By Kat Procyk, Photography by Rayni Shiring/University of Pittsburgh
On Jan. 27, 2025, about 150 students in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Class of 2027 were honored in this year’s pinning ceremony, marking a significant milestone in their medical education as they make the transition from classroom learning to clinical settings.
Amber Hoffman, professor of pediatrics, School of Medicine, told students to revel in the time they’ll spend bonding with and learning alongside patients—and seeing them as people first and foremost. She also reminded students of the importance of humor in an often emotionally heavy profession during her keynote address in Alan Magee Scaife Hall’s West Wing auditorium.
“It’s a place of honor to be present in patients’ and families’ biggest time of need,” Hoffman said. “But we can’t stay there. The next patient is waiting for us.”
Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine, noted that the pin being placed on students’ white coats was not only a symbol of the beginning of their careers as physicians but also a shield of compassion.
“This is a milestone that each of you has reached with your hard work and dedication for the future,” Shekhar said. “And we should all be very thankful for reaching that milestone.”
Shekhar acknowledged that all may not reach this rite of passage, referencing the recent death of first-year medical student, Luis Espinoza. Espinoza, whose family, above, attended the ceremony, was honored with a white coat and pin, following a moment of silence and speeches by Espinoza’s father and Chenits Pettigrew, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion and assistant dean for faculty diversity for the School of Medicine. Based on his conversations with Espinoza before his death, Pettigrew gave students at the ceremony advice in charting their paths forward.
“As you embark on your clinical education journey, remember that persistence is the foundation of excellence,” said Pettigrew, paraphrasing Espinoza. “Now’s the time to ignite your purpose and your passion. Becoming a healer must be in your heart and in your soul. As you face the complexities of medicine, embrace the challenges. Above all, like we know Luis to be, be kind.”
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