NEWS
OKLAHOMA CITY – On July 18, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences welcomed incoming students from the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry during a pair of White Coat Ceremonies, celebrating the beginning of their journeys into education and service.
The OU College of Medicine made history with its largest-ever incoming class, as 169 first-year medical students officially donned their white coats. The ceremony, a meaningful rite of passage, symbolizes the students’ entrance into the profession and their commitment to compassionate, ethical care.
“The White Coat Ceremony is a solemn and powerful moment – it marks the beginning of a lifelong responsibility,” said Ian Dunn, M.D., FACS, FAANS, executive dean of the OU College of Medicine. “It signifies our students’ commitment to excellence and professionalism as they begin the serious work of becoming physicians.”
That same day, the OU College of Dentistry welcomed 66 second-year dental students into the profession with its own White Coat Ceremony. The event featured a keynote address by Brett Kessler, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association, who emphasized the value of patient-centered care and the importance of leadership in the field.
“We are honored to guide this new class as they begin their journey toward a career in dentistry,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “The White Coat Ceremony is a reminder that dental education is about more than technical skill – it’s about building trust with our patients and leading with integrity.”
Held annually, the OU College of Dentistry White Coat Ceremony signifies the transition from classroom learning to clinical training. Students receive their white coats before taking an Oath of Commitment, pledging to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.
This year’s events also reflect OU Health Sciences’ broader commitment to improving access to care and strengthening the state’s health outcomes through education. Many of the students who begin their studies here will go on to serve in communities across Oklahoma, advancing the university’s mission to address health challenges statewide.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
The University of Oklahoma has received a transformative gift from Jon and Shannon McCartney, which will name the McCartney Family Tunnel of Champions, the McCartney Family Gate of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and the McCartney Family Grand Lecture Hall in the Michael F. Price College of Business. The gift will also support the Inspiring Champions and the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund, in addition to establishing the McCartney DFW Career Trek program at Price College.
The University of Oklahoma today celebrated the opening of a new air traffic control tower at the OU Max Westheimer Airport. Standing 106 feet tall, more than double the current 52-foot facility, the new tower will modernize air traffic control operations and improve safety for pilots and students operating in the airspace.
Do I buy groceries or pay the electric bill? Should I pawn some of my belongings to afford my prescription? My child is sick, so I will have to miss work to take care of him. Those are just a few of the difficult choices that OU-Tulsa health professional students confronted during the Community Access to Resources Experience. The role-playing activity challenged students to navigate the financial, family and other pressures that can affect a person’s health and ability to follow medical advice. Held annually during the SCM Institute orientation week, the experience is designed to generate understanding and build empathy.
