo by Kabance Photo Services. Launch SlideshowFirst year medical students at Saint Louis University School of Medicine following their white coat ceremony. Photo by Kabance Photo Services.

The white coat ceremony for the Class of 2017 was held Sunday, July 30, at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

"The White Coat Ceremony was a spectacular welcome of a stellar class of first year medical students to Saint Louis University School of Medicine," said Kevin Behrns, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. "Their energy and excitement to acquire new knowledge to be applied in the compassionate care of patients is inspiring."

The Class of 2021 is comprised of 177 men and women from 32 states and six different countries. Class members graduated from 80 different colleges and universities. The group enters medical school with 13 masters degrees and 13 other graduate degrees. 

Forty-two members of the class received their undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University. The University of California system, Rockhurst University, Loyola University Chicago and Washington University also have multiple alums counted among SLU's first-year medical students. 


Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: infectious disease, liver disease, cancer, heart/lung disease, and aging and brain disorders.