Support USF MCOM White Coat Campaign

Who We Are

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine was recently ranked the No. 1 medical school in Florida and designated Tier 1 — among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Medical Schools: Research. Morsani College is one of just 16 medical schools in the country classified as Tier 1, a testament to its world-class research and educational programs.

Over the past decade, from fiscal year 2014 to 2024, the college has experienced a remarkable 158% increase in research funding from the National Institutes of Health and a 212% increase in total research funding. Overall, the college and its affiliated partners brought in $380 million in annual research funding and $187 million in NIH funding in fiscal year 2024.

What We Do

The Morsani College of Medicine White Coat program has become an important annual tradition. It sends a powerful message to students right from the start of their medical school journey: Their community believes in their success and supports them as they dedicate their lives to healing others.

This summer, the Class of 2029 will embark on a journey to become the next generation of top-notch physicians. They will join a profession that makes immense sacrifices to keep our communities healthy, and many will shoulder large amounts of debt to cover their education.

We’re building on the tradition this year: for the first time, each white coat sponsorship also includes a top-of-the-line stethoscope to equip students with the tools they need from day one. With a gift of $250, you’ll provide a white coat and stethoscope and support the Class of 2029 scholarship fund — helping students thrive throughout their journey.

Today, we invite you to invest in students' dreams by making a gift to sponsor the first white coat of a new medical student.

Your Impact

"Receiving my first white coat was a big moment. As explained at the ceremony, it signifies entering the medical profession. While being able to one day care for patients is an immense privilege, it is also a huge responsibility. Having my white coat sponsored showed me that there are so many people in the USF MCOM community who are rooting for me and my classmates and there to support us as we progress along our training path. It was a tangible welcome to both the USF MCOM community and the medical community as a whole." — Cynthia Paterson, USF medical student

Through the generosity of donors like you, our incoming medical students are gifted with their first white coat, a brand-new stethoscope, the creation of their class scholarship fund, and encouraging notes from alumni, family, friends and other supporters.

Please make your gift before Aug. 22. Together, we can empower students to reach their fullest potential and shape a future where compassionate and skilled physicians thrive.

Your funds will be split between the Medicine Class of 2029 operating and endowed scholarship funds. This will allow scholarships to be awarded to current class members while the fund grows to benefit future students.

USF Medicine alumni may choose to designate half of their gift to their class scholarship or department by contacting Rachel Fink Shimberg at 727-267-3331 or fink24@usf.edu.

USF Faculty and Staff: You can give online through this site or complete this payroll deduction form (enter fund #256201, MCOM Class of 2029 Scholarship Fund) and email it to fscampaign@usf.edu.

*White coat sponsors who make a gift of $250 or higher may send a special note to their sponsored student. Sponsors who give at the dean's level of $2,500 will be invited to a special October event hosted by Dr. Charles Lockwood, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

**Gifts made by Aug. 22 will be acknowledged in the White Coat Ceremony program.

Special thanks to our White Coat Ceremony Sponsors: Tampa General Hospital and Jason Madachy Foundation.

Spread the Word

We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of this page.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Need help with your post? Try this message:

Sponsor a white coat and stethoscope for an incoming #USFHealth medical student as they begin the journey to becoming a physician. Your gift celebrates the commitment these students have made and symbolizes your support every step of the way. Give at usf.to/whitecoat.
Together, we’re shaping the future of health care! Thank you!