The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) welcomed its newest cohort of aspiring physicians on July 26. In its annual White Coat Ceremony, 77 students were presented with their white coats, symbolizing their official entry into the medical profession.
JABSOM reported that 88% of this incoming class are residents of Hawaiʻi, with many students expressing their eagerness to serve their home state.
“I have wanted to become a physician since I was 16 years old,” said first-year student Lauryn Liao. “Growing up here, my dad is an immigrant, and my mom comes from a plantation family, so it means a lot to give back to a community that has given me so much over the years. The journey took awhile but we’re finally here today and I’m so excited.”
Admission to UH‘s medical school is highly competitive, with more than 2,200 applicants vying for one of the spots.
Watch the recap video to hear from some of JABSOM’s incoming students and view photos from the White Coat Ceremony.
