Reno Reporter

Seventy first-year medical school students received their first white coats from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) during the traditional White Coat Ceremony recently.

"We are exceptionally proud to welcome the Class of 2026 students to the UNR Med family,” Cherie Singer, UNR Med associate dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, said in a news release. 

With the class of 2026, UNR Med will continue its history of training students from across the state, some of whom are descendants of previous students.

“Wearing the white coat is an expression of our dedication to helping patients,” Dr. Melissa Piasecki, UNR Med’s acting dean and chief academic officer at Renown Health, said in the release. “As we work to address all the complex issues that currently face our communities, we need the passion, intellect, and heart of each of our students. Together, as a community of physicians, with our partners, and other health professionals, we can build a healthier Nevada.”

Singer acknowledged the students for starting their training in a vital field.

“As new members of our medical school family, these students are beginning an incredibly challenging and rewarding journey on their path to becoming a physician when the world needs them now, more than ever,” she said in the release.