M.D. class of 2013 begins studies Sixty-six first-year medical students, members of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Class of 2013, started their journey last week to become physicians at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The students, 24 men and 42 women, range in age from 21 to 38 years, with the average age of 24. They come to medical school with work experience in an array of fields and academic degrees in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, zoology, psychology and exercise science. One student holds a Ph.D. degree, one has earned a law degree, and some hold various master’s degrees. Seventy-six percent of the students are from North Dakota. “The Class of 2013 is a group of exceptional students, reflecting the high academic standards of the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. They also enter medical school with a variety of impressive health care and humanistic activities to their credit,” says Judy DeMers, associate dean for student affairs and admissions. Medical students’ first week is dedicated to orientation, including introduction to the four-year, patient-centered curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on the students’ new roles and expectations of them as health care professionals. Orientation concluded with the White Coat Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Alerus Center, when students received their first white coats, the physician’s traditional garment, which were donated by the North Dakota Medical Association. They recited the Oath of Hippocrates, an ancient vow to uphold basic professional principles. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Jon Tingelstad, M.D., chair of UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences’ National Advisory Council. He addressed “Words that Begin with the Letter ‘P.’” -- Wendy Opsahl, Communications Director, Center for Rural Health, wopsahl@medicine.nodak.edu, 777-0871