White Coat – P.A. Class of 2024
ED KRAEMER, M.D. UMKC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE FACULTY
The White Coat Ceremony! So, really, what’s all the fuss? Why is this so important… To each one of us? Sure, the coat helps you LOOK like a professional. Makes you look like a million dollars! Clean, pressed. But don’t forget! Always…Pop the collar! I don’t mean to be sarcastic. Not trying to be cynical. This rite of passage does mark a major transition From pre-clinical training to clinical. From classroom to exam room. From PBAs to seeing real patients every day. From the comfort of your P.A. program home To clinics and hospitals outside your comfort zone. The white coat holds your stethoscope, Cell phone, EMR, peripheral brain and more! But there must be loftier significance… To this garment at its core. Students, you’ve shared in a video today, What your white coat means to you. I’d like to add some considerations From my personal point of view: • Compassion • Responsibility • Professionalism • Respect and dignity Treating ALL patients According to their needs. Incorporating the arts… And the humanities.
Moments ago, you took a Hippocratic Oath, Dedicating your life to the service of humanity. Prioritizing your patients’ well-being Without bias or vanity.
Treating your teachers and colleagues With the gratitude and respect That you yourself have Rightfully come to expect.
P.A. training has always been a journey. This day marks a major milestone toward your destination. Arguably… the greatest step. Undeniably… a cause for celebration.
Yes, your patience and hard work are paying off. Challenges ahead will be many… that’s fair. But the rewards will be so much greater As you participate directly in patient care.
Keep in mind that being a P.A. student is a privilege, To be earned continuously by those chosen to enter. And as faculty, we too must earn the privilege To serve as your teachers and mentors.
Ah… So many pearls of wisdom to share. But, for last, I’ve saved the best ones. As Dr. William Osler said, “Listen to your patients. They are telling you the diagnosis!” To which, of course, I would add, “Ask more open-ended questions!”
Class of 2024, enjoy your celebration with family, friends and faculty… Congratulations!
Hands of a Surgeon
HARSHINI KUMARESAN UMKC MEDICAL STUDENT
