Brady McCallister, a member of Brown’s M.D. Class of 2027, offered the event’s student reflection, focusing on the first day of his third-year surgery clerkship when he gradually felt his awkwardness give way to anticipation. McCallister called the white coat an invitation to learn and earn the trust of peers and patients alike.

“There will be plenty of moments over the next four years when you find yourself standing 10 feet away from the table, hands awkwardly in the air with absolutely no idea what the heck you're doing,” McCallister said. “When that happens, remember that this white coat is inviting you to get in there, put your hands on the table, and take part fully in the great opportunity in front of you.” 

Dr. Sameer Parekh, who graduated from Brown in 1996 and from the Warren Alpert Medical School in 2002 and is now the director of clinical cardiac electrophysiology at NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk, recounted his own early uncertainty about his career path. Quoting lyrics by the musician Jeff Tweedy, Parekh said that the students are all “aiming for something they can’t see,” and encouraged them to be open to change — and to be challenged — when they might not expect it.

“You may think you know where you’re going, but leave some room for surprise,” Parekh said.

During the reception, Milidu Jayaweera likely spoke for many of the members of his Class of M.D. 2030 when he described the sensation of receiving his white coat after years of study as “surreal.” 

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for it for so long,” he said.

Jayaweera, who studied biomedical engineering as an undergraduate at Brown, said he is open to anything that can put his love of working with his hands to good use in medicine.

“There’s so much to explore at Brown, and I’m super excited to absorb everything,” Jayaweera said.

This story was adapted from a piece published on the Warren Alpert Medical School website.