Diagnosed with hemophilia at birth, Andrew Alexis has been surrounded by medicine his entire life.
In his early years, treatment required IV injections every other day and sometimes even more frequently to manage the blood-clotting disorder. Along the way, he found a role model in his hematologist, who has been by his side since he was a toddler.
Now a first-year MD student at WashU Medicine, Alexis received his white coat Friday, Oct. 2, symbolizing the beginning of his journey to becoming a physician himself.
“Getting my white coat reminds me of the Spider-Man quote, ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’” Alexis said. “It’s up to us to be advocates, to be healers, to make connections, and to try and make sure that our patients improve under our care. I can’t wait to become part of a profession that has shaped so many of my past mentors, like my hematologist.”
Nicole Pasterczyk’s interest in medicine began at a young age as well. Watching her brother experience a rare genetic disorder, phenylketonuria, lit a passion in her, inspiring her to be the first in her family to pursue a medical profession. She’s working toward an MD/PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program, hoping to help other families navigate tough diagnoses through research and compassionate care.
Pasterczyk and Alexis joined 122 other first-year medical students who received their white coats and recited a shared oath before a packed auditorium at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC).
“Getting my white coat symbolizes not only my hard work, but also that of my parents,” Pasterczyk said. “They immigrated here, and we have gone through so much as a family. This white coat is not just about me — it’s about everyone who has shared in this moment together.”
The 124 MD and MD/PhD students in this year’s entering class earned undergraduate degrees from 65 different colleges and universities and hail from 29 states. Their white coats reflect the trust that patients and society place in physicians — a trust they will learn to honor through compassion, integrity and skill.
At WashU Medicine, students train alongside many of the nation’s leading physicians and physician-scientists, supported by faculty educators dedicated to preparing them to become the next generation of leaders in medicine.
Students are coated by faculty coaches who mentor them — both individually and in small groups — from the moment they start new student orientation all the way through commencement. Together they discuss timely topics, cultivate trust and problem-solve as situations arise.
The event was also a first for Bruce D. Levy, MD, who began his role as executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, the Joseph Erlanger Distinguished Professor and the George and Carol Bauer Dean of WashU Medicine on July 1. During opening remarks, he shared how WashU Medicine is a place focused on providing exceptional, individualized and compassionate care; making scientific discoveries that change lives; and designing training that shapes tomorrow’s healthcare.
“Each of you worked very hard to get here,” Levy said. “This represents the beginning of a new chapter in your professional development. You are our future, and I can see it’s very bright!”
While the ceremony marked a beginning for so many, the keynote address represented a fond farewell for Will Ross, MD, MPH, who served as the Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine and associate dean for diversity at WashU Medicine before retiring earlier this fall. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of patients, and not only their medical needs.
“Ask who your patients are, what their lifestyle is, and where they live, work and play,” Ross said. “That’s how you become empathic practitioners.” He will continue as a professor in the Division of Nephrology.
Welcoming more first-year learners across WashU Medicine
Several other areas of study take time each fall to inaugurate incoming students and trainees embarking on other health professions and science career paths available at WashU Medicine.
Students pursuing a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree in the Audiology & Communication Sciences Program celebrated their white coat ceremony on Friday, Sept. 25. The 18 first-year students gathered, surrounded by loved ones and continuing AuD students, to receive their new coats.
On Friday, Sept. 18, 90 members of the physical therapy Class of 2029 received their white coats during a ceremony. Patty Navarro McGee, PT, DPT, associate professor of physical therapy, orthopedic surgery and pediatrics and the director of clinical education, and Corey Woldenberg, PT, DPT, assistant professor of physical therapy and orthopedic surgery and assistant director of clinical education, coated the learners. The students also recited an oath they wrote collaboratively, reflecting their shared commitment to the profession and the patients and communities they will serve.
A total of 30 occupational therapy learners took part in a pinning ceremony on Friday, Aug. 21. Symbolizing their joining the profession, students pledged a commitment to their future patients, profession and themselves.
Words of wisdom for the entering class of 2026
During the MD white coat ceremony, Eva Aagaard, MD, the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Professor of Medical Education, vice dean for education and vice chancellor for medical education, discussed the history, significance and symbolism of the students’ new white coats.
“I am honored to welcome you into this incredible privilege and immense responsibility of upholding the values and commitments of our profession to the people and society we serve,” Aagaard said. “As you don your white coats today, remember that this moment is about embodying the values, the behaviors and the relationships that underpin the trust the public places in us and in our profession, and that your individual patients will place in you.”
Moments to remember
