Stanford Medicine Welcomes New MD and PA Students in Ceremonies
On August 22, 2023, Stanford Medicine celebrated the induction of its newest cohort of medical and physician assistant students during two separate white coat ceremonies. A total of 90 medical students and 29 students from the master’s in physician assistant studies program donned their white coats for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming healthcare professionals.
Personal Stories Inspire Future Healers
Among the new medical students is Siwaar Abouhala, who has long aspired to become a healer. Her desire stems from witnessing her grandmother, a low-income Syrian immigrant, navigate a complex healthcare system. “One day, I’m going to cure your diabetes so that you can take less medicine,” Abouhala promised her grandmother during her childhood. Although her grandmother did not live to see this moment, Abouhala felt her presence and inspiration throughout the ceremony.
“This day has been generations in the making,” Abouhala expressed. She is the first in her family to graduate from college and enter medical school, attributing her journey to a blend of “luck, privilege, and hard work.”
The PA students, seated in the audience, exuded a mix of excitement and nervousness. Their ceremony featured keynote speaker Theresa Thetford, PA-C, the director of the physician assistant program at the University of California, Davis. She emphasized the importance of human connection in medicine, stating, “If you can’t look a patient in the eye and make them feel heard, seen, and safe, then you have missed the point of this program.” Thetford urged students to cultivate compassion throughout their training.
Commitment to Underserved Communities
For many new PA students, personal experiences shaped their paths to medicine. Agusta Little, who grew up in rural Montana and Texas, became the primary caregiver for her ailing grandmother. “I was disheartened to find that my grandmother was continuously overshadowed by her diagnoses,” she recalled. This experience fueled her commitment to serve underserved communities.
Another student, Robin Cadd, initially pursued a different calling, aspiring to become a nun. Volunteering as a crisis hotline counselor opened her eyes to a new path, as she recognized her desire to guide individuals through vulnerable moments. “I discovered my true calling as a physician assistant,” she stated.
The ceremony for the new medical students featured Lloyd Minor, MD, dean of the Stanford School of Medicine, who welcomed the Class of 2029. He highlighted the unique opportunity students have to influence the future of medicine. “You’re entering the field of medicine at an incredible time,” he said. “You’re all going to play an important role in shaping that vision for the future.”
Minor pointed out that the medical school class size has remained consistent for over three decades. This approach allows for individualized experiences, whether through research opportunities or other academic pursuits.
Ethan Nicholls, MD, president of the Stanford Medicine Alumni Association Board of Governors, echoed Minor’s sentiments. He noted the diverse backgrounds of the students, united by a shared passion for healing and improving lives.
Reflecting on his upbringing in densely populated New York City, MD student Isaac Longobardi shared his understanding of the challenges faced by his neighbors. He observed how attentive clinicians can significantly impact the lives of older adults and those with chronic illnesses. “I saw what a big difference an attentive clinician can make,” he said.
Symbolism of the White Coat and Stethoscope
Before receiving their stethoscopes and white coats, the MD students learned about the significance of these symbols. The stethoscope, invented in 1816, serves as a bridge between doctor and patient. “It requires proximity, focus, and the art of listening,” Nicholls explained. The white coat represents professionalism, trust, and an evidence-based approach to medicine.
At the conclusion of both ceremonies, students and faculty stood together to recite the Stanford Affirmation, pledging their commitment to serve humanity and uphold the integrity of their profession. “It’s a beautiful tradition, because it’s about adopting a lifelong commitment to care,” Longobardi remarked.
As the ceremonies concluded, students emerged into the late afternoon sun, ready to celebrate their achievements before classes commenced. “It’s an amazing honor to put on the white coat,” Longobardi said, emphasizing that their journey is just beginning.
