Hang on, the White Coats are coming!
By
Gerry Niskern
Arizona has a shortage of at least 700 doctors right now. Anyone who has waited at a doctor’s office lately knows this. The trend in the last few years has been for the best college graduates to go into the financial world. But It takes the best, brightest and most compassionate of young people to choose medicine. And that’s just what some 200 -plus did yesterday when Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded them their White Coats. The coat is awarded at the beginning of their studies in medical school.
The White Coat ceremony is fairly new in medicine. It was started in l989 at the University of Chicago school of medicine, and spread across the country . The shortest white coat is worn by the students, the next longer is worn by those in their residency and the longer by the specialists.
Last night my only great-granddaughter was among this group taking part in this “rite of passage”. It was a huge event in their lives. They have graduated college, passed the MCAT and are ready for the hard work that it takes to become a physician.
I’m here to tell you my great-granddaughter has been up for the challenge of hard work. Among many jobs in her young life she also worked as an EMT during college. And, she’s definitely had the compassion trait covered. I always have to smile when I remember being accidently knocked to the floor during a lively game by her brother and her, at age three, declaring, “I hope you’re happy. You just killed an old lady!”
The dean of the Osteopathic College spoke to the class about the amazing journey they were beginning when their White Coat was put on their shoulders by a member of the faculty. “ Your White Coat is a symbol of respect . It is also a sign of the respect you will show your patients. “ She reminded them that they should always be advocates for their patients. She went on to say, “You presence in their lives means a great deal to them, but also to their families.”
She talked to the students about the support and encouragement they had received in the years on their the journey to this point. Speaking directly to the families and friends she said, “ I ask you to continue your support during the stressful time and to try to understand those periods.”
My great-granddaughter’s future looks bright and promising in her White Coat.
So, hold on everyone. She’s on her way!