Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s Class of 2029 Honored at White Coat Ceremony
Future healthcare leaders begin their journey at Jefferson.
At the Sidney Kimmel Medical College White Coat Ceremony, 286 students received their white coats on Aug. 1, marking the official start of their med school careers. (Photos/©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
Nick Nesbit knows he’s an outlier among the Sidney Kimmel Medical College Class of 2029. At 39 years old, he will start med school later than most—for good reason.
He served in the military since 2014. After living all over the world, Nesbit finished active duty as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander in July.
“I’ve always been proud of what I do,” says the South Jersey native. “It has given me a sense of purpose.”
However, realizing his military career wouldn’t last forever, Nesbit decided he had one shot to become a physician and use his “healing influence to effect good in the world.” While on shore duty, he returned to school to earn a master’s in biology to go with one he had in psychology and complete the necessary med school prerequisites.
“It proves something that I’ve always believed,” says Nesbit, thanking the admissions team. “It might sound corny, but I believe it’s true. If you have the drive to do something and people around you who support you and believe in you, you can accomplish your dreams.”
Med student Nick Nesbit finished active duty as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander in July.
Nesbit and 285 of his Sidney Kimmel Medical College classmates received their white coats on Aug. 1. The special ceremony at Philadelphia’s Crystal Tea Room marked the official start of their med school careers.
Austin Ludwick anticipated this day for years. With his mom a nurse, he saw how her work improved lives and knew he wanted to use his skills to help others as well.
He attended Jefferson for pre-medical studies, making the most of his time as an undergrad. Ludwick served as philanthropy and community service chair for Sigma Nu and president of the Global Medical Brigade, visiting Honduras and Guatemala to provide care to those in need. While there, he checked vitals, helped with tooth extractions, ran a pharmacy clinic and assisted in consultations with primary care physicians.
With the White Coat Ceremony finally here, Ludwick couldn’t contain his excitement.
“It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed for,” he says. “It feels so right.”
Before starting med school, Austin Ludwick attended Jefferson for pre-medical studies. “It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed for,” he says of reaching this moment.
Unlike Ludwick, classmate Mason Garcia didn’t set out to become a physician when he started college. He earned an undergrad degree and PhD in mechanical engineering, and for nearly five years, he worked in an orthopedic biomechanics lab.
His projects sought to understand clinical problems from an engineering perspective. Garcia also worked as a researcher for SONA Global, a nonprofit that improves access to trauma care by increasing access to high-quality education and designing affordable medical devices.
“I know the mechanical principles of orthopedic tissues, but I wanted something more patient-facing,” he explains. “I want to learn and really understand all the different ways the human body works.”
During the two-hour White Coat Ceremony with loved ones in attendance, the Class of 2029 recited the Hippocratic Oath and heard words of inspiration from Jefferson leadership, faculty and fellow medical students.
Margaret Ackley enters Jefferson through the Physician Shortage Area Program, which strives to increase the supply and retention of physicians in rural areas and small towns. Her older sister, Olivia (right), is also a Sidney Kimmel Medical College student.
Dr. Charles Pohl, senior vice provost for student affairs and career counseling at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, stressed the importance of the day—and what lies ahead.
“Remember that you’re embarking on a profession that relies on relationships, is grounded in trust placed by our society and embraces the human touch,” he says. “Each of you sitting in front of us today will be our future healthcare leaders.”
Dr. Said Ibrahim, the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, acknowledged the start of an extraordinary journey for the Class of 2029, “one that will challenge you, inspire you and, ultimately, shape you into the physicians of tomorrow.” He also stressed that medicine melds art and science.
“Our mission is to not only provide you with cutting-edge medical education but to foster an environment for compassion, integrity and cooperation,” Dr. Ibrahim says.
“I’m excited to begin medical school and look forward to applying what I learn to patient care,” says student Carly Miller.
Ready to make an impact in her community, Margaret Ackley joined her older sister, Olivia, at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Ackley knew she wanted to pursue medicine after working at a motocross track in high school.
As a flagger, she watched for course accidents and signaled others to prevent pileups.
“I saw a lot of people get injured on four-wheelers and dirt bikes,” Ackley says. “My heart went out to them. That inspired me to want to learn more about how we can help people.”
Also like her sister, Ackley enters Jefferson through the Physician Shortage Area Program, which strives to increase the supply and retention of physicians in rural areas and small towns.
“It’s filling a need I directly see in my area,” says Ackley, who lives on a farm in Clearville, Pa.
Coated by Dr. Alisa LoSasso, Mateja Stefanovic became inspired to enter medicine after hearing stories of his grandfather, a physician in the former Yugoslavia.
Classmate Mateja Stefanovic shares the desire to use his skills and interests to give back to his community. His grandfather worked as a physician in the former Yugoslavia. From an early age, Stefanovic heard how his grandfather served as a trusted figure in his patients’ lives.
In high school, Stefanovic became interested in nutrition and started a health club that focused on cooking and lifestyle choices. Many of his friends joined, strengthening his excitement for the field.
“This was a pivotal moment,” he says. “It really got me thinking about medicine.”
Stefanovic won’t decide on an exact career path anytime soon. He looks forward to exploring the intricacies of different specialties. However, Stefanovic says the department of integrative medicine and nutritional sciences drew him to Jefferson.
Mason Garcia earned multiple degrees in mechanical engineering and worked in an orthopedic biomechanics lab. However, he yearned for a career where he would be more patient-facing.
Classmate Carly Miller also plans to keep an open mind, but after working as an anesthesia technician at Lehigh Valley Health Network, anesthesia and surgery pique her interest. “I’m excited to begin medical school and look forward to applying what I learn to patient care,” she says.
At the ceremony, Jefferson CEO Dr. Joe Cacchione welcomed med students to a new chapter in their lives and congratulated them on following a noble calling.
“Your white coats represent a symbol of trust that patients put in you every day,” he says. “They’re entrusting their lives and family’s lives with you.”
Dr. Cacchione also urged the Class of 2029 to maintain a sense of humility. “You will listen better if you think you don’t have all the answers,” he says. “You will gather more information and do better for your patients.”
By donning their white coats for the first time, med students will pledge to uphold Jefferson’s exceedingly high standards for patient-centered care that’s ethical, equitable and compassionate, noted University President Dr. Susan Aldridge, recalling Jefferson’s 201-year legacy.
As part of the White Coat Ceremony in Philadelphia's Crystal Tea Room, the Class of 2029 recited the Hippocratic Oath.
“I have no doubt you’re ready to begin this adventure and make a difference in the lives of your patients by delivering the very best care with empathy, integrity and professionalism,” she says. “And in doing so, you will further the Jefferson shared vision of reimagining health, education and discovery to create unparalleled value.”
In delivering the ceremony’s keynote, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Professor of Medicine Dr. Thomas Nasca told the Class of 2029 that med school should be about learning for the patients’ benefit.
“This isn’t about filling your head with knowledge just to fill your head with knowledge,” says Dr. Nasca, senior fellow and director of the ACGME Center for Professionalism and the Future of Medicine. “This is no longer just about grades. This is about performing for a greater purpose.”
Physicians can transform the lives of thousands of people, and as a result, have a life full of gratification, joy and indescribable happiness, he says.
“That door is now open to you,” Dr. Nasca says. “Walk through it. We’ll be here to help you.”
Jefferson CEO Dr. Joe Cacchione welcomed med students to a new chapter in their lives and congratulated them on following a noble calling.