On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine welcomed the 196 students of the class of 2029 at the annual White Coat Ceremony, held at the Alabama Theatre.
“The white coat is the mantle of our profession,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine, to begin the ceremony. “In the years ahead, you will wear it in every patient encounter, identifying yourself as a UAB medical student and a member of the noble tradition of medicine. It is fitting that you receive it today in the presence of family, friends, faculty, and alumni—the people most invested in your success.”
Speaking on behalf of Christina Grabowski, Ph.D., associate dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Caroline Harada, M.D., associate dean for Strategic Initiatives, highlighted the achievements of the incoming class. “Together, you reported 165,481 hours of research activity and completed 204,951 hours of medically related experiences prior to starting medical school,” Harada said. “Your class, chosen from an application pool of nearly 4,206 applicants, also graduated from more than 50 undergraduate institutions, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to UAB.”
“Receiving my white coat signifies the next chapter of my life—one in which I will have the uniquely gratifying privilege of helping others at their most vulnerable moments. I am grateful to have my family and friends here to celebrate this milestone, as they have supported me throughout this journey,” said first-year medical student Navaneeth Shibu prior to the ceremony.
Ritika Samant, a rising third-year student, was formally named the 2025 recipient of the Sara Crews Finley, M.D., Endowed Leadership Scholarship during the ceremony. The full-tuition award honors a student in the top 25 percent of their class who demonstrates leadership, service, integrity, and determination. Samant holds a summa cum laude degree in neuroscience and a Master of Public Health from UAB and is active in leadership and community service roles.
Photos from the ceremony are coming soon, and a full recording of the White Coat live stream, along with the official program, can be viewed here.
Learn more about making a gift to the UAB Heersink School of Medicine.