COSAM News Articles 2024 01 Celebrating the Next Generation of Rural Doctors: 2024 White Coat Ceremony Highlights

Celebrating the Next Generation of Rural Doctors: 2024 White Coat Ceremony Highlights

Published: 08/27/2024

In an inspiring celebration of commitment and community service, Auburn University's Rural Medicine Program (RMP) held its annual Matriculation Dinner and White Coat Ceremony. This pivotal event welcomed ten outstanding students who have dedicated themselves to serving as primary care physicians in rural Alabama, marking their official entry into the program.

Dr. Maggie Han, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) and Academic Director of RMP, kicked off the evening. "We gather tonight to honor ten exceptional students who have chosen a unique and noble path in medicine. Their journey to serve the small communities of Alabama sets them apart, and tonight we celebrate their commitment," Dr. Han remarked.

Dr. David Bramm, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Director of the Rural Medicine Program, and other key figures, including Dr. Lanita S. Carter, Director and Associate Professor of Medical Education at the Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, University of Alabama at Birmingham, shared heartfelt remarks and personal anecdotes. Dr. Carter highlighted the program's critical role in addressing rural health needs: "We urgently need more doctors in our smaller communities. This program is a vital part of our mission at UAB," she emphasized.

Dr. Edward Thomas, Jr., Dean of COSAM expressed pride in the students and the significance of their mission: "As a land-grant institution, Auburn University strives to improve the lives of Alabama's citizens. COSAM is proud to prepare these future medical professionals who are committed to working in our state’s rural areas where there's a critical shortage of primary care physicians."

The evening also featured a special address by Brian Hardin, Director of External Affairs at the Alabama Farmers Federation, who presented the ALFA Book Scholarship. "By choosing rural medicine, you are advancing our mission and bringing essential services to underserved areas of Alabama," Hardin noted.

Dr. Vini Nathan, Provost of Auburn University, also attended the event, marking her support for the program and its mission.

Dr. Keith Bufford, a respected figure in rural healthcare, provided closing encouragement: "The journey ahead will be challenging but immensely rewarding. Your dedication to serving Alabama's rural communities is admirable, and we are here to support you every step of the way."

Dr. Tim Littman, RMP preceptor and program alumnus, reminded the students of the significance of their chosen path. "Rural medicine is more than a career—it's a calling. You are stepping into roles that will profoundly impact lives, often when it's needed most," he stated.

The evening culminated with the symbolic white coat ceremony, where the students, surrounded by their families, received their white coats and stethoscopes from Drs. Bufford and Littman.

The ten students honored this evening were:

Emma Kate Bond, Arab, AL
Savannah Fleming, Webb, AL
Madelyn Friday, Sylacauga, AL
Rylan Mayberry, Beauregard, AL
Hayden Northcutt, Spanish Fort, AL
Lily Pounders, Russellville, AL
Emily Pridemore, Jasper, AL
Sterling Thomas, Talladega, AL
Blake Wright, Centre, AL
Matthew Yesil, Andalusia, AL

These students, now embarking on additional coursework and training, are well on their way to becoming physicians who will make a significant difference in rural Alabama.

The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the crucial role these future doctors will play in meeting the healthcare needs of rural communities. As they donned their white coats, the students were reminded of the extensive support they have from Auburn University, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and the many communities they will serve. This event not only celebrated the students' entry into the medical profession but also reinforced the importance of their mission to improve healthcare accessibility in rural Alabama.

View photos from the event below: