What is a white coat ceremony, you ask? Well, according to Wikipedia, it is the ritual that marks the transition of a student of medicine from the pre-clinical years to the clinical years. The white coat has been worn for over 100 years by medical professionals, and is clearly associated with the trade. Everyone likes ceremonies, and for doctors, this is an important ritual that bestows the rights as wells as responsibilities on new doctors.
Though typically done with medical students, we have developed our own version of the white coat ceremony for our PAACS residents. Performed as they begin their five year training, we assemble in the chapel here at Soddo Christian Hospital and deliver a charge to the new young surgeons. This past week, we welcomed Dr. Gezahegn and Dr. Ebeneezer into the ninth class of surgical residents here. Here is how it happened:
The time was opened with a song and prayer led by Pastor Daniel, SCH’s head chaplain. Then Dr. Gray read John 13 reminding all of the servant leadership by Jesus and do likewise. “For I have given you an example – you should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:15. Dr. Mark Karnes shared his prayer for the residents from Colossians chapter 1. He charged them with 3 important things to remember throughout their training. First, God is in control; rest and trust in this. Second, treat all patients with care and compassion as if they were family. Third, know your limits and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Next, Dr. Seigni Bekele, SCH’s chief resident encouraged the interns with some scripture and words of wisdom. He read from Hebrews 12:1-2, mentioning the men of faith that are listed in the chapter before this. He emphasized that there are many people of faith who pray continually for PAACS and for the residents here. He challenged the interns to remember they are a part of something great and many people have gone before them in sacrifice and prayer to get the program to where it is today. And for that we are thankful and give glory to God. “Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
Dr. Gray spoke last pointing out that in order to be the greatest we need to be the least. And that the desire in us to be the greatest is not wrong, but it is what we are aiming for that makes the difference. If we stay focused on eternity and we strive to do well for the eternal, then the world may consider us crazy, but we will know we are aiming for something great.
Finally, following Jesus’ example from John 13, Dr. Karnes and Dr. Gray washed the feet of Dr. Gezahegn and Dr. Ebenezer. Not something you’d find in most white coat ceremonies, but servant leadership being the focal point of our training, a practice that we feel is essential to this rite of passage. As staff physicians, we want to model servant leadership to even our newest trainees, as we begin to mentor them. A blessing was prayed over them as we concluded the ceremony.
