Victor Wang: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS UPHOLDING PATIENT SAFETY & QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

The white coat is a reminder for the practitioner and the patient that we share a common goal, to improve the patient's state of being. We as future physicians have an obligation to uphold patient safety, not as a priority that can be shifted, but a core value that forever remains in place. We have a duty to continually improve the quality of our service and interactions with the community we serve. Physicians have the power to make change, but we must see our patients as fellow human individuals. We must work together to uphold the trust of the people, advocate for their rights and needs, educate the masses, advance our best practices, and return the ill to a state of wellness to the best of our abilities.

-Victor Wang, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Sarah Schuessler: "My White Coat Means"

A COMMITMENT TO SERVE THE UNDERSERVED

My medical education is, without a doubt, the most tremendous gift I have ever received. Every time I put on this white coat, I am reminded of how privileged I am to be where I am, and the responsibilities that accompany this privilege. On the day I received this coat and first took the Hippocratic Oath, I also made a commitment to share this gift with those who need it most. This skill set I am learning can potentially improve the lives of so many for whom healthcare is still, tragically, inaccessible. When I eventually swap out this coat for a longer one, I will carry this commitment to serve the underserved through my entire career.

-Sarah Schuessler, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Thomas Bigham: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS LIFE LONG COMMITMENT TO THOSE IN NEED

I have been blessed with two role models who have exemplified selfless commitment to those in need. Everyday, I am thankful for having two parents who have worked tirelessly to help others. Growing up, I watched my father embody cura personalis as he spent long hours caring for and tending to the needs of his patients. Likewise, I witnessed my mother volunteer her time for the past twenty years as a full time elementary school teacher instilling the love of reading into her students all without pay. My parents' work ethic and passion to selflessly care for others has inspired me. Every time I wear my white coat, I wish to honor my parents and pay forward the blessings that I have been given. I look forward to a life of service to others where I can help those who truly are in need.

-Thomas Bigham, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

John Guzzi: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS BEING THERE

Every day, our careers will intersect with the lives of others at their most vulnerable moments. Vulnerability is a virtue -- we can never let those moments feel small. The most important acts of healing are driven by being present. My white coat is a reminder that once that door is closed, my #1 priority is to be there alongside my patients, wherever that may be.

-John Guzzi, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Matt Coster: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS FIGHTING FOR EQUITY

Many Americans have access to one of the greatest systems of healthcare in the world, and are able to take advantage of the latest technology and therapies, while some have limited access to care due to the unequal distribution of the social determinants of health. I want to give back, and serve those who are underserved, but I also want to be a part of the change that eliminates the health inequities present in this country, because neither where you’re from, nor the color of your skin, nor your gender, nor your sexual orientation should define your life expectancy. I hope to improve the health of my patients and my community through primary care, advocacy, and community-based interventions.

-Matt Coster, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Khaled Kabbara: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS JUSTICE

This white coat has been a catalyst for me to reflect on the blessings and privilege to be in this profession. I learned that with this white coat comes a sacred oath to fulfill the sacred trust bestowed on us by society. To me, being accepted by this white coat, I in return accept to commit to fight for the justice that my patients, all communities and societies, and all those who are vulnerable deserve. Healing does not stop at the physical well being, but transcends to include economical, social, spiritual, emotional and all elements of life. It is truly humbling for me. 

-Khaled Kabbara, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Dylan Conroy: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS MAGIS

The Jesuit principle of “magis” means "more," and I have adopted this mantra as motivation to to do better and be better in all aspects of my life. Patients need more than a five minute question-and-answer barrage, more than a pre-op visit emphasizing technicality over humanity. As a prospective surgeon, I aim to spend as much time discussing my patients' weekends as I do their upcoming procedures. I want to know them as more than a left knee replacement or appendectomy, to know their lives as mothers and fathers and children. Magis will guide me through late night shifts and challenging cases, pushing me to always do more for every patient. 

-Dylan Conroy, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Nazifa Rahman: My White Coat Means

MY WHITE COAT MEANS HUMILITY

My white coat is a humble reminder to me first and foremost of the responsibility I carry to serve and care for my future patients. It is an emblem of dedication, hard-work, and commitment. My white coat also gives me a greater sense of purpose. Medicine is about understanding and listening to other human beings just as much as it is about the study of human bodies.  A medical school student just starting out in her career in medicine, when I put on my white coat, the newness of it gives me a paradoxical feeling of both pride and humility. From my 4th grade elementary school teacher who encouraged my love of learning to my college mentors to my most beloved supporters, my parents, I’m humbled by all of these role models who shaped who I am and allowed me the opportunity to contemplate what this white coat means.  I hope to wear this humility and gratitude throughout my journey in medicine.

-Nazifa Rahman, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Charlotte Goldman: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS ACCOUNTABILITY

My white coat envelops the day to day minutia of medical school to remind me of my accountability to my peers, myself and my profession. It represents my personal challenge to hold myself to a high standard of responsibility for others. It’s a reminder to improve myself academically beyond my grades, and seek experience and perspective so I can best serve my patients. 

-Charlotte Goldman, MD Candidate, Class of 2019

Lauren Klingman: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS RELINQUISHING ONE GOAL FOR ANOTHER

The decision to leave my career in theater was the hardest I’ve had to make. A lot of reasons compelled me to pursue the change; ultimately I felt like I had more to contribute to this world than what theatre would allow. I chose to give up all the roles I might have played for the final role of physician.

-Lauren Klingman, MD Candidate, Class of 2019