AMS President Speaks at UAMS Virtual White Coat Ceremony
AMS President Danny Wilkerson, MD, spoke to the incoming freshman at the UAMS College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony held on August 6, 2021. Although originally scheduled to be in-person, this year’s ceremony was changed to virtual again because of the recent increase of COVID cases in Arkansas.
Traditionally, the event welcomes the new class of medical students by ceremoniously allowing them to put on their white coats for the first time, one by one, assisted by family and mentors on stage before a crowd of 1,500 or more onlookers. While some faculty and administration were in person at UAMS, the students took turns taking the spotlight from home while the event was streamed online.
Dr. Wilkerson introduced the new class of medical students to the mission of the Arkansas Medical Society and encouraged them to get involved, as well as gave advice on their new journey ahead. “I encourage you to stretch your minds, cherish, embrace, value the opportunity, study hard, seek advice from mentors and those ahead of you, and most of all treasure the journey. American philosopher William James said act as if what you do makes a difference because it does. I believe together we can make a difference in the lives of the people of Arkansas – these are our patients.”