Welcome to a rite of passage in your journey toward a healthcare career…which, we are so proud to say, begins at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
In many ways, the White Coat ceremony – although a relatively recent adoption – marks a transition into our sacred profession of medicine.
As you may know, the first White Coat ceremony began in 1993 when Dr. Arnold Gold, a pediatric neurologist, created the ceremony at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The true origins of the initiation dates back a few millennium…with what we refer to as the Hippocratic Oath, which is a physician’s pledge to prescribe only beneficial treatments, according to his AND HER abilities and judgment… and to refrain from causing harm or hurt; and to live an exemplary personal and professional life.
I learned that living up to the oath means that being a physician isn’t just a career choice… it’s a life choice.
There isn’t a transition of “going to work.” If you are conscious, you are at work.
At the heart of your journey is a dedication to heal and serve. Putting that dedication into practice is the most challenging and rewarding endeavor…
Today’s medical students embark on their journey at a time of medical breakthroughs, optimism, and profound uncertainty.
While public debates are unsettled about some medical-related issues, we must be clear: As a medical education institution, our obligation is to provide our students with the best possible and most comprehensive education, including broad training in the area of women’s reproductive health and the care of their children. As educators of the next generation of medical providers, we are committed to patient-centered, evidence-based care that promotes better health for all individuals and communities.
Today, you enter medical school at a time when your service, talent and humanity are needed more than ever.
Every country in the world has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. And each of us, in some way, is affected by “covid exhaustion and stress.”
Care and compassion are the pathways to building understanding of the people and circumstances that you will confront…
That understanding along with your education and values puts you in position as leaders and healers.
Clearly, today, the world needs healers….
And today when you put on your white coat will be the indelible moment when you stand up and accept the challenge to do your part to heal those in need.
You represent what must be upheld in these profoundly challenging times…
You represent the need to make discoveries, to seek the truth and to base decisions on a scientific understanding of the world.
You represent the integrity, high ethical standards and selflessness at the heart of the altruistic endeavor to improve health and prevent diseases.
You represent the passion passed from generation to generation that recommits to what is truly important: Caring for each other.
Approach each day with the OUWB values in your mind and heart:
Be compassionate and serve with dignity and empathy in all your endeavors
Seek partnerships, collaboration and teamwork
Be an innovator and seek answers
Conduct yourself honestly and ethically
And always seek excellence in your professional and personal life
Today and everyday henceforth, take it upon yourselves to make our world a better place.