Meet the 2025 Coaters from the College of Medicine

Congratulations to the students selected as coaters for the College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony!

The student coaters place white coats on the first-year medical students during the ceremony. This 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 2029 College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, July 11, in the NEW Center Ballroom. 

MEET THE COATERS

Second-year students who were selected as coaters offered some advice and encouragement to the incoming class:

 Elias Asmar

Message to M1s: Congratulations and welcome to NEOMED! Medical school is challenging, but you’re more than capable of rising to meet the challenges. You’ve already proven that you belong here. Lean into the support around you, ask questions early, and never forget why you started. Stay curious, stay grounded, and make space for things that keep you whole. You’ve got this!

Jason Collins

Message to M1s: Medical school is a big part of your life, but it's not your whole life. Make sure to find balance.

Emma Dang

Message to M1s: Congratulations on this exciting milestone! As you begin medical school, embrace the learning process and don't be afraid to adapt how you study with what works best for you! Manage your time well and make sure to fit in time to relax and do things that bring you joy. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey and many people are here to support you. You’ve got this!

Noyonikaa Gupta

Message to M1s: Congratulations on beginning this new journey! My advice would be to treat every class like it's the hardest class and put your best foot forward at the start of every course. Practice gratitude often and reflect on the profession you are about to enter, both alone and with classmates/friends. It will keep you grounded and make the hard days easier. Lastly, cultivate hobbies and interests outside of the classroom that keep your spirits high and creative energy engaged. Good luck!  

Ryan Hefner

Message to M1s: Study hard, ask questions and try not to diagnose yourself with every condition in First Aid.

Cathy Tang

Message to M1s: While medical school is important and demanding, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture – remember that there’s so much more to life beyond classes and your future career. Make time for the people and experiences that keep you grounded and find friends you can lean on in tough times and laugh with along the way. Also, I recommend Bent Tree Coffee Roasters (for coffee, not studying).