The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University held its white coat ceremony for the class of 2028 on March 28, marking a significant milestone as students prepare to begin clinical rotations at ECU Health Medical Center.
The event is important because it signifies the transition from classroom learning to hands-on patient care, recognizing the completion of foundational science studies and introducing students to new responsibilities in medical practice.
During the ceremony, Dr. Jason Higginson, executive dean of the school, said, “In one week, the class of 2028 begins their clinical journey in the hospital and in clinics, and we celebrate the start of that journey today.” Students were coated by faculty members and recited the physicians pledge for the first time. Dr. Christina Bowen, a family medicine doctor and Chief Well-being Officer at ECU Health as well as a Brody graduate herself, addressed students about their future roles. “It represents trust,” she said. “Patients will trust you with their stories, with their fears, with some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. They will not remember most of what you will say; however, they will remember how you made them feel.”
Bowen encouraged students to stay connected to their motivation for entering medicine and emphasized self-care alongside professional duties: “The culture of medicine will sometimes ask you to push yourself past your limits and to give more than you have,” she said. “But sustainable excellence comes from alignment… This is not a luxury. It is essential to the kind of position and human you are meant to be.”
Students like Ji In Han highlighted how meaningful this moment was after years of hard work: “It’s a symbol of how far we’ve come… I think this is really significant.” Fellow student Naimi Pothiwala spoke about choosing Brody because it serves rural communities in North Carolina—a mission also reflected by ECU Health’s broader goals.
ECU Health aims to serve as a model for rural health and wellness across eastern North Carolina’s communities according to its official website. The health system includes an academic medical center with two campuses, eight community hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics and specialty centers according to its official website. With over 1,700 licensed beds serving more than 1.4 million people in 29 counties—and involving over 1,100 providers across more than 185 clinics—ECU Health plays an integral role in regional care according to its official website.
As part of its mission statement,ECU Health focuses on enhancing health through patient-centered care, community services and rehabilitation programs.Its nonprofit network spans hospitals and clinics throughout eastern North Carolina, providing integrated healthcare solutions according to its official website.
This year’s white coat ceremony also introduced four new learning communities within Brody School designed for mentorship throughout students’ careers. As associate dean Kema Gadson said during her remarks: “The houses will be more than communities. They are lifelong affiliations grounded in mentorship… committed to improving health care.”
Rebecca Cloninger summed up what many felt about this transitional moment: “It is hard for people to understand what we go through as students if they’re not a student… but it really does mean we’re stepping into a new part of our lives.”
