NEOMED welcomes largest class to College of Medicine

The NEOMED College of Medicine formally welcomed its largest class, celebrating 201 students during a White Coat Ceremony on Friday, July 11, 2025. The “white coat,” which is placed on each incoming student during the ceremony, represents the beginning of their journey to becoming a doctor. 

“You will be looked upon to find new solutions to meet the needs of the patient. Not just individual needs, but to provide solutions to the healthcare system as we know it,” said NEOMED President John Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. “While this is an enormous calling, you have already started to prove that you are capable by earning your spot here.”

Prior to having their white coats placed upon them, students heard about the significance of the white coat from Marc Basson, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., dean of NEOMED’s College of Medicine.

“Today represents an important, public and visible marker of your commitment to the profession. Today, you will publicly demonstrate and affirm your commitment to becoming physicians, with all the privileges and responsibilities that society confers upon you and expects of you,” said Dr. Basson.

Dr. Basson also honored Leah Sheridan, Ph.D., associate dean for medical education in the College of Medicine, with the Dean’s Leadership Award for outstanding and respected leadership and selfless support of students and faculty.

NEOMED is a leader in medical education and now has one of the largest M.D. programs in Ohio. NEOMED’s College of Medicine has a long history of training physicians from Ohio who go on to practice in their home state. Nearly 55% of the University’s M.D. graduates stay in Ohio to pursue their careers, where they serve communities throughout the state in a variety of specialties.