Well, who am I kidding. Graduation day will certainly top the charts. But today was definitely a day worth waiting for.
Matt's White Coat represented several years of hard work and determination. From undergrad at UIndy to grad school courses, to countless hours in the labs and doing research. It was such an overwhelming moment.
Matt received his coat during orientation, but besides trying it on for size, he didn't put it on once - as tempting as it was. He wanted to savor that moment when it was put on him during the ceremony.
During the ceremony, they said that the hardest part of medical school is just getting accepted. And he's already achieved that, so he can certainly pass and become a successful physician. They also mentioned that he would be joining the ranks of less than one percent of the U.S. population in becoming a physician. Pretty cool stats if you ask me.
They also mentioned to never forget the people along the way who helped you get to that point - that they are your lifeline. And I can tell you, Matt remembers every one of you who did. And he's truly grateful. Thank you for that support and faith in him.
They also talked about the White Coat and the symbolism it carried. It stands as a Cloak of Healing and is a garment of trust. It also is a representation of being a student of medicine - always learning, always practicing.
The keynote speaker mentioned how as being a physician, you must always be available to heal and to help. And being in a physician is not always a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. That you will be faced with calls in the middle of the night. And what he said struck me, especially being a wife of a physician who is facing the potential of many nights without my husband. He said, if you are called in the wee hours of the night, it is a much better position to be in as the physician than the patient. Very well said. Very powerful and humbling. He certainly put it all into perspective. I will be remembering this sentiment in those times to come. and I'm sure Matt will as well.
All in all, the day was one we will never forget. Here's to the exciting things to come!
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