Over the last few years, many medical schools have initiated “white coat” ceremonies for 1st year medical students. At the ceremony (usually occurring in the first week of school), the students receive their first white coat (ours are donated by the alumni association). I received a huge honor this year, being asked to deliver the key note address at the white coat ceremony.

Over the past month, I was approached about joining the editorial board of the medical student section of Medscape. Today my first Medscape article appears – based on my white coat ceremony address.

On Millard, H pylori, and Great Cases

If you cannot read this (it does require free registration) I will be glad to ask Medscape permission to publish the column in its entirety on the blog. Just let me know.

Towards the end of my address, these are my thoughts:

All of this leads me to a charge I would like to give to the entering class of medical students:

You are joining a wonderful profession. You have the opportunity to understand the complexity of the human body. You will learn the anatomy, the physiology, and the problems that alterations cause.

But please, always remember why you study. Always remember that our goal is to help individual patients. Listen carefully to the patient. He or she will often tell you what the problem is. Respect them.