Against a backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves on October 18, the Larner College of Medicine’s Class of 2028 assembled at the University of Vermont’s historic Ira Allen Chapel to receive their first white coats. Members of the class hail from throughout the nation and around the world, and each has a unique story of what brought them to study medicine.
Class of 2028 medical student Caroline Donohue receives her white coat on the stage in UVM's Ira Allen Chapel from Tony Williams, M.D., assistant professor of family medicine and assistant dean of admissions. (Photo: Andy Duback)
Against a backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves on October 18, the Larner College of Medicine’s Class of 2028 assembled at the University of Vermont’s historic Ira Allen Chapel to receive their first white coats. This significant ceremony marks their formal entry into the medical profession, highlighting the responsibilities they assume as they wear the iconic physician’s white coat. Members of the class hail from throughout the nation and around the world, and each has a unique story of what brought them to study medicine.
Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Christa Zehle, M.D.’99, welcomed the students and an audience of more than 600 attendees, which included the students’ families, loved ones, mentors, and Larner faculty and staff. Larner Dean Richard L. Page, M.D., UVM Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Isabelle Desjardins, M.D., professor of psychiatry, and Michael Upton, M.D.’94, president of the Larner College of Medicine Alumni Association, shared their reflections.
“As you don your white coats today, remember that it represents much more than a uniform. It’s a powerful symbol of your commitment to healing, and your commitment to your patients and your colleagues, in bettering the life of others,” advised Desjardins from the podium. “Rigor, compassion, integrity, and respect … those values will need to continue being your guiding stars as you go through your career … And patient care is complex, so always approach your interactions with empathy, listen actively, and honor the dignity of those you will serve.”
In the ceremony’s keynote address, “Humanism in Medicine,” speaker Heather Bradeen, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics and division chief of the University of Vermont (UVM) Children’s Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Center at the UVM Medical Center, counseled the students to navigate the nervousness and excitement of beginning their journey to practice medicine. Quoting TV presenter, science communicator, and educator Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” Bradeen said, “Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t … Our days are filled with many small human interactions, one after another. Be humble, be curious, and make meaningful connections.”
One by one during the presentation of coats, each student took center stage to be cloaked with their white coat. Tucked in to each coat pocket was a “white coat note” card with a special invitation from the Larner College of Medicine Alumni Association to join the vibrant online networking platform, UVM Connect, where students can interact with medical alumni who are eager to provide mentorship and career advice. Dean Page led students in reciting a modified version of the Oath of Lasanga, which reads in part, “I will practice medicine with conscience and dignity ... I will respect the privacy of my patients and not judge them ... I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”
University of Vermont’s Newest Future Doctors
The 125 members of the UVM medical Class of 2028 began their medical school journey on August 5, 2024 and are now more than half way through their first semester of medical school. The students come from all over the country and the globe—such as Italy, Hong Kong, and Egypt—each with their own unique story that led them to pursue medicine.
Osee Koulong’s journey to this white coat ceremony has been deeply personal and meaningful. A first-generation immigrant from Cameroon, he grew up in a rural community where access to health care was extremely limited. This allowed him to witness firsthand the devastating impact of limited access to medical care in such communities.
Losing his father early in his childhood due to this lack of resources gave Koulong a new perspective on life and sparked a fire within him. His experiences, coupled with a desire to make a difference, have inspired him to pursue medicine.
“For me, the white coat represents more than just a symbol of entering the medical profession. It signifies hope, compassion, and the privilege of serving communities that, like mine back home, are often underserved. It’s a reminder of the responsibility I carry to bridge gaps in health care access and advocate for those whose voices may not always be heard.”
Growing up in a rural area in Italy, Sara Santagostino learned the true meaning of being an integral part of a community, where supporting one another is a way of life. Her experience as an immigrant reinforced the belief that inclusivity transforms societies and that respectfully exploring and understanding others’ cultures is pivotal to truly making the community whole.
After spending several years in California, Santagostino moved to Vermont with her husband and daughter to fulfill her dream of becoming a physician and actively caring for patients after a career dedicated to the discovery, prevention, and treatment of diseases affecting animals and humans.
“As medical students and future physicians, we need to fulfill our ethical responsibility to provide meaningful care for all," said Santagostino. "Receiving the white coat symbolizes my commitment to using both my words and my actions responsibly—to advocate for patients, to bridge gaps in health care, and to be an agent of positive change.”
Mackenzie Lim spent four years working as a pharmacist at the Connecticut Poison Control Center, where he interacted directly with multiple health care professionals and thousands of patients. These interactions coordinating medical care and working with physicians allowed him to gain valuable insights toward becoming a better health care professional.
The white coat symbolizes “hope,” Lim says, since the community he has joined at Larner has so far been diverse, open, and, most importantly, kind to all individuals. He feels the new generation of physicians will be more vocal and act to make improvements wherever they go.
Lim decided studying medicine would be the best way to deliver a higher quality standard of care to his patients.
“Since I’m committed to being a health care professional for life, this means I will strive to continuously improve to provide the best care for future patients," he said. "With Larner College of Medicine’s emphasis on empathy, kindness, and professionalism, I feel that will make me the health care professional I envision.”
Savan Goli was born and raised in Westford, Massachusetts. His parents are both immigrants who came to the U.S. from India. He credits all of his accomplishments to his parents’ support, and while his father was not able to realize his own dream of becoming a doctor, Goli is honored to be able to carry on this dream for himself.
A recent graduate of Saint Louis University (SLU), Goli’s journey began with undergraduate experiences centered around service work, providing local tutoring services for those in underserved areas that involved students with learning and hearing disabilities. “This further inspired me to give them the best help possible,” he said. Another service project, with Campus Kitchen at SLU, involved working with an organization to battle food insecurity and provide meals to local shelters in the city. Many people he met through his work had health complications due to insufficient nutrition. “Forming these connections helped me realize the type of physician I want to be: one who is dedicated to service and realizes the combined effect of genetic code and zip code on health,” said Goli.
“Donning the white coat is a badge of honor. Not only does it symbolize the start of our medical journey together, it is a reminder of the importance and responsibility this profession entails. It is a duty and an opportunity I am truly grateful to take on.”
Kate Williams never envisioned herself going into medicine. But then her brother, Tanner, underwent neurosurgery in the summer of 2018, aimed at treating his epilepsy. After spending three weeks at Boston Children’s Hospital, she saw, “what medicine can do for individuals and their families. I realized that I wanted to make a similar impact on the lives of others.”
However, growing up in a small town in Upstate New York allowed her to understand that the care her brother received was not available outside of large academic centers. This sparked her interest in rural medicine. In the future, she hopes to serve communities in Vermont and New York’s North Country.
“Receiving my white coat is so impactful because it demonstrates that the faculty believes in me as a future physician and leader," said Williams. "It reflects the hard work that I have dedicated to this goal and the support that my family has given me during my entire education.”