
36th Fall Convocation and White Coat & Pinning Ceremony
Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 | 10 a.m.
Livestreaming on YouTube
Fall Convocation is one of only two occasions that bring together the Morehouse School of Medicine President and Dean, Board of Trustees, academic and institutional leadership, faculty and alumni in a formal academic setting focused entirely on students. The other, of course, is graduation, commencement. These bookend events – one for those just arriving, the other for those departing – represent the academic circle of life.
At MSM, Convocation recognizes and celebrates the incoming class of students, and serves as the official kickoff of the new academic year. It is a pivotal time and transformational experience for the first-year students who represent our Doctor of Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Education in Biological Sciences and Master of Public Health programs.
Included in the proceedings is the time-honored tradition of the White Coat and Pinning Ceremony. Incoming MPH students receive blue blazers and pins symbolizing their entrance into a field dedicated to protecting the public health and welfare of our communities. First-year MD and Physician Assistant students receive their white coats, and GEBS 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. GEBS students also receive pins.
A Different Approach This Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to revise the event. Anyone taking part has tested negative for the coronavirus in order to be on campus. Participating students and faculty will be spread out across campus to ensure appropriate social distancing space. Students will don their own coats and pins during the ceremony rather than having them put on by faculty members or alumni. And of course, facemasks are mandatory.
The multiple locations are connected via Zoom to the NCPC Auditorium so participants may both watch and take part in the ceremony. We are livestreaming the event on the MSM YouTube channel (see below) for family and friends to watch the proceedings.
Although it will look a little different, we are working hard to make sure the event is as memorable as always. We hope you will be able to join us as we welcome another generation of learners who soon will be leading the creation and advancement of health equity.
Welcome Reception
MSM 36th Fall Convocation and White Coat & Pinning Ceremony
Daniel E. Dawes, JD
Our Convocation Speaker
Daniel E. Dawes, JD
Executive Director
Satcher Health Leadership Institute
Daniel E. Dawes, JD, a widely respected lawyer, author, scholar, educator, and leader in the health equity, health reform, and mental health movements, is director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine and a professor of health law, policy and management. He co-founded the Health Equity Leadership and Exchange Network, a nationwide network of over 2,000 governmental and non-governmental leaders and scholars.
Dawes' research focuses on the drivers of health inequities among under-resourced, vulnerable, and marginalized communities and is the pioneer of a new approach to examining inequities, the political determinants of health. Read full bio
MSM Learning Communities
All incoming students are grouped into learning communities, student-led and mentor-facilitated educational sessions that take place in a supportive team environment.
Making a Commitment
As they take the next step in their journey to becoming physicians, scientists, researchers, public health leaders and other health professionals, our entering students make a verbal commitment during the ceremony, dedicating themselves to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.
Click title to view full pledge