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ZUCKER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

WHITE COAT CEREMONY

The White Coat ceremony is a significant moment in a medical student’s career. This ceremony creates a psychological, intellectual, and ethical contract between the student and the profession, with the goal to promote empathy in the practice of medicine from the very start of medical training.  Established in 1993 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the White Coat Ceremony is a traditional rite of passage celebrated by medical schools throughout the country and represents a major step in the careers of medical students, marking their transition from students to medical professionals.

Read About Last Year’s White Coat Ceremony
Students wearing white coat holding up signs

Ceremony Details

Friday, October 16, 2026

This year’s ceremony will take place at the David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex starting at 2 PM EST.

David Mack Sports Complex
A smiling woman in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck stands in a hallway with other people in similar coats, suggesting a medical or healthcare setting.

Share Your White Coat Moment

We love sharing your stories and celebrating this milestone with you. Tag @ZuckerSOM and use #ZuckerMedMilestones and #ZuckerSOMoments for a chance to be featured on our social channels.

QUESTIONS ABOUT
CEREMONIES
GUESTS
SCHEDULING

For specific details regarding upcoming ceremonies, for guests, or scheduling, please contact the Office of Student Affairs: 516-463-7347