Separated by social distancing requirements, 79 students convened on the digital meeting platform Zoom to take the Medical Student Oath, a promise to uphold the human aspects of medicine such as sensitivity, compassion and respect for patients. Linda Ding, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at the USA College of Medicine, delivered the keynote address.
Ding touched on humanism, professionalism, empathy and compassion, as well as the work-life balance.
“If I had my way, instead of a white coat, I would have each of you don a patient’s gown,” she said. “Very few of us have had that experience, and yet our job is to care for patients and alleviate suffering. The best substitute for the firsthand experience as a patient is curiosity.”
Ding urged the students to be mindful and present in each moment spent with a patient. “In doing so, you will engage in a shared experience, one that will enrich your character and move you to action on behalf of your patients,” she said.
Also during the ceremony, Ding, three residents and 10 rising fourth-year medical students were inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Humanism Honor Society. Inductees are chosen by current third-year medical students for practicing patient-centered medical care with altruism, integrity and compassion.
Inductees included rising fourth-year medical students Nkemdi Agwaramgbo, Grayson Domingue, Dala Eloubeidi, Tyler King, W. Hamilton Moore, Raymond Moosavi, Ravi Rajendra, Jordan M. Smith, Gisella Ward and Zachary White. Residents included Sara McConnell, D.O., a resident in the department of internal medicine and pediatrics; Taylor Twiggs, M.D., a resident in the department of obstetrics and gynecology; and Jonathan Bernard, M.D., a resident in the department of surgery.
The USA Medical Alumni Association sponsors the White Coat Ceremony each year.
