The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the Class of 2019 during its annual White Coat Ceremony held Aug. 16. Sponsored by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, the event officially recognized 114 members of the incoming class by having them don lab coats to be worn during their veterinary education.
The hourlong ceremony was held in the Hodgson Concert Hall at the UGA Performing Arts Center.
“The white coat is a symbol of medical professionalism and of acceptance of the responsibilities, obligations and sacrifices that go with the privilege to study and practice veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Karen Cornell, the college’s associate dean for academic affairs. “Reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath for the first time denotes the beginning of their official journey in one of the most respected professions.”
The incoming class includes 88 women and 26 men. This class features a variety of focuses, including 31 percent interested in companion animal medicine; 37 percent in mixed-animal medicine; 11 percent in zoo animal and wildlife medicine; 4 percent in food animal medicine; 11 percent in public health; and 6 percent in equine medicine.