CARBONDALE-- Twenty-five area students from the class of 2018 began training in August at the SIU School of Medicine. The students participated in a white coat ceremony that welcomed them into the medical profession.

During the ceremony, students received their first coat from the president of the schools alumni society, Dr. James Cunnar, a family medicine physician in Naperville and a 1994 graduate. The schools alumni society provided the coats. Students also received a lapel pin that reads Compassion, Respect and Integrity from the SIU Foundation.

Dr. J. Kevin Dorsey, Ph.D., dean, provost and a 1978 graduate of the school, welcomed the students, and Dr. Debra Klamen, associate dean for education and curriculum, read the Hippocratic Oath. Students were presented by Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese, associate professor of internal medicine and medical humanities, executive assistant to the dean for diversity and a 1986 graduate.

Dr. John Mellinger, professor and chair of the Division of General Surgery, gave the keynote speech. He received the schools 2013 Humanism in Medicine Award.

Most of the students are from the southern two-thirds of the state, said Dr. Erik J. Constance, associate professor of internal medicine, associate dean for student affairs and admissions and a 1988 graduate. The class has 44 men and 28 women.

LocalSIU School of Medicine students are:

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Local students receive white coats