Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1501973
ODAY, WE'RE HERE TO SHARE in one of the symbolic entries into the world of medicine: the white coat ceremony," University of Illinois College of Medicine Executive Dean Mark I. Rosenblatt, MD, PhD, MBA, MHA '19, told 175 first-year students (M1s) gathered with family and friends in Chicago in August 2022. During the ceremony, white coats were placed on the students' shoulders to signify their entrance into the medical profession. "Allow me to tell you a little bit about this coat and its uses," he said. "It will be used to protect your clothes, of course. Maybe it can be used as an umbrella in a torrential downpour. Quite possibly, during those long hours in hospital or studying, it will be used as a pillow or blanket. Some weeks, in fact, it will hardly even be white at all, but it will accompany you in the days ahead. The white coat garners respect from patients and their families, so it is important to justify their respect and earn their trust. "The COVID-19 pandemic has proven time and time again how much difference physicians can make in the lives of individual patients and populations around the world," added Dean Rosenblatt. "We celebrate your entry into a profession in which you are so very clearly needed for patient care, research, teaching and public health." H. Steven Sims, MD, the Francis L. Lederer Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, delivered the keynote address at the Chicago campus. "It's an enormous privilege and, at times, a daunting responsibility to take care of people. I hope you will continue to develop the skills that will bring relief to your fellow human beings. I welcome you to this family, but I do want you to see everyone and see yourself in them," said Dr. Sims. "Medicine belongs to all of us, and all of us belong to medicine. Our shared humanity and our mutual respect for one another are critical for us to serve our patients and each other." Peoria Regional Dean Meenakshy Aiyer, MD, FACP, reflected on the significance of M1s Start Their Medical Journeys "From this day on, you will be viewed differently by society, including patients, friends and even family. You will be seen as a member of a noble, altruistic and healing profession." Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA , Regional Dean, Rockford Campus the white coat ceremony as she addressed the 62 M1 students at the Peoria campus. "You are beginning the journey of a lifelong learner because the study of medicine never ends," said Dr. Aiyer. "Your future patients are people who need and deserve your compassion and understanding as well as your expertise and clinical care. Never waver from that commitment and dedication. That is your calling and that is what you are here to do." Rockford Regional Dean Alex Stagnaro- Green, MD, MHPE '05, MHA '17, described the ceremony as a transformative moment. "Today marks your transition into the medical profession," he told the 55 M1 students at the Rockford campus. "From this day on, you will be viewed differently by society, including patients, friends and even family. You will be seen as a member of a noble, altruistic and healing profession." Illinois Medicine | 11 "T At white coat ceremonies in Chicago (below), Peoria and Rockford, hundreds of first-year medical students donned the white coats that symbolized their new status as medical professionals in training.