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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
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
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
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
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
We can all identify with at least one aspect of humanist ethics – the common good, knowledge, the scientific method, human rights, human dignity, creativity, and compassion, to name a few. It’s through these interconnected principles that we can learn to identify with those around us and achieve ultimate fulfillment in life for ourselves and others. Personally, many of these values have matured in response to my grandfather’s life story, as he was an immigrant from Croatia who was a victim of well-known and, equally, overlooked tragedies of the Second World War. I’ve developed a humbling and deeply respectful temperament, knowing that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his sacrifice and compassionate nature. Were he alive today, I know he would be proud of me for wanting the best in life for others. Ultimately, that’s all he wanted for his friends and family…
-Greg Stimac, MD Candidate, Class of 2020
Each time I put on my white coat, I make a conscious commitment to go beyond 100% for everyone who seeks my help. I understand wholeheartedly that a patient is more than meets the eye. I will see someone’s mother or father, brother or sister, someone’s precious child, and someone’s best friend. Bearing the responsibility and honor of this white coat, I will embody compassion and tenacity to ensure not only physical, but emotional and spiritual recovery for my patients. Regardless of the long hours and the demanding schedule that accompanies being a physician, I will strive to serve every person with 110% of my attention, knowledge, care, and love. Always.
-Jessica Haladyna, MD Candidate, Class of 2020
As a United States Army Officer, I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. When I received my white coat, I swore another oath, the Hippocratic Oath. Both of these are grounded in service; to the nation and to my patients. To me, the white coat is the physical embodiment of both of these obligations. Every time I put on the white coat, I am reminded of a solemn promise shared by all men and women who serve a purpose greater than themselves.
-John Solak, 2LT, US Army; MD Candidate, Class of 2020
A medical student never forgets the day they receive their white coat. For all of us, it's the day that marks our entry into the medical profession.
White Coat Day is exciting and intensely focused on the future. Ahead of everyone that receives that coat lies countless tables to memorize, stressful exams, long nights on call, and an inevitable caffeine dependence. The white coat ceremony is just the first in a long line of rituals that will bind the class together: anatomy lab, board exams, standardized patients, grand rounds, and more will still follow. And while the immediate future for every first year holds far more time in the library than in front of patients, White Coat Day remains a celebration of the therapeutic alliance we will share with our patients in the seemingly distant future.
It is important to view the coat as a symbol of that alliance. It's the reason it means so much to us. At the moment we receive it, it is not only a reflection of ourselves at that point in time. Rather, it is emblematic of the role we hope to enter after years of training. The white coat represents a vocation that is becoming real.
To welcome the class of 2020 to the medical profession, we invited them to participate in a photo series entitled "My White Coat Means." These photos and the reflections that accompany them illustrate the diverse paths that every member of the class has taken to this point. Their past experiences, narratives, and inspirations vary tremendously, but together they've started a long journey. As you will see, the white coat means something different to each of them.
Photos from this project will be featured here on our website, in addition to our Facebook and Instagram. We invite you to follow along and get to know some of the individuals behind the coat.
Friday marked our final Hippocrates Cafe of this academic year. We had a great final show with musical performances by Hayden Dohnalek, Dylan Conroy, Guadalupe Osorio/John Guzzi, Zach Winchester, and John Guzzi and a reading by Johan Clarke. We'll be back at it with more shows (and food) in August!
