a white coat
I symbolize
the goals you hope
to realize

a white coat
my color’s pure
to show your values
will endure

a white coat
I will glisten
if you can try
to mostly listen

a white coat
in my presence
comfort, care and
convalescence

a white coat
wear this fashion
only if
you share my passion

a white coat
for my profession
put patients first
make no concession

a white coat
answer alarm
with answers that
first do no harm

a white coat
hear the calling
wear me when
you lift the falling

a white coat
my fabric must
be nothing but
a weave of trust

a white coat
ability
tailored with
humility

a white coat
a solemn oath
a way of life
or maybe both

a white coat
I’m going to
forever be
a part of you

 

James Patrick Murphy, MD
July 28, 2013

On July 28, 2013, the University of Louisville welcomed the Class of 2017 medical students. As an annual contribution to each new generation of emerging physicians, the Greater Louisville Medical Society purchases the students’ first white coat. It was my honor to congratulate the students on behalf of the Greater Louisville Medical Society. I composed the poem, “a white coat,” for the occasion and read it aloud for the first time at the White Coat Ceremony (Louisville Medicine, Sept 2013, pp. 20-22).

https://www.glms.org/Content/User/Documents/Publications/LouisvilleMedicineSeptember2013.pdf