Lisa Scheuing: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS TRUST

My white coat means “trust” because I want my patients to feel comfortable enough to confide anything to me and trust that I won’t be judgmental. I want my patients to trust that I will always be honest with them, to tell them the truth even if the truth is difficult. I want my patients to trust that I will always be compassionate and respectful towards them, even if they are angry or lashing out because they are afraid. I want my patients to trust that I will always go above and beyond for them, giving them the best care possible by listening to all of their concerns and by putting their interests first.

-Lisa Scheuing, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Emily Lai: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS TENACITY

Each time I put on my white coat, I am reminded of my role as a patient advocate. Because medicine is ever-changing, it will be my job to provide wisdom and advise on the best care possible. Such a career of lifelong learning and education requires courage and persistence to not only protect my patients but also advance the field of medicine forward. Bearing a white coat comes with immense responsibility to never settle for less.

-Emily Lai, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Leanna Mantella: My White Coat Means

MY WHITE COAT MEANS HOPE

When I put on my white coat, I am reminded that I am committed to a profession that has the unique ability to strengthen patients both physically and emotionally. My white coat will allow me to use my knowledge to understand the complexity of the human body, while also offering hope to the human soul. Patients hope that their needs will be understood and that one day their devastating diseases will be curable. As a future physician, I am humbled knowing that I am entrusted with the responsibilities of caring for patients and offering them the hope that they need to move past their illnesses. My white coat is a privilege to wear and serves as a reminder that I must strive to provide patients with the hope, the strength, and the cure.

-Leanna Mantella, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

Karin Collins: "My White Coat Means"

MY WHITE COAT MEANS I'VE JOINED THE TEAM

During the White Coat Ceremony, I couldn't help but smile as I looked around at my future colleagues. We were welcomed into the world of medicine and received our team uniform: the white coat. Although our paths to medical school all looked different, these uniforms now unite us as we step forward together. My white coat - and those of my classmates - means I've joined the healthcare team and will work with physicians, nurses, technicians, and most importantly, my patients, to cultivate a collaborative environment where healing prevails.

-Karin Collins, MD Candidate, Class of 2020

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

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