Southern Illinois University School of Medicine welcomed 80 new students at its annual White Coat Ceremony in Carbondale.
The event at Shryock Auditorium marked the start of their journey toward becoming physicians, with members of the Class of 2029 set to train in Carbondale and Springfield. Eight Lincoln Scholars will focus their studies downstate. Faculty leaders and alumni presented the coats, while keynote speaker Dr. Kate Siebenaler encouraged students to embrace challenges, reminding them, “You are here on purpose… and when you don’t know something, you don’t know it yet.” The ceremony highlights the school’s mission to train doctors who serve Illinois communities.
