MSM Welcomes New Students at 38th Fall Convocation & White Coat and Pinning Ceremony

337 students join MSM's Doctor of Medicine, Master of Public Health, Physician Assistant Studies,
and Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences programs.

Convocation 2022Selfie with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and the incoming class.

ATLANTA – SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 – Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) welcomed 337 new students and marked the official beginning of the academic year at its 38th Fall Convocation and White Coat and Pinning Ceremony on Friday, September 16. The event was held on campus with limited attendance and livestreamed via the MSM website and YouTube channel.

Morehouse School of Medicine holds Convocation each year to recognize and celebrate members of the incoming class. It is a pivotal time and transformational experience for the first-year students who represent the Doctor of Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences, and Master of Public Health programs.

"Our research, patient, care and service to the community has contributed to the growth and advancement of our programs and fosters support in producing a positive difference in your lives as students," said President and CEO Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG. "You are truly the heart of this institution and because of the work you have put forth to get you here today, you are now Morehouse School of Medicine family, and you will be woven into the finest landscape of faculty and staff to support your educational journey."

"Take a good look around at each other. You are indeed a member of the Morehouse School of Medicine family," said MSM Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH. "This is your community of supporters, friends, and collaborators for life. You will learn from each other, depend upon each other. Take advantage of the opportunity of fellowship that this atmosphere of family provides. Be present with each other and together, we will change the world."

Included in the Convocation proceedings is the time-honored tradition of the White Coat and Pinning Ceremony. Incoming Master of Public Health students receive blue blazers and pins symbolizing their entrance into a field dedicated to protecting the public health and welfare of individuals and communities. First-year Doctor of Medicine and Physician Assistant students receive their white coats, and Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences students are fitted with their lab coats as symbols of the trust bestowed upon them as they carry on the noble traditions of medicine and science. Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences students also receive pins.

By program, the Fall 2022 entering class includes:

  • Doctor of Medicine: 125
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies: 44
  • Online Master of Science in Biotechnology: 43
  • Master of Science in Medical Sciences: 32
  • Master of Science in Biotechnology with a concentration in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics: 23
  • Online Master of Science in Health Informatics: 19
  • Doctor of Health Administration: 16
  • Master of Public Health: 12
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences: 8
  • Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care: 8
  • Online Master of Public Health: 8
  • Master of Science in Neuroscience: 7
  • Master of Science in Biomedical Research: 6
  • Master of Science in Clinical Research: 2

MSM Senior Vice President for External Partnerships and Innovation Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, inspired and uplifted the audience during her keynote address, telling them, "Education does not necessarily equal intellect, and degrees alone do not translate into impact." Immediately following the ceremony, the MSM community gathered as Dr. Montgomery Rice surprised Dr. Harris-Hooker and announced that the third-floor research facility in the Medical Education Building was being named in the longtime faculty member's honor.

First established as a two-year medical program at Morehouse College in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine has been an independent institution since 1981. In addition to its world-renowned Doctor of Medicine program, MSM offers a wide range of health sciences doctorate and master's degrees in public health, biomedical sciences, and physician assistant studies. Many programs are available online or in a hybrid format for distance learners.

For more information about Morehouse School of Medicine, please visit MSM.edu.

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About Morehouse School of Medicine

Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission — the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit MSM.edu or call 404-752-1500.

Contact

Jamille Bradfield
Morehouse School of Medicine
jbradfield@msm.edu