College of Osteopathic Medicine Welcomes Class of 2021
The William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) welcomed its eighth class of students during the annual white coat ceremony on July 29, 2017, at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. Members of the faculty, family and mentors presented each student a traditional white lab coat bearing the COM seal.
This class of 103 students was selected from more than 2,500 applicants and includes 73 men and 30 women representing 24 states. There are currently 414 students enrolled in COM, which is the only osteopathic medical school in the state of Mississippi. Several of the students who graduated with the first class in 2014 are now completing their residencies and will soon begin practicing medicine.
The white coat ceremony includes the signing of the “Big Red Book,” a tradition that started with the inaugural class in 2010. Students “sign in” at their white coast ceremony and “sign out” at graduation, thus establishing a permanent record of their tenure at the institution.
The following awards were presented during the ceremony:
- Asbury Foundation Award – Student Doctor Phillip Jenkins
- J. Randolph and Brenda Ross Award – Student Doctor Kevin Warren
- Shoe Leather Award – Dr. J. Lee Valentine
The College of Osteopathic Medicine emphasizes training in primary care, lifelong learning, research and scholarly activity, and service. Using a community-based training model, the COM educates and trains graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of all individuals, with special attention directed to the medically underserved and diverse populations.