The lasting connections formed through the White Coat Ceremony at Icahn Mount Sinai is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful reminder of the support and encouragement that shapes the next generation of medical professionals at Mount Sinai.
In 2014, Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22, began his journey at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai when he received a stethoscope gifted during his White Coat Ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a rite of passage for beginning medical students that marks their official entry into professional training. During the ceremony, the students receive their first white coats from distinguished members of the School’s faculty, a solemn confirmation of the students’ commitment to professionalism, excellence, and empathy as they embark on their medical careers.
At the White Coat Ceremony, new students also receive a stethoscope, a longstanding tradition and symbolic gift from alumni and other supporters of medical education at Mount Sinai. The stethoscope Deepak received was sponsored by David B. Sachar, MD, a gastroenterologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine. Deepak reached out to acknowledge the gift.
"I am a new MD/PhD student at Mount Sinai. Monday, as you may know, the first year students had their white coat ceremony. Upon completion, we were provided a stethoscope from the alumni community. I believe you have purchased me my very first stethoscope. I'm aware that the medical journey ahead is long and I'm incredibly appreciative that you've helped me take the first step."
I'm aware that the medical journey ahead is long and I'm incredibly appreciative that you've helped me take the first step.
Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22
This thank you letter would be the first in what would become a correspondence spanning decades between the two doctors. At the time, Dr. Sachar replied, "It was a privilege to make this symbolic yet practical gesture to mark your White Coat Ceremony and to facilitate your early steps toward fulfilling the mission of becoming a physician. I have no doubt that as one of our gifted MD/PhD candidates, you will go on to make your school and your faculty, as well as your family and yourself, proud. In 1959 I was a first-year medical student like you (albeit with a flimsier scientific background as a history major!) and I have never lost the thrill of discovery and learning in the 55 years since. I trust you will find the same fulfillment."
As time went on, Dr. Kaji’s path took him through a PhD, a medical degree, and eventually into his residency in psychiatry at Mount Sinai. Almost a decade after receiving his White Coat he continued at Mount Sinai as a resident in the Department of Psychiatry, where he was asked about the origins of his stethoscope. He decided to reach out to Dr. Sachar once again:
"About a decade ago you gifted me my stethoscope as a Sinai MS1. Recently, I got asked how I got mine and I felt compelled to write to you. I defended my PhD in March 2020 about two weeks before the pandemic hit and got my medical degree in 2022. Although as a psych resident I don't use my stethoscope as much as I used to, the symbolism of the gift remains with me. Ten years into the journey, the road has not betrayed me! Thank you again for helping me take my first step."
For Dr. Sachar, the exchange was just as meaningful. Receiving that email so many years later reaffirmed the impact of the gift he had made so many years ago, and his continued support of new students. In his response, he shared how proud he was to see how far Dr. Kaji had come. “I predicted in 2014 that you would go on to make us all proud. You have certainly validated the prediction and will surely continue to do so over the years to come.”
The White Coat Ceremony at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a rite of passage for beginning medical students that marks their official entry into professional training. During the ceremony, the students receive their first white coats from distinguished members of the School’s faculty and take an oath, a solemn confirmation of the students’ commitment to professionalism, excellence, and empathy as they embark on their medical careers.
Learn more about this year's White Coat Ceremony
When alumni, faculty, and friends step forward to support the White Coat campaign, it sends a powerful message to new students: you belong here, and we believe in you. Your generosity not only provides students with essential tools, they also receive encouragement, your belief in their potential, and a warm welcome to the Mount Sinai family.
Support the White Coat campaign here.
There are approximately 30,000 alumni across Mount Sinai's schools and training programs. Explore the network, find events and news, and support the future of medical education at alumni.icahn.mssm.edu.
