Tradition guides White Coat, GHHS ceremony
For two groups of Florida State University College of Medicine students, Friday evening was a time for tradition and celebration with family and friends at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
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Students in the M.D. Class of 2028 slipped into their white coats in a traditional ceremony welcoming them to the medical profession and signifying the successful completion of their first semester of medical school.
Before that, however, 13 students in the M.D. Class of 2025 were honored for embodying “the service calling of medicine,” as College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles, M.D., described being chosen for membership in the FSU Chapman Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS).
“If it’s not already obvious to you, let me say that it’s not a coincidence that we choose to hold this ceremony in concert with the White Coat Ceremony,” she said in her welcoming remarks. “We hold these inductees up to you, first-year medical students, as an example of what we hope you will strive for.”
Membership in GHHS is capped at 10-15% of a medical school’s graduating class. Students are nominated by faculty, staff and fellow students and selected by committee.
The White Coat Ceremony and GHHS are closely linked. Casey Rust, M.D., GHHS faculty advisor, explained that the Arnold P. Gold Foundation – the “G” in GHHS – has been heavily involved in efforts to recognize and further the cause of humanism throughout medicine. It helped get White Coat Ceremonies established at 95% of the medical schools in the United States.
The Jules B. Chapman M.D. and Annie Lou Chapman Private Foundation – the “Chapman” in FSU’s Chapman Chapter of GHHS – pays for the medical students’ white coats via GHHS and funds other humanism activities at the college through the Chapman Humanities & Arts in Medicine Program (CHAMP) .
Riann White, who spoke on behalf the GHHS inductees, told the students to look closely at the white coats they were holding.
“It has pockets. These pockets will become home to many things. They will hold your notebook, which will contain clues to treating your patients’ concerns. They will hold the pen that equips you with the courage and voice to advocate for your patients. They hold hands trained to heal communities.
“And when times get difficult, and you feel overwhelmed, ball up that frustration and shove it deep in those pockets until it can be addressed with a clear mind,” she said.
Another tradition of the White Coat and GHHS Induction Ceremony is inviting an M.D. alumnus to deliver the keynote address. Shlermine “Shea” Aupont Everidge, M.D., Class of 2016 and a GHHS member, matched in the College of Medicine’s general surgery residency program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and she stayed in Tallahassee after completing it.
Last year, she became the Big Bend region’s first fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist after completing a one-year fellowship at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. It accepts only four physicians each year. She also joined the clerkship faculty at the College of Medicine’s Tallahassee Regional Campus.
Everidge shared several lessons she has learned in her journey, beginning with perseverance, hard work and compassion from her mother, a Haitian immigrant single mom of four who also taught her to dream. Her mother was in attendance for her speech; “it never stops. The support never stops.”
- “The white coat you are about to wear is more than a garment; it is a symbol of trust. Patients will look to you for guidance and reassurance during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. This coat represents your commitment to uphold the highest standards of medical ethics, to practice with integrity, and to show empathy and compassion in every patient interaction.”
- “Remember that each obstacle is an opportunity to learn, to become a better physician, and to make a difference.”
- “The bonds you form with your colleagues, mentors and patients will become the foundation of your career. These relationships are invaluable, offering support, wisdom and camaraderie that will sustain you through the toughest times.”
- “Seek out mentors who inspire you, colleagues who challenge you and patients who teach you. Every interaction is a chance to grow.”
- “Stay curious, stay humble and never stop seeking knowledge. The best doctors are those who adapt and grow with the changing landscape of medicine.”
- “Burnout is a real threat to our profession, and it is essential to recognize the signs early and take proactive steps to address it.”
- “Patients are not just cases to be solved; they are individuals with fears, hopes and dreams. Take time to listen to their stories, to understand their concerns and to offer comfort and reassurance. Your compassion will often be remembered long after the specifics of your medical treatment are forgotten.”
Once the M.D. Class of 2028 had been “coated” by the faculty in groups of four, Jacob Guzzino, president of the Medical Student Council, led them in reciting the Student Oath.
“Class of 2028 student, one semester down, and only 10 semesters to go,” Littles said in closing the program. “We’ll see you in 10 days!”
Contact Audrey Post at Audrey.Post@med.fsu.edu
Other photo captions:
Spotlight photo on Home page:
A group of newly "coated" M.D. Class of 2028 students gathers for an impromptu photo at the Westcott fountain
Photo at top right:
Shlermine "Shea" Aupont Everidge, M.D. (Class of 2016) delivers the keynote address.
Photos by Colin Hackley for the FSU College of Medicine.