Cincinnati physicians and friends enjoy picnic welcoming “most ethnically diverse class” in history of UC’s College of Medicine. Photo by Mia Mallory, M.D.
Submitted by University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine welcomed 185 newly admitted first-year students Friday, August 9, during the college’s 24th annual White Coat Ceremony at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St.
“This is a large class filled with exceptional people,” says Abbigail Tissot, PhD, assistant dean for admissions in the college. “They are the most ethnically diverse class we have ever matriculated. We also have more first-generation college students in this class than any other. These students are also slightly older, and many are coming into medical school after gap years rather than directly following undergraduate studies.”
Each member of the class of 2023 was presented with a white lab coat symbolizing entry into the medical profession. The UC Alumni Association provides the coats as a gift. The white coat is also a symbol of the patients the students will treat and the compassion, honesty and caring to which the students should always aspire.
Twenty-three percent (or 43 students) of this year’s class are from ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine—the highest percentage ever in the college’s history, says Tissot. There is a near-even split between men and women enrollees. Men account for 50.3% (93 students) of the incoming class while women are 49.7% (92 students).
First-generation college students account for 14% (26 students) in the incoming class. Ohio residents account for 52% (96 students) while non-Ohio residents account for the remaining 48%. The average cumulative undergraduate grade point average for the class is 3.75.
Building a more diverse physician population for the Tristate and beyond has been an important goal of the College of Medicine, says Mia Mallory, MD, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion. She says this year’s enrollment results have been gratifying.
“We know ultimately that patient outcomes improve with a diverse physician population,” says Mallory. “Our hope is to grow talented physicians who are well-trained and culturally competent and who will serve diverse populations in our community and across the nation.”