SCRANTON, Pa. — Saturday was the 16th white coat ceremony at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton. Dozens of medical students received their uniforms for medical school.
One by one, medical students, including Caitlin Doughton of Throop, received their white coats at a ceremony for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Class of 2028.
"It's something that I've been working towards for the past four years and even beyond that in high school, so it's very rewarding. And all of our dedication and determination is really showing today," Doughton said.
The ceremony marks the beginning of their time in medical school here in Scranton.
"Getting their uniform for doctoring. It's a very exciting step," noted Dr. Julie Byerley, Dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
"You know, it's almost like their Olympics, you know, so they're actually going to be actually starting out, really getting themselves into that kind of medical field and kind of really learning so much from everybody that's around," observed keynote speaker Dr. Gehred Wetzel.
Many of these students have studied in other parts of Pennsylvania and are excited to come home for this next part of their medical study.
Brendan Colleren of Clarks Summit said, "It really is nice to be close to home because I have those Sundays where you can go home and hang out with your family in between big weeks of class. So, it really is helpful to have that support system nearby."
Dr. Byerley added, "Two-thirds of our students are from Pennsylvania and more than a third from this region. And our vision of success is for them to practice in this region and live here, and thrive long-term. It is definitely important that our students serve the community."
Regardless of what comes next after their time here in northeastern Pennsylvania, students tell Newswatch 16 this ceremony was something they've been working toward for a very long time.
"Yeah, it's super exciting," said Samantha Gaidula of Clarks Summit. "It's the first step in the next great journey that we're about to have. So, I'm really excited, and, I mean, you get to pursue a passion that I've had since I was little, so it's really awesome."
That White Coat Ceremony wrapped up Saturday afternoon in Scranton.