Brown University Welcomes First-Year Medical Students

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Historic Ceremony

On Saturday, September 13, 145 first-year medical students at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School embarked on an inspiring journey toward a career that Dean Mukesh K. Jain described as “both a great privilege and tremendous responsibility.” This pivotal moment, known as the Ceremony of Commitment to Medicine, marks a significant milestone in the students’ educational paths.

Embracing a Commitment to Medicine

This annual ceremony, often referred to as the white coat ceremony, is a cherished tradition that honors the dedication and hard work that has brought these new students to Providence. As part of the ritual, the dean ceremonially “coated” the incoming students in white coats, generously donated by the Brown Medical Alumni Association. This act symbolizes their entry into the medical profession, emphasizing a commitment to both their education and the service of future patients.

Diversity and Representation

Dean Jain highlighted the rich tapestry of backgrounds within this year’s class, noting that students hail from 32 U.S. states and territories, as well as 15 different nations across the globe. Furthermore, 45 percent of the new students speak a language other than English, and an impressive 24 percent come from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in the field of medicine. This diversity not only enriches the learning environment but also promotes a culture of inclusivity that is essential in today’s medical landscape.

A United Purpose

“This is a class that is diverse in background, united in purpose, and already contributing to the richness of our community,” Dean Jain asserted, reflecting his belief in the potential of these students to make meaningful contributions both within the university and the broader medical field.

A Reflection on Connections

Meylakh Barshay, a member of Brown’s M.D. Class of 2026, shared a poignant student reflection during the ceremony. He encouraged his fellow students to resist the urge to succumb to nihilism when faced with the formidable challenges of medical training. Barshay stressed the vital importance of maintaining strong connections with patients, suggesting that deeper relationships lead to richer experiences for both the physician and the patient.

Building Relationships

“My own experience has shown that the more dimensions you let people show you, the more dimensions you discover that they have, and the deeper your relationship to them can be,” Barshay stated, emphasizing the value of each interaction.

Fostering Peer Support

Barshay also spoke about the importance of connecting with peers. He recalled a successful initiative that paired students for informal coffee meetings, which saw half of his class participating. This small act of camaraderie fostered a supportive environment, with students helping each other with everything from sharing meals to offering kind words and even “free doggy day care.” He urged all students present to cultivate their own support systems to navigate the rigors of medical school.

A Call to Action

The message was clear: “The 145 of you have the power to define your own community in a way that not only affects how you experience the challenges of this journey but also creates a family whose impact can extend far beyond the walls of the medical school,” Barshay conveyed. “In a world of big problems, small deeds done can be better than great deeds planned.”

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