White Coat Ceremony

“As you embark on the remarkable journey of becoming a physician, it’s crucial to embrace the qualities that will guide you both personally and professionally. Kindness, gratitude, focus, laughter, optimism, compassion, honesty, presence, humility, curiosity, and attentive listening are not just virtues; they are essential tools that will shape your interactions with patients and colleagues, ensuring you provide the best care possible.”

Dr. Anthony N. Dardano
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

“Medicine is a lifelong commitment to serve. The road is long and hard, and the goal sometimes seems challenging to reach. Clear your mind and heart of preconceptions and face your future open to the unexpected. Medicine requires more than knowledge; it requires you to welcome and embrace different views, cultures, and idiosyncrasies. Your experience here will provide the knowledge and opportunity to reinvent yourself. Remember, if you need help along the way, we are here for you.”

Dr. Maria Ramos Nino
Department of Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Immunology

“Clearly defining your short-term and long-term goals will guide your actions and decisions. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether for academic assistance or emotional support. Seeking help is a sign of strength in your professional community. Learn to prioritize and manage your time effectively. Balance study, rest, and play to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Stay persistent and resilient, and you will overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.”

Dr. Charlotte Taylor-Drago
Department of Clinical Skills

“trive for self-improvement through continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Foster meaningful connections with your peers and professionals, as collaboration leads to remarkable progress. Embrace each day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of your patients. Remember that empathy and compassion are as vital as your medical expertise. Stay curious, stay humble, and let your dedication to healing guide you through every challenge and success you face.”

Dr. Stephen Onigbinde
Department of Gross Anatomy and Histology

“While the road may seem rocky at times, embrace each day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of your patients. Remember that empathy and compassion are as vital as your medical expertise. Stay curious, stay humble, and let your dedication to healing guide you through every challenge and success you face.”

Dr. Krystal Rampersad
Department of Clinical Skills

“Clearly defining your short-term and long-term goals will guide your actions and decisions. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether for academic assistance or emotional support. Seeking help is a sign of strength in your professional community. Learn to prioritize and manage your time effectively. Balance study, rest, and play to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Stay persistent and resilient, and you will overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.”

Dr. Charlotte Taylor-Drago
Department of Clinical Skills

“This is an exciting time! Savor the moment. When you encounter hard patches in residency or treating patients, remember that your connections with them make a difference. I find that I am my best self when I do things that invigorate my well-being. For me, it’s a bike ride, yoga, or dinner and a movie with family. I recommend you take care of yourself so you can better take care of your patients.”

Dr. Christina Fernandez
Department of Emergency Medicine

“Remember this moment as you start your journey in medicine. Today, you will take an oath to serve your patients, a commitment that will stay with you throughout your career and beyond. Learn from everyone involved in your medical education. Be kind to others and treat them with respect. Your faculty are here to support you at every step of your journey. Take care of your patients as you would your own family and friends, as this will connect you to your purpose indefinitely. The education you receive here will equip you to fulfill that purpose successfully. Enjoy the ride and let your passion for medicine guide you through every challenge and success!”

Dr. Melissa Wallach
Department of Pediatrics