Family, friends, faculty, and mentors gathered on May 30 in Patrick F. Adams Hall as St. George’s University School of Medicine celebrated its newest class of medical students during a White Coat Ceremony on the University’s Grenada campus.
The ceremony marked an important milestone for the students as they donned their white coats, recited the Oath of Professionalism, and formally embraced the responsibilities and values of the medical profession.
View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel
Earning the white coat
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Tyhiesia Donald, medical director and consultant pediatrician at St. George’s General Hospital, encouraged students to embrace both the privileges and responsibilities that come with a career in medicine. A longtime physician leader and educator who has helped train SGU students, Dr. Donald drew on nearly two decades of experience caring for patients and mentoring future doctors.
“This white coat you will receive today is not just a uniform,” said Dr. Donald. “It is a symbol of trust, a symbol of responsibility, a symbol of everything that you are about to become.”
Reflecting on her own journey in medicine, Dr. Donald reminded students that while technology and artificial intelligence continue to transform healthcare, the human connection between physician and patient remains irreplaceable.
“Medicine at its core is not about devices, data, or diagnostics alone,” she said. “It is about people. Technology will guide you, and artificial intelligence will support you, but it will never replace compassion.”
Closing her remarks, she challenged students to carry the values of empathy and service throughout their careers.
“Knowledge will make you skilled, but empathy will make you trusted,” she said. “Today you receive a white coat, but tomorrow and every day after, you earn the right to wear the white coat—not by what you wear, but by how you serve.”
A shared journey
For many students, the occasion was made even more special as loved ones who helped inspire their journeys placed the coats on their shoulders.
Twin sisters Alessandra and Aaliyah Lopez, first-term medical students from California, shared the stage as they received their white coats together.
“I feel amazing,” said Alessandra. “I feel so happy and hopeful. Growing up, my family and I spent a lot of time in hospitals, and I experienced both good doctors and bad doctors. I always wanted to become the kind of physician who makes a positive difference in a patient’s life.”
For Aaliyah, witnessing her sister’s and other family members’ experiences helped shape her own path.
“I often felt frustrated because I didn’t know how to help,” she said. “As I learned more about medicine, I realized I wanted to be able to tell someone, ‘It’s okay—we have a solution.’ Receiving this white coat makes me even more motivated to keep moving forward.”
A lifelong dream realized
Joshua White, a Term 1 SOM student from Maryland, celebrated the realization of a dream he has pursued since childhood. Making the moment even more meaningful was being coated by his mother, Dr. Dawna Dilworth, an obstetrician-gynecologist with more than 30 years of experience.
“This has been a lifelong dream since I was about 12 years old,” Joshua said. “Having the opportunity to receive this white coat and be welcomed into the medical profession is surreal. To have my mom place the coat on me made the day even more special.”
Dr. Dilworth described the experience as deeply emotional.
“I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am,” she said. “Putting that white coat on him and seeing all these students take this step in their journey was overwhelming in the best possible way.”
Joshua credited his mother for inspiring his career path and demonstrating the impact physicians can have on their patients and communities.
A mentor’s lasting influence
Cousins Kailey Bova and Kai Soderberg, both first-term medical students from Florida, were coated by their godmother, Dr. Karin Kroeger, a family medicine physician.
“I’m so excited to receive this coat,” said Kailey. “It means so much more because my godmother was able to give it to me. I can’t wait to begin this journey.”
Kai recalled a childhood experience that cemented his desire to become a doctor.
“When I was 10 years old, I cut my finger and had to go see her,” he said. “She met us at her office late at night to help me, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be just like her.”
Watching the pair take this step in their medical journeys was a full-circle moment for Dr. Kroeger.
“I am so honored that these two intelligent and kind individuals are following in my footsteps,” she said. “And I’m thrilled to share this day with them.”
Carrying on a family legacy
For Mariana Quintero, a Term 1 SOM student from Indiana, the White Coat Ceremony was a celebration shared with her physician parents, Dr. Karen Garrido, a general surgeon, and Dr. Alfredo Lopez, a neurologist.
“It was amazing,” Mariana said. “My mom has been waiting for this moment just as long as I have. It felt like two accomplishments happening at once. I’m grateful to celebrate this milestone with them as I move one step closer to achieving my dream.”
Growing up around medicine inspired Mariana’s career aspirations.
“I saw how happy their careers made them and how much of an impact they had on their patients,” she said. “People would recognize them because of the difference they made in their lives, and I knew I wanted to have that same kind of impact.”
Dr. Garrido described the day as emotional and unforgettable.
“Seeing her step into the profession that she has worked so hard for is a moment I will never forget,” she said. “I was crying throughout the ceremony because this moment means so much.”
Dr. Lopez added that his daughter already possesses many of the qualities that define a physician.
“She is a giving person and a very smart person,” he said. “Now she begins the hard work ahead, but we are incredibly proud and happy to see her make that commitment to medicine today.”
