2026 JSSOM PAS White Coat Ceremony

Ceremony

Thursday, June 18th, 2026
3:00PM – 5:00PM

UTMB William C. Levin Hall Auditorium
1006 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550

Agenda

1:15 PMStudents check-in for rehearsal at William C. Levin Hall Auditorium
1:30 PMStudent rehearsal begins
3:00 PMThe John Sealy School of Medicine PAS White Coat Ceremony begins
PA Class

Our Speaker: Jamie Willits, MD

Dr. WillitsJamie Willits, MD is a family medicine physician at Abilene Family Medical Associates in Abilene, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University before receiving her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. During medical school, Dr. Willits was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, received the Merck Manual Award, and was a finalist for the prestigious Gold-Headed Cane Award.

Dr. Willits completed her family medicine residency at the Waco Family Medicine Institute, where she served as Chief Resident and was honored with the May Wang “Most Compassionate Physician” Award.

From 2010 to 2018, Dr. Willits and her family lived in West Africa, where she served as a medical missionary providing care to some of the world’s most financially impoverished and medically underserved communities. Since returning to the United States, she has practiced in primary care, emergency medicine, and hospital medicine.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Willits enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She loves reading, running, scuba diving, hiking, and being outdoors.

Location and Event Day Parking

William C. Levin Hall Auditorium

The 2026 UTMB JSSOM PAS White Coat Ceremony will be held at the UTMB William C. Levin Hall Auditorium:

9th Street & Market Street
Galveston, TX 77555

Parking

Students and guests can park at Garage #4. Gates will open at 1:00 PM.

Mechanic Street & 12th Street
Galveston, TX 77555

Arrival and Seating

Each student in the Class of 2026 may invited up to eight guests. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will close once the venue reaches maximum capacity, as determined by the fire marshal.

Accessibility Services

UTMB is committed to ensuring all students and guests can fully participate in the ceremony. Students, family members, and guests who require ADA accommodations are welcome; however, advanced arrangements are required to confirm appropriate seating. One companion may sit with each individual requiring accommodation, and both will be provided assigned seating in a designated area. Additional family members and friends will be seated in the general audience.

To request accommodation, please email Courtney Zapata by Monday, May 19th, 2026.

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