College of Medicine coaters offer advice to incoming first-year students
Congratulations to this year’s College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony student coaters!
The student coaters place white coats on the first-year medical students during the ceremony, which denotes a new student’s role as a future physician, and the many responsibilities that come with it.
These six second-year medical students were nominated by their peers and exhibit the qualities of ethical leadership, academic success, community and campus involvement, and truly stand out as role models.
The Class of 2030 College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, July 10, in the NEW Center Ballroom.
MEET THE COATERS
Mehak Behal
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Advice for M1s: You should be incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished to get here. As you begin this journey, remember to trust yourself. There will be moments that challenge you, but never let them make you lose sight of why you chose this path. You earned your place here, and you belong. Give each day your best and embrace both the challenges and the victories. Medical school will push you in ways you never expected, but it will also bring some of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of your life. Most importantly, believe in yourself. You are more capable than you realize, even on the days when it might not feel that way. Rely on those around you, remember that you are never alone and know that we are cheering you on every step of the way. Welcome to the NEOMED family!
Sarah Dang
Hometown: Green, Ohio
Advice for M1s: Medical school is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. There will be days when you question yourself, but remember that you are here for a reason. Whatever keeps you grounded, hold onto it during the difficult days. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small victories, and never lose sight of why you chose medicine in the first place. Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter!
Saanvi Ganesh
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
Advice for M1s: You have all worked incredibly hard to be standing where you are today. This moment is both a proud reflection of everything you've accomplished and a commitment to your future self to continue that same dedication as you care for your future patients.
Medical school will bring challenges, uncertainty and difficult moments, but always remember your “why” and it will keep you moving forward. Keep your family and friends close while also embracing the new friendships, mentorships and professional connections you will make along the way.
Everyone here is rooting for your success! You belong at NEOMED, and we are excited to begin showing you why. Congratulations, future doctors!
Justin Lu
Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
Advice for M1s: My advice for incoming COM students would be to trust in God and believe that you belong!
You are in good hands and deserve to be here, so trust in the gifts that have gotten you to this point.
Grant Neukom
Hometown: Meridian, Idaho
Advice for M1s: Work hard.
Be patient.
Stop doomscrolling.
Will Noftz
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Advice for M1s: Have a mix of solo study time and group study. Join a study group, sign up for tutoring, attend optional faculty sessions and reach out to your professors. Bouncing ideas off others is the best way to master tricky concepts and catch the things you might have missed.
When you are studying by yourself: repetition, repetition, repetition. Test yourself early and often. Use Anki or other flashcards. Do practice questions.