{"id":148503,"date":"2025-08-05T11:12:28","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T15:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=148503"},"modified":"2025-08-07T14:37:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T18:37:04","slug":"welcome-m-d-class-of-2029","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/welcome-m-d-class-of-2029\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome M.D. Class of 2029"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jack Koczara was inspired by the orthopedic surgeon who healed his sports-torn knees and shoulder. Sierra Simon always loved science but became a lifeguard and saw the importance of saving others during an emergency. Nicole Stevens ’25<\/strong> is a nontraditional student entering medicine after raising three small children.<\/p>\n

All were welcomed Aug. 4 to the College of Medicine\u2019s<\/a> Class of 2029 in the traditional White Coat ceremony, recognizing them as physicians in training.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur new medical students include scholars, musicians, artists, scientists, engineers, writers, dancers and community volunteers,\u201d says Deborah German, vice president for health affairs and medical school dean. \u201cThey have cared for others by serving on suicide and crisis hotlines, in assisted living facilities, clinics, hospitals, soup kitchens and homeless centers. These young people have made a difference in the lives of others.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 121 new students did their undergraduate training at universities that include Case Western, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and UCF. More than 85% conducted scientific research before ever entering medical school, advancing science in areas that include cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and asthma.<\/p>\n

Putting Patients First<\/h2>\n

Asked why they came to UCF for medical school, students shared common themes. They were excited to be part of UCF\u2019s Health Sciences Campus in Medical City that includes a teaching hospital, cancer center and a new College of Nursing<\/a> facility that opens in just two weeks. They were drawn by UCF\u2019s innovative spirit and the open, welcoming atmosphere from faculty, staff and fellow students. Many said they were inspired by German\u2019s passion for creating doctors who put patients first.<\/p>\n