White Coat Ceremony

On Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, each member of the Class of 2029 donned a white coat in the annual rite of passage for first-year medical students. It was the final step of the Transition to Medical School, the two-week orientation that prepares students to begin classes and embark on their journeys to becoming doctors.

Fun facts: The backgrounds, talents and hobbies of the Class of 2029

Made up of bee keepers and marathoners, medical scribes and lab technicians, the Class of 2029 arrived on the MCV Campus from across Virginia, 17 U.S. states and as far as the Philippines and Ethiopia.

Get to know the Class of 2029 ❯

collage of Co29 students

Students in the News

Read more articles
September 1, 2023
News article title
Category

Welcoming our new future doctors: A message from the dean

Welcome from the Dean

Welcoming our new future doctors: A message from the dean

Welcome, future physicians, to the VCU School of Medicine community! I am energized and excited to see you begin your medical careers here with a transformative year of growth and learning at our outstanding institution.

Many of you come from Virginia, but this class also includes students from across the country and around the globe. Like the SOM classes that have preceded you, the Class of 2029 brings with it a wide range of talents, backgrounds and experiences. I am also impressed and proud to learn this class has a number of students who are the first in their families to pursue careers in medicine.

Educating a physician is a team sport, and the journey upon which you are about to embark is not easy. You will be challenged, so remember, this is a marathon and not a sprint. Please know that we are here for you, and stand ready to help guide and support you in realizing your full potential as doctors and instruments of change within your communities.

Again, welcome to VCU. This is an exciting time for you – and for us. I look forward to your contributions in the classroom, clinic and laboratory, and to seeing you on campus. Have a great semester!

Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean, VCU School of Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System