MSM Class of 2011 students embarked upon the start of their clinical experiences during the MSM Fall Convocation. The students gathered for the traditional donning of the signature "white coat," a ceremony that marks their official entrance into medical school.

The event was held Sept. 21, 2007 in the auditorium of the Louis W. Sullivan National Center for Primary Care (NCPC). Veda Johnson, M.D. (MSM '82), nationally recognized child health-care expert and assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, was the keynote speaker.

"This was one of the best attended convocations MSM has ever had. The speaker, Dr. Veda Johnson, was extremely motivating, and the students were inspired by the professionalism charge," said Associate Professor of Medical Education Janice Herbert-Carter, M.D., M.G.A., F.A.C.P.

A highlight of the ceremony was MSM President John E. Maupin Jr. D.D.S., M.B.A. leading an observance of Constitution Day.

Additionally, former MSM Vice President for Operations and Planning Walter W. Sullivan Jr., Ph.D. was honored during the ceremony for his many contributions to the institution. Sullivan retired from MSM in 2007. During his tenure he also served as principal investigator for the Neurolab Education Program and on the board of the National Space Biomedical Institute (NSBRI).

These students will soon join the legacy of the many MSM alumni whose contributions have resulted in advances in medical science, and saved the lives of countless individuals.