UTRGV School of Medicine’s Class of ’28 White Coat ceremony

By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS– A sea of white coats filled the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex on Saturday as the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Class of 2028 received their emblematic physician’s white coats.

This year’s White Coat Ceremony – a special event that serves as a rite of passage and marks the start of the pathway to medicine – celebrated 59 new UTRGV School of Medicine students who participated in the robing ceremony.

Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Sander, chair of the UTRGV School of Medicine Department of Surgical Specialty and Musculoskeletal and chief physician executive for UT Health RGV, said the coat symbolizes the first step in the lengthy journey to a medical career.

“The physician’s white coat is a powerful symbol that imparts an aura of professionalism, integrity, competence and benevolence,” Sander said.

He reminded the Class of ’28 that, for a physician, the coat is more than just a coat, that is a symbol of trust.

“Remember and respect the trust that patients, their families and society place in you as a physician wearing that white coat,” he said. “Receiving your white coat today marks the beginning of a career-long journey where you will continually learn, develop and improve.

“Don’t forget the trust that has been placed in you as a leader, and advocate in ensuring the ultimate purpose: caring for the patient,” he said.

ACHIEVING A DREAM

For many in the new class of medical students, participating in the annual White Coat Ceremony is the realization of a dream, one the UTRGV School of Medicine made accessible for them close to home.

“Getting my white coat today feels like finally achieving a dream I have worked so hard and long for all of my life,” said Ashlyn Holubar, an incoming medical student from McAllen and a member of the UTRGV Vaqueros MD pipeline program. “The UTRGV School of Medicine has provided me with an amazing opportunity to begin my medical school career at home, in a great community, and with ample guidance.”

A GOLDEN TICKET

Dr. Michael B. Hocker, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and senior vice president for UT Health RGV, encouraged the new class of 59 medical students to take advantage of being accepted into medical school out of more than 7,500 applicants.

“Class of 2028, getting here is a big deal. Today not only marks a meaningful milestone in your pathway to becoming a physician,” he said. “You’ve been given a golden ticket. Make the most of it. In four years, I want to be the first one to shake your hand and say ‘Congratulations,'” Hocker said. “You are now part of our commitment to serve the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, and address the shortage of medical care throughout the region.

“What is taking place today is shaping the future of medicine,” he said. “Welcome to your lifelong service career.”

This is the ninth cohort of the UTRGV School of Medicine, with students from six states across the country, from 18 counties in Texas, and with 24 students from the Rio Grande Valley. Some students are from abroad, from China, Mexico, Pakistan and Peru.

The newly coated medical students walked across the stage to don their white coats and recited the Hippocratic Oath – the oath of ethics for all physicians – officially marking their start to a career and a lifetime of dedication to medicine.

Kaitlyn Dianne Ybañez, a student from the Class of 2028, an Edinburg native and a member of the UTRGV Vaqueros MD pipeline program, beamed with excitement as she showed off her white coat.

“God has placed me where he thinks I will serve him best,” she said. “I feel so blessed to continue my passions in science and medicine. It is a privilege to study health and discover new ways to improve care for people, all here at home.

“This moment is just the beginning of many more of what I am capable of,” she said. “I know that I am placed where I will serve best.”