White Coat Award

Mindful that medical education is a privilege, the members of the Honor Council wish to publicly acknowledge classmates who consistently embody the ideals set forth in our medical student oath. The purpose of this award is to recognize and encourage personal integrity and professional leadership in students of the College of Medicine. Specifically we wish to recognize those who consistently are worthy of trust, who put others before themselves, and who exhibit the traits of honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, and commitment. These values and qualities are symbolized by the white coat worn by medical professionals. Therefore, the College of Medicine, in partnership with the Honor Council, establishes this annual award to remind students of the ethical and moral responsibilities that are essential to their status as future physicians.

Guidelines for said award, and it's administration, include:

1. The award will be presented annually to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

2. All students are eligible and will be nominated for the award by their respective classmates. The collection of nominations and the election will be the responsibility of the Honor Council representatives from each class. Nominations are to include written statements as to the qualifications of the nominee for the award, and are to be submitted to an Honor Council member. All accepted nominations will then be voted on during class spring elections.

3. Award recipients should exemplify the principles outlined in the Medical Student Oath, as stated in the student handbook. Specifically, those principles include honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, and commitment.

4. Award recipients will be announced after spring elections. A member of the Honor Council will then introduce the recipients during the fall White Coat Ceremony.

5. Recipients will receive a minimum gift of $500.00, provided via designated endowment(s) of previous graduate classes, as administered by the Caduceus Club.

6. Recipients will have their names inscribed upon a commemorative plaque, to be displayed permanently in the College of Medicine offices.

7. Recipients will each receive a personalized plaque, and a lapel pin bearing the award insignia.

8. Recipients will each receive an appropriate letter of recognition to be placed in their academic file, for subsequent reference in Dean's letters.

9. Previous recipients of the White Coat Award will not be eligible for future consideration for this award.