The Brody School of Medicine is known for giving its students a lot of hands-on experience with patients during clinical rotations. This means that graduates are well-prepared to treat patients right from day one, according to Higginson.
Today, over 90% of medical schools in the U.S. hold a white coat ceremony. The first one was in 1994, organized by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which also created the Gold Humanism Honor Society. This society recognizes medical students who show compassion and empathy in their work. At this year’s ceremony, members from the classes of 2026 and 2027 helped out: Katy Flax, Morgan Maner, Madison Kendrick, and Michael Kovasala.
In the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the Brody School of Medicine was rated as a Tier 1 institution for 2025. More than half of the school’s graduating class is heading into primary care specialties. Impressively, over 40% will continue their training in North Carolina.
This year’s ceremony also introduced four new learning communities within the school. These communities are designed to support students throughout their medical careers. Instead of the usual alphabetical procession, students were arranged by community, creating a sense of belonging.
The communities include:
- Bertie Buccaneers led by Dr. Mary Lenfestey
- Roanoke Raiders led by Dr. Don Norris
- Pamlico Privateers led by Dr. Jill Sutton
- Cape Fear Corsairs led by Dr. Juliana Jaramillo
The names were chosen to honor the culture of eastern North Carolina, according to Kema Gadson, an associate dean. He noted that these communities will foster lifelong connections, mentoring, and a commitment to improving healthcare in the region.
Graduates from Brody carry, on average, 33% less student debt compared to their peers. This financial relief often allows them to pursue primary care, despite the potential for higher pay in other specialties. The Brody Scholars program, which offers full tuition and support for selected students, is a key part of this. This year, cousins Hyman and David Brody donated an additional $10 million to the program. In their honor, the university’s new $265 million facility will be named the Brody Center for Medical Education.
Rebecca Cloninger, one of the scholars, shared her thoughts during the ceremony. “It’s hard for people to understand what we go through as students unless they’ve been in our shoes. Today is ceremonial, but it marks a significant step in our lives,” she said.
Overall, the Brody School is dedicated to shaping compassionate physicians ready to serve their communities effectively and sustainably. This commitment not only prepares students for the medical field but also strengthens the healthcare system in North Carolina and beyond.
For more information about medical education and its impacts, check out the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.
