As he delivered his remarks to the medical school’s newest students during the Class of 2024 White Coat Ceremony, Dr. Michael Leinwand wanted the 84 future physicians to fully understand the responsibility they were taking on as they were officially welcomed into the medical profession.
“Being a doctor is not simply a job,” he said. “It is a life’s work, a profession, a journey. They say if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is very hard work … but there really is an increased amount of joy involved when you’ve giving it everything you’ve got to help another human being.”
Dr. Leinwand was the keynote speaker for this year’s White Coat Ceremony, which was held on Saturday, September 26. This year’s ceremony looked a little different than in previous years and featured a few adjustments while upholding the traditions, recognizing the importance of the milestone, and maintaining safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students in the Class of 2024 received their white coats in a socially distanced private ceremony that was livestreamed so that family, friends, and the ͷapp community could be a part of the festivities. Students watched remarks from Founding Dean Dr. Hal B. Jenson and Class of 2023 President Amy Lorber, among others, in their learning communities before receiving their white coats from Dr. Jenson.
Lorber told the students that their first year at ͷapp will fly by and, although medical school can be challenging, they will be surrounded by the support of their fellow students, as well as faculty and staff.
“Know that whatever you are scared about, I promise, it will not be as bad as you think,” Lorber said. “I hope you can treasure the new feeling that comes with each new experience and the baby steps you take along the way.
“Please know that you have a ton of support here and I really mean that,” Lorber added. “Congratulations on everything that you’ve done to get here so far and everything that you have yet to accomplish.”
A doctor’s white coat has long been the widely recognized symbol of the medical profession. However, it wasn’t until 1993 that the White Coat Ceremony was founded by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which concluded that the beginning of a student’s journey into medicine is the best time to influence the standards of professionalism, humanistic values and behavior.
The white coat for each student at the White Coat Ceremony on September 26 was made possible by contributions from white coat sponsors. Each student received a handwritten note from their sponsor that was placed in the pocket of their white coat for them to read.
Dr. Jenson told students that receiving and wearing their first white coats is “a special rite of passage” that is steeped in tradition and symbolism. He reminded them that the white coat brings with it great expectations, but that it is also an honor and a privilege.
“While COVID-19 has prevented us from coming together physically, the importance of this day to you as students and to those in your lives who have supported you throughout your journey to medical school is not diminished,” Dr. Jenson said. “As a physician you are obligated to demonstrate excellence in the mastery of scientific knowledge, to be compassionate and to embody integrity, professionalism and lifelong learning.
“Know that when you receive your white coat we welcome you,” Dr. Jenson added. “We have confidence in you and your commitment to become a dedicated physician. We know that you will stay true to your oath and we know that you will become a credit to the profession.”
As the White Coat Ceremony concluded, the students recited their class oath, which they wrote collectively. The oath serves as a code of conduct throughout their time at ͷapp and as physicians after graduation.
As he addressed the Class of 2024, Dr. Leinwand told the students that his guiding principle as a physician has always been to treat each of his patients like a member of his own family. He advised them to do the same.
“You can be indifferent if you want,” he said. “I choose to hold my patients close to my heart and I recommend you try it.”
As he closed out his remarks, Dr. Leinwand said he had thought a lot lately about a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that,” said Dr. Leinwand, who is a clinical associate professor in the medical school's departments of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Surgery. “Hate cannot drive out have, only love can do that. Remember throughout all of your endeavors – in your studies, in the halls of your medical school, the halls of the hospital, in your phone conversation with your sister asking you for advice regarding her crying newborn – you are the light, you are the love.
“With everything that is going on in the world right now – COVID, racial injustice, climate change – just remember you have a very special role to play as a medical student,” Dr. Leinwand added. “You are in a unique position where your voice will be heard. Even though this may be one of the busiest times in your life, take time out to contribute to society. Be an activist … Join the fight to make this a better world.”