Families and mentors were center stage at the St. George’s University School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony, held on September 27, saw the newest class of medical students don their white coats for the first time.
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Marking the start of their journey into medicine, several students were coated not only by faculty but also by parents and grandparents who have walked the same path. Among them was Gabrielle Maximos of Houston, TX, who was coated by her father, Dr. Bassem Maximos, an SGU graduate who earned his MD in 2003 and his MPH in 2001. Gabrielle follows in the footsteps of other family physicians including her uncles, SGU alum Baher Maximos, MD ’04, MSc ’02, and Dr. Robert Maximos.
“I’ve always wanted to be my dad’s mini me. Growing up, I’d follow him around the hospital in scrubs and beg to see patients with him,” said Gabrielle. “To now stand here and have him coat me, it’s surreal.”
“He inspired me to follow this path, and I’m proud to be continuing our family’s SGU legacy.” —Gabrielle Maximos
Standing on stage with his daughter, Dr. Maximos described the pride he felt seeing her continue the family’s SGU tradition. “Seeing Gabrielle take the same steps I took more than 20 years ago is a dream come true,” he said. “It’s incredible to watch her begin this journey at the same place that shaped my own career.”
The White Coat Ceremony also highlighted the power of mentorship. Basadibotlhe Morake, from Botswana and a graduate of SGU’s School of Arts and Sciences, was coated by her longtime mentor, Dr. Vineeta Ramnauth. Dr. Ramnauth serves as assistant professor in the Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences at SGU.
“Walking on stage was nerve-wracking, especially after recovering from knee surgery, but having Dr. Ramnauth hold my hand, literally and figuratively, meant the world to me,” said Morake. “She’s been guiding me since my premed days, and to now begin my medical journey with her by my side makes me feel like I can take on anything.”
For Dr. Ramnauth, the honor was just as profound.
“I’ve watched her grow from premed to medical student, and being able to formally welcome her into this profession makes me incredibly proud.” —Dr. Vineeta Ramnauth
Family pride was on full display at the White Coat Ceremony when Term 1 SOM student Pranit Gandhi, from Nairobi, Kenya, was coated by his mother, Dr. Divya Gandhi. Pranit, who completed his preclinical coursework in SAS, is now beginning the Doctor of Medicine program in SGU’s Six-Year MD Track.
“Putting on the white coat is a mix of excitement and responsibility,” said Gandhi. “My mom has always encouraged me, telling me I had steady hands for surgery. That planted the seed, and now I’m working toward becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Having her coat me was a reminder of why I started this journey.”
Dr. Gandhi described the moment as one of immense pride:
“When your child earns their white coat, it’s even more special than when you earned your own. Seeing Pranit take this step makes our whole family proud.” —Dr. Divya Gandhi
Generational bonds also run deep for Melissa Ochoa of Miami, FL, who was coated by her grandfather, Dr. Otto Ochoa. Dr. Ochoa has practiced medicine since 1970 and serves as one of Melissa’s biggest inspirations.
“From a young age, I admired the way he cared for patients,” Melissa shared. “Having him coat me at the start of my own journey is a moment I’ll never forget.”
Dr. Ochoa reflected on the milestone with deep emotion.
“I came from Cuba many years ago to become a physician, and now to see my granddaughter begin this beautiful career fills me with joy. It is an honor I will carry forever.” —Dr. Otto Ochoa
As students begin their studies, the White Coat Ceremony stands as a reminder of both the professional responsibilities they are assuming and the supportive community of mentors, family members, and peers walking beside them on the journey.
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