The journey to becoming a physician officially began for St. George’s University School of Medicine’s Class of 2030 on September 12, as family, friends, faculty, and mentors gathered at the Modica campus to celebrate the White Coat Ceremony, a milestone representing students’ formal entry into the medical profession.
Held at Patrick F. Adams Hall, the ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the students as they donned their white coats for the first time, recited the Oath of Professionalism, and formally embraced the responsibilities, values, and privilege of joining the medical field. Several students shared stories that reflected the many paths that led them to SGU.
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Inspired by a sister’s journey
Among them was Ibrahim Elzibak, whose white coat was presented by his sister, Dr. Sarah Elzibak, an SGU alumna who graduated a few months ago in January. The ceremony left him feeling excited and motivated for the journey ahead.
“Watching my sister become a doctor has inspired me to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives,” Ibrahim said. “This ceremony is just the beginning. I’m motivated to keep pushing toward my goals and making the most of every opportunity ahead.”
Witnessing her younger brother begin the next chapter of his medical education, filled Sarah with immense pride and gave her an opportunity to reflect on the support and sense of community that shaped her own SGU journey.
“I’m incredibly proud,” she said. “I’ve had an amazing journey at SGU, and now I get to watch him take those same steps. It’s a special full-circle moment. The SGU community is truly unmatched, and the support from students, faculty, and staff makes this experience unlike any other.”
Three siblings, one shared dream
As triplets Serena, Monica, and Ram Gautam share the dream of a career in medicine. While their brother is attending medical school in California, Serena and Monica began their journey at SGU’s White Coat Ceremony. Although apart, the three of them will lean on each other as they take their next steps toward becoming physicians.
“Receiving my white coat makes me even more motivated to keep moving forward,” Serena said. “When you’ve dreamed about a moment like this since you were young, reaching it reminds you why you started and inspires you to keep striving toward your goals.”
Monica described the significance of the moment, noting that it reinforced her commitment to the path ahead.
“I feel incredibly emotional about this moment,” she said. “I’m excited to get started and ready for everything ahead. Taking it one day and one step at a time, I know all the hard work will be worth it in the end.”
Having both worked in dermatology in Santa Barbara, the sisters are now exploring their interests in medicine further, including dermatology, plastics, and general surgery.
Continuing a legacy of medicine
For Jordon Iwuajoku, the White Coat Ceremony was a celebration shared across three generations of a family, all connected by a legacy of medicine and service. Jordon was coated by his grandfather, Dr. Eugene Fussell, a retired US Navy admiral, and his mother, Dr. Suzanne Fussell, a family physician. The moment represented not only the beginning of Jordon’s medical education, but also the continuation of a family tradition of mentorship and care.
“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to pursue a future dedicated to serving others,” Jordan said. “Watching doctors work together to care for a family member battling cancer inspired me to follow this path and make that same difference in people’s lives.”
His grandfather and mother expressed pride in seeing Jordon begin his own journey.
“I’m very proud of my grandson, and of course his mother,” Dr. Eugene Fussell said. “I think this is a great day for both of them.”
Dr. Suzanne Fussell described her own father as an important influence in her life, and now she is witnessing that same connection continue through her son.
“My dad was an excellent mentor for me. He’s why I’m standing here today,” she said. “It just speaks to having a mentor, having someone who believes in you, across generations.”
Generations united in medicine
The ceremony also held special significance for Neel Chevron of El Paso, Texas, who was coated by his grandfather, Dr. Marganhally Shivaram, an internal medicine physician. For Neel, the moment represented a family legacy.
“It feels surreal. I can’t believe it,” Neel said. “This moment makes all the hard work feel worthwhile. I feel like I’m upholding a legacy, and I’m excited to take the first steps toward the future I’ve always dreamed of.”
For Dr. Shivaram, coating his grandson was a proud and memorable occasion. He described it as a beautiful and enjoyable experience and expressed his appreciation for SGU’s role in preparing young doctors to serve communities around the world.
Neel’s father is also in the medical field as a dentist, making medicine a familiar part of his family’s story. Inspired by a cousin who graduated from SGU in 2025, Neel chose to pursue the University’s six-year medical program, a unique pathway that allows students to transition directly from high school into a medical degree program.
