Xavier Becerra

ߣÍÃÊÓƵ to Celebrate New Students at 40th Fall Convocation & White Coat and Pinning Ceremony

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra will deliver keynote speech to incoming medical, public health, physician assistant and biomedical sciences students.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – ߣÍÃÊÓƵ (MSM) will welcome 332 new Doctor of Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences, and Graduate Education in Public Health students and mark the official beginning of the academic year at its 40th Fall Convocation and White Coat and Pinning Ceremony on Friday, September 20. United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra will deliver the keynote speech at the ceremony, which will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel on the ߣÍÃÊÓƵ College campus.

"ߣÍÃÊÓƵ is honored to welcome Secretary Becerra and excited for him to share his insights with our incoming students," said MSM President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG. "Convocation is one of the school's most significant events each year, as we warmly welcome these scholars into the MSM community and celebrate their commitment to their academic journeys. In just a few short years, they will graduate as healthcare and scientific professionals, ready to improve the lives of countless individuals in their communities and make the world a healthier, more equitable place for all."

The Convocation proceedings include the cherished White Coat and Pinning Ceremony. Incoming Master of Public Health students are honored with blue blazers and pins, symbolizing their commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of individuals and communities. First-year Doctor of Medicine and Physician Assistant students receive their white coats, while Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences students are fitted with lab coats, all representing the trust placed in them as they continue the noble traditions of medicine and science. Additionally, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences students are presented with pins to commemorate this significant occasion.

By program, the Fall 2024 entering class includes:

  • Doctor of Medicine: 105 students
  • Doctor of Health Administration: 32 students
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences: 13 students
  • Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care: 10 students
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies: 35 students
  • Master of Public Health: 15 students
  • Online Master of Public Health: 6 students
  • Master of Science in Biomedical Research: 9 students
  • Master of Science in Biotechnology: 39 students
  • Master of Science in Biotechnology with a concentration in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics: 19 students
  • Master of Science in Clinical Research: 2 students
  • Master of Science in Health Informatics: 20 students
  • Master of Science in Medical Sciences: 24 students
  • Master of Science in Neuroscience: 3 students

First established as a two-year medical program at ߣÍÃÊÓƵ College in 1975, ߣÍÃÊÓƵ School of Medicine has been an independent institution since 1981. In addition to its world-renowned Doctor of Medicine program, MSM offers a wide range of health sciences doctorate and master's degrees in public healthbiomedical sciences, and physician assistant studies. Many programs are available online or in a hybrid format for distance learners.

For more information about ߣÍÃÊÓƵ, please visit MSM.edu.

About ߣÍÃÊÓƵ

Founded in 1975, ߣÍÃÊÓƵ (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission — the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit or call 404-752-1500.

Contact

Jamille Bradfield
Director of External Communications,
Media Relations & Crisis Communications
ߣÍÃÊÓƵ
jbradfield@msm.edu