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Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Stethoscope and White Coat Ceremonies

The Stethoscope and White Coat Ceremonies are wonderful traditions that serve to welcome our newest members to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine community. Receiving your first stethoscope signifies a milestone on the beginning of every medical student’s journey. The coating ceremony, which takes place in the spring, is another special moment along the path. The stethoscopes and white coats are generously donated by school of medicine alumni through the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alumni Association (JHMAA).

2023 Distribution Event

Students with their new stethoscopes
Students with their new stethoscopes
Students with their new stethoscopes
Dr. Ziegelstein at the ceremony
Students with their new stethoscopes
Students with their new stethoscopes

Sponsor a School of Medicine Graduate Student’s White Coat!

The Graduate Coating Ceremony is a Johns Hopkins tradition honoring the achievement of our graduate students. While coating ceremonies are common for M.D. students, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is one of few institutions in the country to host a ceremony for its graduate students.

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Sponsor a White Coat and Stethoscope for the Class of 2027

Help us welcome the Class of 2027 to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine community with the gift of a white coat and stethoscope. A gift of $200 provides a complete white coat and stethoscope package, or you can show your support with a gift of any amount that is meaningful to you. Together, we can empower the next generation of medical professionals to embrace their calling with confidence and compassion.

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Graduate coating students
See Coverage from Past Events

Prescriptions for Success from Alumni

SOM '85Beth S. Bromberg, M.D.

"You will never know everything but it is very important to know what you don't know and seek advice from colleagues."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

PGF '89, HS '95 Elizabeth M. Burke, M.D.

"As I embarked on my medical school journey, I wish I would have known how much I would love the practice of medicine. There is not a moment in my life as a physician that I have regretted. Knowing how fulfilling my medical career has been, would have made the challenging journey to get there less daunting."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '83Iredell W. Iglehart, III, M.D.

"One of the greatest gifts is helping others improve their existence on Earth."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '73J. Norris Childs III, M.D.

"Study hard, learn everything, sleep when you can, listen to patients as people, and remember that they are people, not just diseases.

"Find someone you want to be like and don't forget your family."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

Current HS Joseph C. Nwadiuko, M.D., M.P.H.

"Every patient has a lesson to share. 

"Listen closely; for even when they are not speaking, they expect you to pay attention."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '65 Marilynn W. Olney, M.D.

"Always remember you must understand the patient as well as you understand the science."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '12 Nancy Cheng, M.D.

"Find something you love outside of medicine and keep doing it. Play music, run marathons, write poetry, hike, cook, read, camp, dance, cycle, whatever it is that gives you joy and meaning outside of your work. Medicine is a long road, and these things will keep you grounded when everything else seems to be falling apart.

"Congratulations on starting this truly life-changing journey. We're all rooting for you."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '86Russell L. Margolis, M.D.

"Amid all the nonsense from insurers, the high tech heroics that will sometimes be your ally, the record keeping that can make docs feel like file clerks, never forget why you wanted to become a physician in the first place."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '83 Spencer E. Amory, M.D.

"It is a privilege to be entrusted with caring for another human being.

"I wish that you awake each day of your career eager to fulfill that sacred trust."

An illustration of a stethoscope.

SOM '01Zareen M. Farukhi, M.D.

"Never underestimate the effect of a kind word, even when things seem hopeless. Your compassion can heal the way no medicine can and will never be forgotten."

An illustration of a stethoscope.