My 187 new classmates and I walked across the stage today donning our recently awarded white coats and deer in the headlights eyes. Moments later we returned to our seats as recognized and eagerly anticipated new members of the medical community.
I’ve anticipated Tulane’s White Coat Ceremony the way a young child anticipates their birthday. Will I feel different once they slip that coat over my shoulders? Will the depth of the symbolism of that coat weigh upon my heart? Will I suddenly seize the responsibility that comes with the honor of being welcomed into the medical field?
And yet, just like those childhood birthdays, I didn’t feel much different once I returned to my seat…other than the fact that I immediately began sweating in the polyester. But life experience has taught me that it’s not about instantly feeling a year older or fully appreciating these precious moments as they unfold. I look over and see my white coat proudly hanging on the back of my door. My stethoscope lays on my bed, ready for years of service in my increasingly steady hands. These two symbols of my entrance to the medical field will slowly reveal to me the beauties, pains, and realities of the life of a physician. And just like those childhood birthdays, I pretty much feel the same as I did when I rolled out of bed this morning. But deep down, I know something is different.
After years of imagination, anticipation, and caffination, I’m really a medical student. I find myself smiling with gratitude as I think back to the eleven year old me telling everyone I could, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a pediatric orthopedic surgeon”. And while I no longer dream of being an surgeon, I’m still amazed at the fact that I’m here, now. A medical student. Only four years, thousands of dollars of loans, countless hours of studying, and from the looks of it, a bit of fun in New Orleans keep me from reaching my final dream of becoming Dr. Kayla Bronder.
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