By Hadas Kuznits

CAMDEN, N. J. (CBS) – Medical students in Camden underwent a special ceremony on Friday.

Dr. Paul Katz, dean of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, says it’s a very special moment when a medical student puts on their white coat for the first time. That’s why a special ceremony was held for the incoming class.

“The white coat is very symbolic of being a physician and this is the day where we give them the white coat but more than that, really welcome them to the profession,” Dr. Katz explains.

It was also a special moment for the school, with this being the inaugural class.

“We’ve told this class that there will only be one charter class in the history of this medical school and it is them,” Dr. Katz says.

He says many people have been waiting a long time for this moment, not just the students.

“The idea around a medical school in Camden goes back 40 years; so this idea has been out and about for a while and we’re really very pleased for all the people that kept this dream alive that we now have the opportunity to get this school started,” says Dr. Katz.