The Keck School of Medicine of USC held its white coat ceremony on August 5, an annual rite of passage that symbolizes incoming medical students’ official entry to the medical profession. 186 students making up the Class of 2026 donned their white coats for the first time and listened to speeches from faculty members on the challenges and rewards that come with medical careers .

In her first white coat ceremony as dean of the medical school, Carolyn Meltzer, MD, told the crowd that one reason she chose to join the Keck School was because it is a unique place to practice medicine and learn to become a medical doctor.

“We care for people who suffer from some of the most complex medical conditions, and we are committed to improving the environmental, societal and biological variables that all contribute to health and health injustice,” Meltzer said.

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