Jennifer Gyamfi: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT means believing in myself to make my dreams my reality

My dream of becoming a physician began when I was in high school. My experiences inspired my passion for women's health and led me to begin envisioning myself one day providing great health care and advocating for my patients. When I wear my white coat, I'm reminded of the years of hard work and dedication it took for me to be here, and humbled by the prospect of patients entrusting me to journey with them on their way to wellness and healing. My white coat is a symbol of heartfelt compassion for my patients and belief in myself in turning my dreams into my reality.

-Jennifer Gyamfi, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Imanyah Hilliard: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS HURDLES WILL NOT BLOCK GOD'S PROMISES

-Imanyah Hilliard, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Kate Wallerius: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS THAT MY EDUCATION BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE I WILL SERVE

Father Fitzgibbons, President of Regis University, once told me that as graduates of a Jesuit university, the diploma we receive does not actually belong to us. Certainly we have earned it, but the degree we're awarded and the skills and knowledge we've acquired truly belongs to those who we will serve with it. The education we have received belongs to the lives that we will touch, the people we will impact. I have kept this design in my heart and I vow to take the amazing gift of my education to lead positive change in the world around me.

-Kate Wallerius, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Alex Webb: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS LOVE

To heal someone is to love them as well, and I am reminded of this every time I don my white coat. As a physician healer it will be my responsibility to help to the best of my ability any and every person that walks into my office, and by extension to love them for the simple reason that they too are human. As people, threats to our health are often the scariest, most vulnerable moments in life. I can imagine no greater joy or honor than to be able to help people turn these moments of fear into a lifetime of happiness through better health. My white coat reminds me of the incredible faith that society has placed in me, entrusting me with this immense privilege of serving its people. In return, I promise to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to improving the lives of all of those in need. I promise to listen and to understand the needs of my patients in order to help them achieve their desired outcome. And more than anything, I promise to love every single one of them, and to let this love guide me in applying my skills towards creating a healthier, happier world for all.

-Alex Webb, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Griselda Potka: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS BECOMING A WOMAN WITH AGENCY AND SKILL

While growing up in Albania, I watched the women in my family cultivate a life around their husband and children. There were no opportunities for them to receive an education or employment.

After immigrating to the U.S., I fiercely pursued education as a way to empower myself. I am proud to stand here in my white coat and vow to work tirelessly for the next four years so I can become a doctor. I owe it to myself of course but also to the women in my family who might never know what its like to sail your own ship.

-Griselda Potka, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Marilyn McGowan: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER

At first I was tempted to write this coat means "I can do it!" But the more I thought about it, the less that statement resonated with me. I didn't get here alone, nor will I be able to make it through alone. This coat is worn by me, but it is representative of an entire community alongside me: a community of physicians, students, parents, friends, and family, passionate and ready to serve.

-Marilyn McGowan, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Allison Taylor: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS GOD'S VISION - DEVOTION TO OTHERS

The early years of my life were spent in Providence, RI, where I was born, and at the age of seven I had the opportunity to move to Ghana. Both of my parents are originally from Ghana, and growing up they instilled a deep sense of pride in my heritage in me. As the child of a doctor, during my time in Ghana, I was always acutely aware of the deficiencies in the healthcare system. Despite its best efforts, the system was unable to provide quality care to large segments of the population. Right in front of me people were dying from preventable and treatable illnesses. Guided by my faith, I immediately knew that I wanted to go into medicine so that I could one day make a positive impact on my second home.

Coming to Georgetown University, I had the opportunity to grow in my devotion to God through my Catholic faith, and pursue my interests in a way which reflected my desire to serve others. After my years at Georgetown's undergraduate and graduate schools, I am so excited to be a member of the Georgetown School of Medicine's Class of 2020, and thrilled to call it home for another 4 years.

-Allison Taylor, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Rui Soares: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS PERSEVERANCE, EMPATHY, COMPASSION, AND RESPONSIBILITY

Every time I put on the white coat, I am reminded of all of the sacrifices and hard work that was done to get to this point in my life.  This white coat is not just a symbol of healing but also a symbol of true responsibility.  The responsibility to serve my fellow men and women and aid them in attaining positive health outcomes, which has to be done through compassion and empathy.  This is a commitment and a life filled with service to others in need.  It is a true blessing and privilege to be given the opportunity to pursue my medical dreams.  

-Rui Soares, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Jessica Burlile: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS BEING A SOURCE OF STRENGTH

The first time I looked at myself in the mirror wearing my white coat I felt the weight of responsibility - a responsibility to be decisive and precise, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and compassionate for my future patients. In the white coat I looked as if I already possessed these skills, and the reality of the image that the white coat portrays sank in. Regardless of what specialty a student may ultimately choose to practice, we as doctors (and student doctors) will have the responsibility to be a source of strength for our patients. Whether celebrating successful treatments or guiding patients and their families through an end-of-life transition, a precise choice of words can convey a physician's authenticity of emotional expression and a clear understanding of the diagnosis: imparting physical, mental, and emotional strength to both patients and their families. This strength will aid the patient through treatment or recovery, and if recovery is not possible, give the patient a sense of peace - for it is not only in fighting, but also in acceptance and understanding, that there is victory over that which strives to break one's spirit and demoralize one's resolve.

-Jessica Burlile, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Sydney Dishman: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE

My great grandfather died in World War II, my grandfather enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War, my father was a pilot in the Navy for nearly 30 years, and my brother is currently serving as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer. Because of this, I have a deep admiration for our military and a sincere appreciation for the immense personal sacrifices our servicemen and women make every day to ensure our country’s safety and freedom. Earning my white coat means that I have taken the first step toward becoming a physician in the medical corps, where I will have the distinct opportunity to provide care for these brave individuals.

-Sydney Dishman, ENS, MC, USNR; MD Candidate, Class of 2020