University of Washington medical school students, family members and friends converged May 16 on the Seattle campus for a ceremony in which the students received their white physician coats. 

Med-school students beginning their third year of training don a white coat, which represents the transition into the clerkship years of increasingly intensive patient-care training.

The Clinical Transition Ceremony took place in the Husky Union Ballroom, kicked off with a keynote by Dr. Mara Rendi, a pathologist. Dr. Ellen Cosgrove, vice dean of academic affairs, presented the coats to students, who moved in procession by college; the medical school has six colleges, each representing features of the Pacific Northwest: Big Sky, Columbia River, Denali, Rainier, Snake River and Wind River. 

Paul Ramsey, dean of the UW School of Medicine, led students through a recitation of the physician's oath. Dr. Angela Chien, president of the school's alumni association, gave final remarks, followed by a reception.