White coats a symbol of compassion, commitment

Focusing on patients as people as well as the data of their lab tests and medical histories is the foundation of true patient care.

This advice, shared with 欧美三级片 Health鈥檚 newest medical students and their families at this year鈥檚 White Coat Ceremony, was offered by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of 欧美三级片 Health and dean of the 欧美三级片 Health Morsani College of Medicine.

鈥淧atient care is not simply the endpoint of genetic sequences, lab tests or complex diagnostic and treatment algorithms,鈥� Dr. Lockwood said. 鈥淚t is also an appreciation that your patients are living, breathing people with hopes and dreams, fears, and anxieties, all of which are magnified when they are sick.鈥�

The 182 students representing the Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2027 received their first white coats during the White Coat Ceremony held Sept. 5 at the Tampa Convention Center. This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% of students identified as traditionally underrepresented in medicine, including 15% who are Black, one of the highest percentages among medical schools not affiliated with a historically Black college or university.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of 欧美三级片 Health and dean of the 欧美三级片 Health Morsani College of Medicine

Dr. Lockwood also thanked the students鈥� family and friends for their support of the students as well as donors to the event, who contributed more than $175,000 toward the Class of 2027 scholarship fund. He called on the students to recognize that part of donning their white coats is making a commitment to pursuing a career of life-long learning.

鈥淭he physician鈥檚 life is a noble one,鈥� Dr. Lockwood said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 not an easy one. There will be times when you鈥檙e overwhelmed, when you鈥檙e frustrated, when you doubt your abilities. These challenges will never abate. They will span your career. But the passion and perseverance, grit, and determination that got you here today will see you through. So keep your eyes on the higher purpose you serve.鈥�

Peter Chang, MD, is vice president of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital, MCOM鈥檚 primary teaching hospital and clinical partner as well as the primary sponsor of the White Coat Ceremony. Dr. Chang, an MCOM Class of 2008 graduate, told the new students how he felt when he got his white coat and offered them some encouraging words.

Peter Chang, MD, vice president of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital

鈥淭oday marks a momentous occasion in the beginning of your career as a physician, a day you will remember for the rest of your life 鈥� as I did mine. It鈥檚 hard to believe that I would be on this stage as a 欧美三级片 medical student 20 years ago,鈥� said Dr. Chang. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to hear about the amazing future you guys will hold and the amazing things you will achieve.鈥�

Ashley Mason, a Class of 2024 MCOM student, also spoke.

鈥淭his white coat represents a chance to meet people in their most vulnerable moments in life and take time to offer compassion and empathy,鈥� she said. 鈥淚mportantly, this compassion and empathy occurs not just when in clinic, but with every interaction you have during your lifelong career in medicine.鈥�

Students selected Jennifer Costa, MD, assistant professor of Family Medicine, for the second consecutive year as the faculty member they wanted to address the class. Dr. Costa explained the importance of giving back to their communities throughout their medical careers.

鈥淵our white coat is your portal to humanity and yet also it is a call to action. We ask that while you鈥檙e wearing it, you bear witness to the human experience,鈥� Dr. Costa said. 鈥淲e chose you to be here because you have proven to be the type of person that does not back down when faced with adversity. We ask that with your white coat on, you be the type of person who fights for those who can鈥檛 fight for themselves.鈥�

Following Dr. Costa鈥檚 remarks, students came up in groups to have their first white coats placed on their shoulders by the physician educators who will help guide them during medical school.

Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean of Educational Affairs and chair of the MCOM Department of Medical Education, led the students as they recited the Oath of Commitment, dedicating themselves to a career of life-long learning, community service and patient care.

The memorable evening ended with families and friends congratulating the newest medical students and commemorating the occasion with hugs, happy tears and pictures with the students wearing their new white coats.

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