Sunday, August 29, 2010

Quick reflections on the white coat

Earlier today was my white coat ceremony marking the beginning of medical school. The head administrators spoke the usual congratulatory speeches before a concert hall of first-year students and their families. One speaker, however, addressed the conflict of the white coat ceremony. He spoke that the white coat is a barrier between physicians and patients. It is a symbol of authority that has been abused. It's not just women have been unfairly treated (or left untreated) or intentionally mistreated by physicians but many vulnerable populations too. Usually at these ceremonies it's all warm and fuzzy but I appreciated this sobering moment because this is a profession that is all too unwilling to acknowledge its faults.

First day of med school is less than 10 hours away!

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